Los Angeles County has agreed to pay $2.7 million to a teenager who was attacked by a group of young people in a juvenile detention center, a violent incident referred to as “gladiator fights,” which allegedly involved the facilitation and encouragement of probation officers. The attack on the 16-year-old at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in 2023 was captured on surveillance video, showing officers watching without intervening and even interacting with the fighters. In March, a state grand jury indicted 30 correctional officers for their roles in permitting nearly 70 such fights between July and December 2023, with charges including child endangerment, conspiracy, and abuse. More than 140 minors aged 12 to 18 were reportedly affected.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the fights appeared orchestrated, emphasizing that there was a designated time and location for the violence. The issue came to light after footage was published by the Los Angeles Times, which prompted legal action to protect the boy before his trial. His attorney, Jamal Tooson, called the settlement a “first step” toward recognizing the severe misdeeds of the probation department, indicating that systemic issues have persisted, as he represents multiple victims from the same facility.
The probation department’s action plan acknowledged failures in monitoring and responding to incidents, committing to improve oversight of CCTV footage and timely medical interventions. A judge has ruled against the continued housing of juveniles at Los Padrinos, necessitating the relocation of over 100 youths. Tooson criticized the overarching “culture problem” within the department, warning that even with procedural changes, without a fundamental shift in attitudes, similar incidents are likely to recur.
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