30 California Juvenile Officers Indicted Over 'Gladiator Fights'

The officers are accused of orchestrating and encouraging 69 violent fights among detained minors at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.

The California Attorney General announced charges against 30 Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall officers for child endangerment, conspiracy, and battery.
The alleged 'gladiator fights' involved 143 minors, aged 12 to 18, in 69 incidents between July and December 2023.
Video evidence leaked in January 2024 showed officers standing by, laughing, and even shaking hands with participants during the fights.
Two officers allegedly instructed staff to remain silent and avoid documenting the fights, while some victims were told to refuse medical treatment.
All 30 officers have been placed on unpaid leave, with 22 arraigned this week and the remaining eight scheduled for April 18.