Lawsuit alleges new deputy 'gang' forming in LA County Sheriff's Department

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A new lawsuit alleges some Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies are forming a new "gang" in the department's East L.A. station.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of a deputy who says he was abused when he refused to join the group.

The Sheriff's Department has not responded to the claim.

These alleged deputy gang groups are accused of violence and corruption.

When Robert Luna sworn in as Los Angeles County sheriff in December, he said he would eliminate what he called "deputy gangs" and improve conditions in jails.

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"We need to defend good policing," he said, adding, "It is our responsibility to call out bad policing, and we will do so - that's an element of keeping the public trust."

The term of Luna's predecessor, Alex Villanueva, was marred by clashes with members of the county Board of Supervisors and criticism that he downplayed allegations of malfeasance by some deputies. He blamed the controversies on "false narratives" by his political opponents.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.