LOS ANGELES — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - California, Central), published as received.
LOS ANGELES – A former police officer with the Veterans Affairs Police Department (VAPD) was sentenced today to 12 months in federal prison for violating a victim’s civil rights by using a department-issued baton to illegally strike a man approximately 45 times in 41 seconds at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Juan Anthony Carrillo, 46, of Alhambra, was sentenced by United States District Judge Wesley L. Hsu.
At today’s hearing, Judge Hsu said, “Officers owe a special duty and have a special obligation to keep the trust of the citizens they police.”
Carrillo pleaded guilty on July 26 to one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law and specifically, for using excessive force as a law enforcement officer. The 12-month prison sentence is the statutorily maximum available sentence for this offense.
At around 4 a.m. on January 16, 2022, the 34-year-old victim – identified in court documents as “R.V.” – was detained by another VAPD officer on the grounds of the Medical Center. Carrillo arrived to assist the other officer and proceeded to beat R.V. with a VAPD-issued baton up to 45 times in approximately 41 seconds while R.V. screamed in pain. Most, if not all, of the baton strikes were delivered while the other officer was on top of the victim, who was unarmed.
Carrillo was approximately 60 pounds heavier than R.V. and the second officer was approximately 8 inches taller and approximately 85 pounds heavier than the victim.
As a result of the beating, the victim sustained injuries that included cuts on both legs and a broken bone on his right foot.
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.
Assistant United States Attorneys Susan S. Har and Michael J. Morse of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.
