Three Police Officers Charged With Child Boot Camp Cruelty

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP) - Three Southern California police officers have been charged with abusing 10 children at a boot camp for troubled youths.

San Luis Obispo County prosecutors filed misdemeanor charges on Friday against South Gate Officers Edgar Gomez and Carlos Gomez-Marquez. They also charged Huntington Park Officer Marissa Larios.

Prosecutors contend the three roughed up 12- to 16-year-olds while serving as drill instructors at a weeklong boot camp held in May.

Parents said their children reported being slapped, kicked, stomped and beaten bloody at times. One boy returned home with a fractured hand.

The three officers are on leave and are free while awaiting arraignment.

Messages seeking comment from William Hadden, an attorney for Gomez and Gomez-Marquez, wasn't immediately returned.

It wasn't immediately clear whether Larios had a lawyer.