A teenager is set to be paid millions by the Los Angeles County after being attacked by six other people during what was described as "gladiator fights" in a juvenile detention center.
The incident took place in 2023 at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. It was captured on surveillance video and showed guards standing by and even shaking hands with some who took part in the beating. Over 140 people aged between 12 and 18 were involved in the fights, which took place between July and December 2023.
30 correctional officers were charged in March for their role in the nearly 70 fights that took place during the period. They have been charged with child endangerment and abuse, as well as conspiracy and battery, The Associated Press detailed.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said attacks were apparently planned. "They often wanted them to happen at the beginning of the day, in a certain time, in a certain place. A space and a time was created for the fights, and the plan was for the fights to happen," he said.
Prosecutors alleged that some officers treated the fights as a method of control over detainees. The indictment also charged three of the officers with conspiracy, alleging they knowingly allowed fights, informed others when they would occur, and instructed new employees to observe without reporting them.
One officer faces an additional misdemeanor battery charge for allegedly using force against a detainee. If convicted, the defendants face between two and six years in state prison.
A judge ruled in April that the center could not continue housing youths at the center. One month later a plan was approved to move more than 100 people from the facility. The state's board overseeing local correctional facilities has previously ordered the center to be shut down.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
