Agents say they are looking into allegations in at least two separate cases.
The investigation follows complaints by the /*American Civil Liberties Union*/ that one of its jail monitors saw deputies beat an inmate unconscious.
L.A. County Sheriff's officials say /*FBI*/ agents have apparently gone as far as helping smuggle a cellphone into one facility to communicate with a prisoner.
Officials say the federal investigation is not warranted because several independent agencies already keep a close eye on L.A. County jails.
