"Attorneys for the officers and probation union officials said the prosecutions were an overreaction to a video - first published by The Times in 2024 - that showed officers standing by as several youths pummeled a fellow inmate at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey."
""I believe the case was a reactionary case that was overcharged," said attorney Adam Koppekin, who represents an officer whose case was dismissed. "They swept in a bunch of truly innocent probation officers who were following directives and doing their jobs.""
"Two officers at the center of the Los Padrinos fight video - identified in court filings as Taneha Brooks and Shawn Smyles - remain charged with multiple counts of child abuse and conspiracy to commit willful cruelty against children."
"The 17-year-old who was attacked in the video suffered a broken nose and a concussion, according to a summary of his grand jury testimony contained in a motion filed in the case."
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta's indictments against 30 probation officers for facilitating youth fights in juvenile halls are unraveling. Recent dismissals include charges against at least 10 officers, while four others accepted plea deals. Defense attorneys argue the prosecutions were excessive reactions to a viral video showing officers observing a violent incident. Two officers remain charged with serious offenses, including child abuse, after being seen laughing during the fight. The case raises questions about the accountability of probation officers and the nature of their directives.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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