Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
LA Sheriff Villanueva Accuses Jail Inmates of Trying To Infect Themselves With Coronavirus
A group of inmates at a jail in northern L.A. County intentionally infected themselves with coronavirus in an attempt to be released, according to Sheriff Alex Villanueva. The sheriff, who has faced accusations of failing to properly care for inmates, made the unusual accusation during an online news conference Monday.
To make his case, Villanueva showed videos depicting inmates dressed in jumpsuits inside a dorm drinking from the same hot water container (right before having their temperature taken, according to the department) and sniffing from the same mask. It’s impossible to determine from watching the video if those items are tainted with the virus. But Villanueva said within a week, 21 inmates from the same dorm at the North County Correctional Facility had the virus.
Support for LAist comes from
The sheriff declared the inmates had a “mistaken belief” that the inmates could “force our hand” to release them if they tested positive. “That’s not going to happen.” He said the inmates denied the accusation and that an investigation is ongoing.
Villanueva’s claims are an “attempt to demonize incarcerated people,” said Patrisse Cullors, a plaintiff in a lawsuit claiming the sheriff has failed to provide enough space for social distancing and other safeguards. Lex Steppling of Dignity and Power Now wondered why the video showed a room where social distancing was impossible for inmates.
“The bigger question is, what were they all doing in that room in the first place?” Steppling said.
The sheriff is grappling with a growing number of COVID-19 cases. Infections nearly doubled in the last week to 357. More than a third of the entire jail population – 4,590 inmates – is in quarantine after coming into contact with inmates who tested positive.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority.
-
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist