ACLU SoCal Statement on Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca’s Guilty Plea

Please attribute the following statement to Hector Villagra, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California (ACLU SoCal):

Los Angeles County’s jails have been plagued by unlawful violence for decades. Much of the blame for that violence must be shouldered by former Sheriff Lee Baca, who failed to confront this abuse and the horrific conditions inside the jail despite repeated calls for reform by the ACLU SoCal. Today, Baca pleaded guilty to making false statements. We are heartened to see that those charged with enforcing the law are also expected to obey it, including the former sheriff and his deputies.

Contact: Sandra Hernandez, shernandez@aclusocal.org 213.977.5247