ACLU Wants Federal Probe Into Inmate Beating

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union wants a federal probe into allegations that two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies beat an unconscious inmate at a downtown jail.

An ACLU staffer reported last month that she witnessed the alleged beating while visiting the jail on another matter. Esther Lim said she looked through a window and saw two deputies, who seemed unaware of her presence, punching and kicking inmate James Parker.

The jail log offers a different account, saying Parker had to be subdued because he was combative. He was charged with battery and resisting an officer.

Lim's claims prompted a sheriff's investigation, but the Los Angeles Times reports ACLU officials aren't satisfied and want federal investigators to get involved.

A sheriff's spokesman says the department is open to a federal probe.

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