LOS ANGELES — In a recent settlement, Los Angeles County agreed to compensate a teenager with $2.7 million after he fell victim to a brutal attack at a youth detention center. The assault, involving at least six other juveniles, is alleged to have occurred during orchestrated “gladiator fights” inside Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, purportedly facilitated by probation officers.
The incident, which took place in 2023, was caught on surveillance footage. The shocking video showed a group of officials passively observing the violence and even exchanging handshakes with the young participants involved.
Earlier this year, a state grand jury charged 30 correctional officers with various offenses, including child endangerment and abuse, conspiracy, and battery, for allowing and at times encouraging nearly 70 such fights from July to December 2023.
Authorities revealed that over 140 minors, aged between 12 and 18, were affected by these orchestrated conflicts. Attorney General Rob Bonta remarked on the apparent premeditated nature of the attacks, indicating that they were scheduled to take place at specific times and locations within the facility.
The investigation was launched following the Los Angeles Times’ acquisition and publication of the footage showing a then-16-year-old being beaten while officers stood by. This critical piece of evidence was presented during a court hearing where the boy’s public defender advocated for his pre-trial release citing safety concerns at Los Padrinos.
Attorney Jamal Tooson, who represents the teenager, described the settlement as an initial step towards addressing the “egregious” behavior exhibited by the LA County Probation Department. “Our focus should ultimately be on protecting not just my client but all minors under the care of the probation department,” Tooson expressed.
He highlighted several existing lawsuits pertaining to similar incidents at the facility even after the aforementioned attack.
In response to the situation, the probation department has drafted a corrective action plan. It noted a failure to review surveillance footage, delayed medical attention for the teen, and inadequate communication with his parents..
Moving forward, measures are to be implemented such as consistent CCTV monitoring, random footage audits, and protocols ensuring timely medical care and parental notification.
A judge ruled in April that juveniles could no longer be detained at Los Padrinos, leading to a plan approved in May to transfer over 100 young individuals from the facility. Furthermore, California’s oversight board had previously demanded the closure of Los Padrinos.
Tooson voiced concern over a deep-rooted “culture problem” within the department, which he believes cannot be remedied solely through action plans. He has filed multiple federal lawsuits addressing various grievances, ranging from physical violence condoned by officials to sexual harassment perpetuated by staff in LA County’s youth detention centers.
“It is crucial to initiate a change in mindset and behavior among those tasked with caring for these youths. Otherwise, similar incidents will inevitably continue to occur,” Tooson stated firmly.