A major lawsuit has been filed against Los Angeles County, alleging a pattern of "brazen" sexual abuse and harassment of female inmates by male sheriff's deputies at a women's jail.
Systemic Abuse Allegations at Lynwood Facility
The legal action, brought by The Cochran Firm on behalf of 38 current and former detainees, centres on the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood. It accuses male correctional officers of a catalogue of abuses, including watching inmates shower for prolonged periods, groping them, and pressing against them inappropriately while they were handcuffed.
Attorney Brian Dunn, a managing partner at the firm, told the LA Times that the accounts revealed a deeply troubling culture. "It seemed to be happening with such frequency that it was like a practice... This is something that has been accepted," he said. He added, "It’s heartbreaking for me to hear these women crying and the only thing you can do is sue."
Disturbing Details and a Lack of Prosecution
The complaint outlines specific, graphic allegations. It claims officers would intentionally set shower water to a "near-scalding level," forcing inmates to move erratically to avoid burns, which the lawsuit says was done so male staff could watch them. It further alleges deliberate fondling during escorts.
An analysis by the LA Times found that since 2021, inmates at the jail have made nearly 600 allegations of sexual abuse or harassment against staff. Critically, the paper reported that none of these allegations had been referred to the LA County district attorney's office for potential criminal prosecution.
Official Response and Named Defendants
In a statement to the LA Times, the LA County Sheriff's Department said it was launching a review of the abuse complaints to ensure they undergo "appropriate investigative and administrative processes." The department reiterated a "zero-tolerance policy" towards sexual abuse and said the safety and dignity of those in custody was a top priority.
The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including:
- Current LA County Sheriff Robert Luna
- Three previous sheriffs
- A dozen specific staff members, two of whom are still employed in the county's jail system
Notably, one of the accused allegedly worked as a Prison Rape Elimination Act compliance manager at the Lynwood facility. The sheriff's office confirmed one named defendant now works at Men's Central Jail, while another remains employed at the Lynwood site.
