Bonta sues L.A. County over 'inhumane' jail conditions tied to 206 deaths

California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday announced a lawsuit against Los Angeles County, its Sheriff's Department, and health services agency, alleging decades of unconstitutional jail conditions that have contributed to more than 206 inmate deaths in four years.

Filed after negotiations for reforms broke down, the case targets the nation's largest jail system and seeks court-ordered changes. Investigators found what they described as systemic violations of inmates' constitutional rights.

"This is about human dignity. This is about safety. This is about justice for those in our care," Bonta said at a news conference. "We can't wait any longer. We need comprehensive reform, and we need it now."

The lawsuit names the county, Sheriff Robert Luna, the Sheriff's Department, and County Correctional Health Services Director Dr. Timothy Bellich as defendants. People v. County of Los Angeles et al., (L.A. Super., Ct., filed Sept. 08, 2025)

The Attorney General's Office began its investigation in 2021 following reports of worsening conditions and rising death rates despite a shrinking jail population. Investigators cited broken plumbing, rodent infestations, spoiled food, limited hygiene supplies, near-constant confinement, and delays in medical and mental health care.

"When we're talking about feces smeared on walls and medical care denied to those in need, we're talking about disrespect for the basic dignity of our fellow humans and a violation of their most fundamental constitutional rights," Bonta said.

Of 206 jail deaths over four years, more than 40 percent were linked to preventable causes including suicides, homicides, and overdoses.

"Eighty-five human beings lost their lives unnecessarily, and these numbers continue to rise," Bonta said, noting that death rates have increased under Luna's leadership despite his acknowledgment that conditions must change.

In May, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors directed Luna and Bellich to investigate the rising deaths, but Bonta said officials "continue to drag their feet to the detriment of far too many."

He emphasized that his office prefers negotiation, citing recent collaborations with agencies such as the Torrance Police Department.

"I prefer collaboration over litigation. The county has left us with no choice, so litigation it is," he said.

Bonta contrasted Torrance's cooperation with Los Angeles County's resistance.

"Where Torrance stepped up, Los Angeles County has stood still. They've refused to meet even the most basic constitutional standards," he said.

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief requiring constitutionally adequate medical, dental, and mental health care; protection from unreasonable risks; humane living conditions; timely health care; and accommodations for disabilities and language needs.

While noting improvements in patrol operations, Bonta said jail conditions remain "unsafe and unconstitutional."

"There has not been nearly enough progress with respect to the jail and the conditions of confinement," he said.

According to the complaint, county officials have long known of the unconstitutional conditions but resisted oversight, opting to fight lawsuits rather than implement reforms.

"They've already been sued multiple times. They're under multiple consent decrees to implement changes. Even given the lawsuits, even given the consent decrees, they still haven't implemented the needed changes," Bonta said.

He accused the county of "fighting change instead of embracing it," despite repeated court orders and independent reviews describing jail conditions as a humanitarian crisis.

"Make no mistake: my office will continue to step in to protect vulnerable populations and ensure meaningful reform when necessary. And it is necessary here in Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department," Bonta said.

The Attorney General's Office is pursuing similar investigations in Antioch, Riverside County, and Santa Clara County.

"Every community deserves law enforcement that upholds, at a bare minimum, constitutional standards. That's the floor," Bonta said. "Every person in custody deserves safety, healthcare, dignity."

The lawsuit marks the latest attempt to compel reform in a jail system that has resisted change despite decades of litigation and oversight.