Alleged abuse of inmates at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga is being investigated by the FBI and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. (File Photo)
By Michael P. Neufeld
Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has assumed the lead into allegations of of mistreatment of inmates at the West Valley Detention Center (WVDC) in Rancho Cucamonga by members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
West Valley Detention Center (Contributed Photo)
Three deputies assigned to the jail facility are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Department.
California law prohibits the release of details regarding personnel investigations and the Sheriff’s Department can
not release the names of involved parties.
CHAIN OF EVENTS
On Wednesday, March 5, members of the Sheriff’s Department command staff received information regarding possible misconduct by department personnel at the West Valley Detention Center and immediately launched an investigation.
As department officials delved into the issue deeper, they learned of a similar inquiry by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
By Thursday, March 6, the FBI and Sheriff’s Department were in full cooperation in order to ensure a comprehensive investigation is completed, according to a media release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.
“I will not tolerate any misconduct by department personnel,” Sheriff John McMahon stated in a media release. “These allegations are being taken very seriously and this department is determined to get answers.”
THE INVESTIGATION
The FBI is the primary investigative agency in regard to any possible criminal charges.
A statement from the FBI indicated it is investigating alleged civil rights violations of inmates at the jail facility and that the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles would be provided details of the investigation for possible filing of criminal charges.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been released. (297)