Melissa MeltonActivist Post
After claims of civil rights violations rampant in the L.A. county jails came to light following a two-year investigation, 18 of the city’s current and former sheriff’s deputies have been hit with an array of criminal charges; and 16 of those deputies — most of whom are still currently working in the department — were taken into custody by FBI agents yesterday.
At a press conference, U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. said, “The pattern of activity alleged in the obstruction of justice case shows how some members of the Sheriff’s Department considered themselves to be above the law”:
Instead of cooperating with a federal investigation to ensure that corrupt law enforcement officers would be brought to justice, the defendants in this case are accused of taking affirmative steps designed to ensure that the federal government would not shine light on illegal conduct that violated basic constitutional rights. (source)Four grand jury indictments include charges of unjustified detainments and beatings of not only jail inmates but jail visitors as well. One victim allegedly suffered a broken arm and dislocated shoulder that left him permanently disabled. According to the allegations, some of the deputies would have others file false reports to cover up their assaults.
