4 SoCal Officers Arrested After Allegations Of Abuse Against Kids At Boot Camp

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say four Southern California police officers have been arrested after an investigation into allegations of physical abuse on children who attended a boot camp program.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department office said in a written statement that search and arrest warrants were served Tuesday and Wednesday for two members of the Huntington Park Police Department and two members of the South Gate Police Department.

The warrants, according to deputies, followed a "thorough and exhaustive investigation."

The statement identified the suspects as Detective Marissa Larios and Officer Patrick Nijland of the Huntington Park Police Department and Officer Carlos Gomez-Marquez and Officer Edgar Gomez of the South Gate Police Department.

All four have been released on bond, authorities said.

Deputies explain that the Leadership Empowerment and Discipline boot camp program was held from May 17 to May 24 at Camp San Luis Obispo and was put on by the Huntington Park and South Gate Police departments.

Deputies said they began investigating after receiving a report of allegations from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

"After a two month investigation which involved interviewing 37 participants at the camp, Sheriff's Detectives were able to identify 13 male and female victims ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old who claimed they were assaulted by the drill instructors while at the camp," the statement said.

According to deputies, Gomez and Gomez-Marquez were arrested on suspicion of willful cruelty to a child, criminal threats, criminal conspiracy, criminal battery, and abuse under color of authority.

Larios was arrested on suspicion of willful cruelty to a child, criminal conspiracy, criminal battery and abuse under color of authority.

Nijland was arrested on suspicion of willful cruelty to a child, criminal battery, and abuse under color of authority.

The charges have yet to be filed by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office, the statement said.

No further information was immediately available.