Indictment of VA Police Officer for Excessive Force on Medical Center Patient

Strategic Insights -

A federal grand jury has indicted a Veterans Affairs Police Department (VAPD) officer for allegedly using excessive force against a patient at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Juan Anthony Carrillo, 45, is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm. The indictment alleges that Carrillo struck the 34-year-old victim, identified as "R.V.," 45 times with a baton in approximately 41 seconds, causing bleeding and lacerations on both legs. The incident occurred on January 16, 2022, at approximately 4:00 a.m.

Key Takeaways:

  • The indicted VAPD officer, Juan Anthony Carrillo, allegedly used a department-issued baton to strike a patient 45 times in 41 seconds at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
  • The victim, identified as "R.V.," sustained bleeding and lacerations on both legs as a result of the alleged beating.
  • The indictment alleges that Carrillo's report after the incident was misleading and falsely claimed that the victim was violently kicking his legs and refusing to show his hands, while also omitting the number of strikes Carrillo used.
  • The excessive use of force alleged in the indictment is disturbing and not representative of the high standards and restraint practiced by the overwhelming majority of police officers.
  • The indictment carries statutory maximum penalties of 10 years in federal prison for both offenses alleged.

Statistics:

  • The victim, "R.V.," was 34 years old at the time of the alleged incident.
  • The indicted officer, Juan Anthony Carrillo, was 45 years old at the time of the alleged incident.
  • The victim weighed significantly less than the officers involved, with Carrillo being 60 pounds heavier and the secondary officer being 85 pounds heavier.
  • The VA Medical Center incident involving Carrillo occurred on January 16, 2022, at approximately 4:00 a.m.
  • The FBI, the VA's Office of Inspector General, and the VA's Office of Security and Law Enforcement are conducting the investigation in this matter.

Sources:

  • United States Attorney's Office, Department of Justice
  • News release dated [no specific date mentioned]
  • Statement of U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada
  • Statement of Donald Alway, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office
  • Statement of Rebeccalynn Staples, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Western Field Office
  • Indictment (no date mentioned)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Security and Law Enforcement