Robert Medellin, a counselor at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall who has served in his role for nearly 18 years, has been charged with viciously beating a teen in custody back in April of this year.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the alleged crime occurred on April 14 when Medellin intervened in a fight between two boys in the common area at the Juvenile Hall complex.
He then grabbed a 17-year-old boy and proceeded to take him to the ground and punched him approximately a dozen times while the juvenile tried to protect his head with his hands, prosecutors say.
Once the struggle was over, Medellin reportedly slammed the juvenile’s head into the floor one time before he cuffed him.
The entire incident was caught on tape but will not be released to protect the juveniles’ identities and the “integrity of the case”, according to a news release.
“Sometimes force by law enforcement is necessary to stop a dangerous person from hurting others,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “However, excessive force by a person hired to protect and serve minors is unnecessary and wrong. It is over the line, unacceptable, and criminal.”
If convicted, Medellin could face up to three years in jail.
This story will be updated once further information is released.