Thirty LA Probation Officers Charged With Child Abuse in 'Gladiator Fights'

Thirty Los Angeles County probation officers have been charged with child abuse for allegedly staging "gladiator fights" between youth detainees at the troubled Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the charges of child endangerment and abuse, conspiracy, and battery on Monday, revealing that the California Department of Justice began an investigation in January 2024 after receiving leaked footage of a so-called gladiator fight between youths sheltered at the facility.

The video, which was shown during a press conference, depicts an unidentified boy being attacked while detention officers stand and watch. Bonta stated that several officers were also seen laughing and shaking hands with those involved in the altercation. This disturbing incident is part of a larger pattern of violence within the facility.

Gladiator Fights at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

According to Fox Los Angeles, there were at least 69 fights between July 1 and December 31, 2023, involving up to 140 youths aged between 12 and 18. Attorney General Bonta described how the officers often encouraged these fights, creating a specific time and place for them to occur and deliberately choosing not to intervene.

"They often wanted them to happen at the beginning of the day, in a certain time, in a certain place," said Bonta. "A space and a time was created for the fights, and their plan was for the fights to happen and for them to stand by as they occurred and not intervene so that they could happen. The intent was to manifest the fights."

Officers Act as Spectators Instead of Caretakers

Bonta further emphasized the disturbing nature of the officers' actions, stating, "They did have multiple gladiator-type fights between individuals with probation officers employed by LA County right there in the room watching, not intervening, not keeping the young people they were charged with taking care of safe." He likened their behavior to that of referees or spectators at a prize fight rather than adults responsible for the care and supervision of vulnerable youth.

Response from Los Angeles County Probation Department

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Los Angeles County Probation Department acknowledged Attorney General Bonta's investigation and expressed its commitment to accountability. All officers implicated in the case have been placed on leave without pay. The department emphasized its zero tolerance policy for misconduct, particularly among those working with young people.

"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," the statement reads. "While these incidents are deeply troubling, we believe this marks an important step toward rebuilding trust and reinforcing our commitment to the meaningful changes we are proposing in our juvenile facilities."

Ongoing Challenges at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall has faced numerous operational challenges, including violence among detainees and staffing shortages, in recent years. The facility was reopened in 2023 to house detainees from other juvenile facilities that were closed.