10 LASD jail workers 'relieved of duty' in connection to inmate neglect allegations

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Ten Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department jail employees were "relieved of duty" and several others were reassigned following allegations of inmate neglect, sheriff's officials released in a statement Saturday.

Two lieutenants, one sergeant, one senior deputy, four deputies and two custody assistants were among the personnel let go on Friday. The positions of those reassigned were not specified.

"I am deeply committed to providing the highest levels of constitutional care to those in our charge and will quickly address and remedy any conduct, policies or practices that do not meet this expectation and high standard," Sheriff Jim McDonnell said in a statement.

The crackdown comes after an inmate filed a complaint that he was denied food and restrained for about 32 hours on June 19 at the Inmate Reception Center in downtown Los Angeles after allegedly assaulting a female deputy, sheriff's officials said.

The inmate was "handcuffed for a lengthy period of time," officials said.

Sheriff's officials noted the inmate had eaten upon entering the jail and received medical attention and a cup of water during the time he was restrained.

The complaint was filed on June 27 and brought to McDonnell on Thursday.

All Inmate Reception Center employees were reminded Friday of the protocols on restraint, checks and feeding of inmates. Additional corrective action was pending.

The new allegations come after a series of corruption and abuse complaints against the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Three former deputies were found guilty last month of beating a man who brought a cellphone to the jail and falsifying records to cover it up. Two months ago, former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka and Capt. Tom Carey were indicted on obstruction of justice charges.

In April, the sheriff's department settled a class-action lawsuit over complaints of deputies beating inmates in Los Angeles County jails.

The Sheriff's Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau were charged with investigating the most recent allegations. The Office of Inspector General and FBI were also notified of the incident, sheriff's officials said.