Early on January 16, a federal grand jury indicted Juan Anthony Carrillo, a VAPD officer, on charges related to an incident at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Carrillo, 45, used a department-issued baton to strike a man approximately 45 times in a 41 second span, as noted by the Justice Department.
The victim, "R.V.", was held by another VAPD officer when Carillo entered tangled up in the scene. Carillo and the second officer are both bigger in stature, leaving R.V. vulnerable. R.V. sustained injuries that included cuts and bleeding on both legs.
"The Justice Department acts when our constitutional protection from excessive force by law enforcement officers is breached," quoted United States Attorney Martin Estrada. This indictment emphasizes upholding public trust and the enforcement of law.
The indictment also alleges Carillo's creation of a misleading report to justify his use of force. The document asserts Carillo's report falsely claimed R.V. was violently kicking his legs, refusing to show his hands, and conveniently left out the volumes of strikes Carillo exhibited.
Donald Alway, the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office Assistant Director, spoke to the severity of the indictment, saying, "The alleged use in the indictment is of excessive force which is disturbing and is not practiced by the majority officers in law enforcement."
The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General also commented, Special Agent in Charge Rebeccalynn Staples committed to ensuring VA officers accountable for excessive force that breaches constitutional rights.
Included in the charges against Carrillo are deprivation of rights that caused bodily injury under color of law, and an intent to cause harm with a dangerous weapon. The indictment claims 10 years in federal prison as the maximum statutory penalty for both offenses. An indictment contains allegations, and defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case underscores the delicate balance between the role of law enforcement and the protection of citizen rights. As these events are further investigated, all who serve our communities will be mindful of their responsibility.
"The FBI is committed to protecting civil rights in the US and will keep working with law enforcement partners, including Veterans Affairs Police Department, to uncover any alleged abuses," the Assistant Director Alway reiterated. In light of this commitment, justice continues to be a paramount interest guiding actions of those tethered to uphold our nation's values.
