The Attorney General of California has unsealed an indictment charging 30 detention officers at a Los Angeles-area juvenile hall with child abuse for allegedly allowing and even encouraging “gladiator fights” among youths. These fights, with at least 69 incidents in the second half of 2023 involving 143 children and teenagers, were overseen by officers who failed to intervene. The fights came to light after a video was leaked showing officers standing by as youths fought each other. The indictment includes charges of felony child abuse, conspiracy to commit a crime, and misdemeanor battery. The officers have been placed on unpaid leave, and 22 of them were arraigned. The Attorney General warned that those who abuse their power will be held accountable. The President of the L.A. County Deputy Probation Officers Union has stated that the officers deserve to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and pledges support for them. The probation chief has vowed to investigate the allegations and root out any culture of violence, drug use, neglect, and misconduct within the department. County Supervisor Janice Hahn has expressed support for firing any officers found guilty and emphasized the need to prioritize the care and safety of the children in the facility.
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