Thirty LA County Probation Officers Charged in Gladiator Fight Scandal at Juvenile Hall

Los Angeles, CA – Thirty Los Angeles County probation officers are facing serious criminal charges, including child abuse and endangerment, for their alleged involvement in orchestrating and allowing "gladiator fights" between youth detainees at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, a suburb of Los Angeles. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the charges on Monday, detailing a shocking series of events that occurred within the walls of the troubled juvenile detention facility.

The charges stem from an investigation launched by the California Department of Justice in January 2024, prompted by leaked footage depicting a so-called "gladiator fight" between youths housed at Los Padrinos. The disturbing video, as described by Attorney General Bonta, shows an unidentified boy being subjected to an attack while detention officers stood by and watched. Adding insult to injury, several officers were also observed laughing and shaking hands with those involved in the altercation.

The allegations paint a disturbing picture of a facility where those entrusted with the care and supervision of vulnerable youth actively encouraged violence and disregarded their sworn duty to protect the detainees.

"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," Bonta stated during a press conference, emphasizing the gravity of the officers’ alleged inaction and complicity.

The scope of the problem appears to be extensive. According to reports from Fox Los Angeles, there were at least 69 fights between July 1 and December 31, 2023, involving as many as 140 youths. The victims, ranging in age from 12 to 18, were allegedly subjected to a systematic environment of violence facilitated by the very individuals responsible for their well-being.

Bonta further revealed that the officers allegedly established a routine for the fights, creating a designated "space and a time" for them to occur. "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," he explained.

The Attorney General’s description of the officers’ behavior paints a grim picture of dereliction of duty. "Bonta said the officers looked more like referees or spectators at a prize fight than adults charged with care and supervision."

The Los Angeles County Probation Department, in a statement released to Fox News Digital, expressed their support for Bonta’s investigation and confirmed that the officers charged in the case have been placed on leave without pay.

"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 read. The department emphasized its commitment to rebuilding trust and implementing meaningful changes in its juvenile facilities, with a vision that "prioritizes rehabilitation, support, and positive outcomes for justice-involved youth, as well as upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity for our staff."

The Probation Department also noted that it sought the assistance of law enforcement upon learning of the alleged misconduct, which ultimately led to the Department of Justice investigation.

The scandal comes at a time when Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall is already under scrutiny for operational issues, violence among detainees, and persistent staffing shortages. The facility was re-opened in 2023 to accommodate detainees from other juvenile facilities that were closed, further exacerbating the existing problems. The situation has raised concerns about the overall management and oversight of juvenile detention facilities in Los Angeles County and the need for comprehensive reform to ensure the safety and well-being of youth in custody.

The charges against the thirty probation officers represent a significant step toward holding individuals accountable for their actions. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the legal system. The outcome of these cases will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Los Angeles County Probation Department and its efforts to regain public trust.

The revelations from the investigation have ignited outrage among community activists and child welfare advocates, who are calling for a complete overhaul of the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles County. They argue that the alleged "gladiator fights" are indicative of a deeper systemic problem, where vulnerable youth are subjected to abuse and neglect within the very institutions designed to protect them.

The allegations against the thirty probation officers raise fundamental questions about the hiring, training, and supervision of personnel working in juvenile detention facilities. It highlights the need for more rigorous screening processes to identify individuals who are unsuitable for working with at-risk youth. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of providing ongoing training to probation officers and other staff members on de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and the proper use of force.

The scandal at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the juvenile justice system and the urgent need for comprehensive reform. It is essential that policymakers, law enforcement officials, and community leaders work together to create a system that prioritizes the rehabilitation and well-being of youth in custody, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect.