California’s attorney general unsealed an indictment charging 30 detention officers with child abuse at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California. The officers allegedly allowed and encouraged gladiator fights among the youths at the facility, with at least 69 fights involving 143 children and teenagers. The fights came to light after a video was leaked in 2024. The officers were accused of overseeing the fights instead of intervening, taking advantage of their position of trust. Each officer faces felony child abuse charges, with potential prison time if convicted. Some officers were also charged with conspiracy and misdemeanor battery. The officers have been placed on unpaid leave, with arraignments for the defendants ongoing. The president of the L.A. County Deputy Probation Officers Union expressed support for the officers, emphasizing the presumption of innocence. However, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn condemned the behavior, stating that any guilty officers should be fired. The probation chief has vowed to address the culture of violence and misconduct within the agency. The attorney general emphasized that those who abuse their power will be held accountable, and stressed the need for change in the treatment of vulnerable youths in custody.
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