Los Angeles County Probation Department Supervising Deputy Probation Officer Oscar Cross has been charged with the assault of a minor at the probation department’s Camp Kilpatrick facility, according to a news release from the District Attorney’s office.
“I am deeply troubled by the recent reports of overdoses, assaults, and weapon possession within our juvenile halls,” District Attorney George Gascón said. “The conditions of confinement for these young people in L.A. County are truly alarming… Just as we hold minors accountable for their crimes within these halls, we will hold those entrusted with their care equally accountable.”
“A Supervising Deputy Probation Officer acting with complete disregard for the well-being of a young person entrusted to his care is rightfully being held to account for his abusive actions,” said L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath.
“Abuses within the juvenile system date back many decades,” said L.A. County Probation Oversight Commissioner Franky Carrillo. “I applaud our District Attorney George Gascón for ensuring accountability for those who violate the core values of the Probation Department.”
Cross, 59, was charged with one count of assault under the color of authority. He faces three years in county jail if convicted.
On Oct. 23, 2020, Cross allegedly used excessive force as he and four other deputy probation officers attempted to restrain a juvenile at the Los Angeles County Probation Department’s Camp Kilpatrick facility. A video of the incident can be viewed at: http://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-11/video-of-l-a-county-probation-officer-bending-teen-in-half-sparks-outrage-claims-of-child-abuse.
The incident was first made public by a Los Angeles Times investigation.
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