Deputy in Los Angeles charged for alleged inmate assault, falsifying records

Deputies from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department are seen in an undated photo. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy is facing nearly four years in prison after being accused of assaulting an inmate at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse more than two years ago, officials announced late last week. 

The incident, according to a news release from the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office, occurred on Jan. 20, 2022, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. 

Prosecutors allege that 43-year-old Deputy Maria Torres, who was working in the court lock-up, encountered an inmate that refused to leave his cell.  

“Torres allegedly unlawfully sprayed the inmate through a gap in the cell door and then falsified a report about her use of force,” the release stated.  

The 43-year-old has been charged with a felony count of assault by a public officer and felony count of filing a false report by a police officer.  

“The alleged actions of Deputy Maria Torres are not only contrary to the values and principles that we uphold in law enforcement, but they also represent a significant breach of trust within our community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The victim deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.” 

If convicted as charged, Torres could be sentenced to a maximum of three years and eight months in state prison to be served in local custody.  

The investigation into the allegations was being handled by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Internal Criminal Investigation Bureau.