The families of some of the teenagers who were allegedly abused at a police-run boot camp in San Luis Obispo say they plan to pursue legal action.
The allegations of physical and verbal abuse of 13 teenagers stem from their week-long stay at the Leadership, Empowerment and Discipline Program boot camp, which is meant to transform at-risk youth and is sponsored by the Huntington Park and South Gate police departments.
A two-month-long investigation by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department led to the arrests of two officers from each department. Detectives identified 13 children ranging in age from 12 to 17 who claimed to have been assaulted by the drill instructors.
"What sort of an adult would do that to a 12 year old? Put them in a closet and beat them, give them a towel and say 'Wipe the blood off' and kick them back out," said attorney Gregory Owens, who is representing the alleged victims seeking monetary damages.
Bridgit Salazar, the mother of a 13-year-old boy who was among the alleged victims, says she wants to see changes in the program.
"I wish I could go back in time because it's something I wish I can change," she said.
Detective Marissa Larios, 36, and Officer Patrick Nijland, 47, of the Huntington Park Police Department and officers Carlos Gomez-Marquez, 31, and Edgar Gomez, 35, of the South Gate Police Department.
All four officers, who face charges including willful cruelty to a child, criminal battery and abuse under color of authority, have been placed on administrative leave, officials from each department said.
