Posted on 12/17/2006 8:43:22 AM PST by shrinkermd
Violence has left 14 dead and hundreds hurt since 2000 in L.A. County lockups. Critics fault the sheriff's efforts
On a Tuesday in October 2003, Ki Hong entered Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles to serve a five-day sentence for soliciting a prostitute.
He didn't survive two hours.
Three members of a Korean gang instantly spotted Hong, 34, who authorities allege was a member of a rival gang. The trio had broad freedom to roam the jail because sheriff's deputies had given them jobs as inmate workers jobs for which they, awaiting trial on murder charges, should have been ineligible.
They let themselves into Hong's dormitory using a guard's control button. Then they stabbed Hong repeatedly, strangled him with bed linen and hid his body in a trash bin.
Since 2000, 14 inmates have been slain in jails run by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, including four this year. Hundreds more have been injured in jail violence.
Taxpayers, who pay more than $500 million a year to operate the jails, paid an additional $6 million since 2004 to compensate inmates and their survivors for errors, negligence and brutality. In addition, a tentative $2.8-million settlement is awaiting county approval.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I wonder if it was a choice of 5 days or $500.
I live just outside L.A. and I can tell you this is true. You should hear the horror stories on the news about our jails! Sure keeps me on the straight and narrow!
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
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