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by Nanci Gonzalez-Rios and Larry Jones
Los Angeles – We want to bring to light a distressing incident of severe misconduct and gross abuse of power by an officer at Men Central Jail. This incident occurred on Sept. 19, 2023, and has left our family devastated, shocked and deeply concerned about the welfare of inmates within the correctional facility.
On Sept. 19, my husband, who has disabilities and relies on a wheelchair and cane for mobility, was subjected to an act of intentional harm by an officer at Men Central Jail. Despite being aware of my husband’s physical condition, the officer callously kicked the cell door closed, knowing that my husband’s hand was caught in it.
Shockingly, the officer proceeded to insert the key and lock the cell door, resulting in the traumatic amputation of the entire tip of my husband’s middle finger.
This appalling act of retaliation stems from my repeated calls for officers to fulfill their mandated 30-minute rounds, highlighting a systemic issue of negligence within the facility. As a consequence of my advocacy, my husband has faced ongoing mistreatment, including tampering with his commissary items, which constitutes a clear violation of his rights to receive adequate food and services while incarcerated.
The severity of my husband’s injuries necessitated immediate medical attention, and he was swiftly rushed to the hospital, where he underwent X-rays and surgery to address the extensive bleeding. It is important to emphasize that the officers involved exhibited a flagrant disregard for the wellbeing and rights of inmates, demonstrating a deeply entrenched culture of corruption and abuse at Men Central Jail.
What is even more disturbing is the fact that the officer responsible for deliberately injuring my husband was allowed to complete his morning shift, evading immediate consequences for his actions. This flagrant display of indifference towards the safety and security of inmates raises serious questions about the accountability and integrity of the correctional system.
We demand a thorough investigation into this incident, with a focus on identifying all parties involved and holding them accountable for their actions. It is crucial that those responsible for this gross violation of human rights face appropriate legal and disciplinary repercussions. Furthermore, we urge authorities to implement immediate measures to address the pervasive culture of abuse within Men Central Jail, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all inmates.
We implore the public and civil rights organizations to join us in condemning this act of brutality and advocating for justice on behalf of my husband and all inmates who have suffered at the hands of corrupt officers. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reform and oversight within our correctional institutions.
We stand united in our pursuit of justice and the hope that no other individual will endure such deplorable treatment while under the care and custody of our justice system. We call upon the Los Angeles Times and other media outlets to shed light on this disturbing incident and bring attention to the urgent need for reform within Men Central Jail.
Contact Nanci Gonzalez-Rios at omgwork94@gmail.com.
