News

Released: June 2, 2015 - Tuesday, 10:04 PM

Reported Child Abuse

Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781 4547Date and time of incident: May 17-24, 2015Place of Occurrence: LEAD Boot Camp at Camp San Luis ObispoVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: N/AOn 5-28-15, the Sheriff's Office received a report from Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services of an allegation of physical abuse inflicted on a child who was attending the Leadership Empowerment and Discipline (LEAD) Boot Camp Program put on by the Huntington Park and South Gate Police Departments. The LEAD program is for children ages 11-17. All participants in the camp are from Southern California and did not involve any children from the local area.
The one week camp was held May 17-24 at Camp San Luis Obispo, a California Army National Guard Military Base in San Luis Obispo. Camp San Luis Obispo is not affiliated with LEAD except to rent out its facilities to that organization. Because the camp is in the Sheriff's jurisdiction, we immediately began an investigation. The victim, who was a recruit enrolled in the camp, alleged physical abuse by the drill instructors at the boot camp, who are members of the Huntington Park and South Gate Police Departments.
On 5-30-15, the Sheriff's Office sent three investigators to Southern California to conduct interviews with the 39 recruits who attended the boot camp. With the assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, we are continuing to conduct those interviews. At this time, approximately six additional alleged victims have been identified. This investigation is on-going. No further information is available at this time.