This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
ACLU Alleges Inmate Abuse, Calls for Sheriff Baca to Resign
Baca in Feb. 2010 (Photo by NewsSpy via the LAist Featured Photos pool)
Is there "pervasive abuse" going on inside our jails? That's the accusation levied by the American Civil Liberties Union in a new report that targets Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, and calls for his resignation.
"Sheriff Baca bears ultimate responsibility for the horrific details we uncovered compiling this report and must step down," said Peter Eliasberg, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union, reports L.A. Now.
The report relies on sworn testimony from 70 individuals who say they witnessed beatings. Their statements are predominantly focused on incidents at the Men's Central and Twin Towers jails in 2010 and 2011. The statements were provided by volunteers, not inmates, as in previous years. The report alleges that the deputies function as gangs bent on systematically attacking inmates.
Baca says inmate reports of abuse are on the decline, however the ACLU says it's because the inmates fear for their lives and opt to not report incidents of brutality at the hands of deputies.
The ACLU believes the only solution is for Baca to leave his post.
Wednesday evening, Baca addressed the accusations in the report at a press conference. He decried the allegations as false, and said he would not step down as Sheriff. Baca is in his fourth term in the elected position, and believes it should be up to the voters to decide if he should stay in his job.
"ACLU officials said that if Baca refuses to resign, the Board of Supervisors should take over operation of the jails," reports the Press-Telegram.
Sponsored message
Despite Baca's claims the ACLU's allegations are untrue, the FBI is looking into at least two cases in which inmates allege abuse at the hands of deputies working in the jails.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
