“30 Probation Officers in LA County Accused of Organizing Violent Youth Fights at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California”

Thirty detention officers in Los Angeles County are facing charges for their alleged involvement in organizing fights between juvenile detainees at a facility in Downey, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

An indictment claims that these officers allowed and even encouraged 69 fights among young inmates at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall from July to December 2023. The California Department of Justice reported that over 140 victims aged 12 to 18 were affected.

Officials said an investigation began after a video of a “gladiator fight” leaked in January 2024.

Of the 30 officers involved, 22 were brought before Los Angeles Superior Court for arraignment on Monday. The remaining officers are scheduled for arraignment on April 18 as stated by the California DOJ.

The officers face charges including child endangerment and abuse, conspiracy and battery.

“Officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care. Instead, the officers charged today did just the opposite – overseeing ‘gladiator fights’ when they should have intervened,” Bonta said in a statement. “The indictment – and the filing of criminal charges – is an important step toward holding these officers accountable and addressing shortfalls at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.”

The L.A. County Probation Department, which runs the facility, said in a statement that it “fully supports and applauds” the attorney general’s office for Monday’s indictments, and that all officers involved are on leave without pay.

“Our department sought the assistance of law enforcement authorities when misconduct was discovered, which eventually led to the AG’s office investigation,” the agency said. “Since then, we have fully collaborated with our partners.

“At the same time, we have been conducting our own internal inquiries… Accountability is a cornerstone of our mission, and we have zero tolerance for misconduct of any peace officers, especially those dealing with young people in our system.”

Los Padrinos has had multiple problems and is under a state order to close. But L.A. County supervisors have taken emergency action to keep it open because of a lack of other juvenile facilities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.