The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently reviewing allegations that sheriff's deputies at the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail beat, used pepper spray on, and handcuffed a man while he visited his incarcerated brother. Gabriel Carrillo claims he suffered bruises and cuts at the hands of sheriff's deputies after an uncalled for attack on February 26, 2011.
The deputies involved claim they detained Carrillo for possession of a mobile telephone and used force on him after he assaulted them. They also claimed only one of Carrillo's wrists was handcuffed despite that he was bruised on both. Immediately after the incident, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Carrillo with resisting sheriff's deputies, attempting to escape arrest, battery, and bringing a prohibited cellular telephone into the jail. A local judge declared Carrillo's initial arrest unlawful and dismissed the cell phone count because, although Carrillo may have violated the department's rules, he failed to break the law. The judge allowed the remaining charges to stand, however. Prosecutors later dropped the entire case against Carrillo.
Another jail visitor alleges that, although shouting and noise erupted from the room to which sheriff's deputies took Carrillo, the noise ceased several times when deputies entered the room. According to Carrillo's attorney, this shows deputies had control of the situation yet continued to use force on the man. He also stated federal investigators asked to interview Carrillo in connection with his deputy misconduct allegations, but have not yet done so.
Although the FBI declined to comment on Carrillo's case specifically, a spokeswoman has stated an investigation into the jail system is ongoing. In fact, the FBI is investigating several instances of alleged deputy abuse and other misconduct at the Los Angeles County jails, including a deputy who sneaked a mobile telephone to an inmate who was also an informant.
According to Michael Gennaco, the man in charge of the department's watchdog agency, a criminal investigation is currently underway in response to public concerns over jail conditions. He also stated this incident, coupled with another similar incident, led to the recent installation of video surveillance equipment in the jail's visiting area.
Most people don't expect to have their rights violated by police. When those tasked with your protection turn violent or engage in other misconduct, you should speak with an attorney. You are advised to report all instances of law enforcement brutality as soon as possible after it occurs. A knowledgeable police brutality attorney can assist you with the complaint process. Contact Okorie Okorocha, an experienced Los Angeles police brutality lawyer, if you feel your rights were violated by law enforcement officers. Contact him today through his website or call him at (310) 871-3217 to schedule a confidential consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Six Occupy Oakland Protesters Arrested During March to Highlight Police Abuse, Los Angeles Police Brutality Lawyer Blog, January 6, 2012
Federal Jury Finds Fresno Police Sgt. Used Excessive Force in Shooting Death of Unarmed Man, Los Angeles Police Brutality Lawyer Blog, December 27, 2011
Additional Resources:
L.A. County jail probe includes claim that deputies beat visitor, by Robert Faturechi and Jack Leonard, October 20, 2011, Los Angeles Times
