California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday unsealed an indictment that charged 30 detention officers with child abuse, after they allegedly allowed over 100 minors to participate in "gladiator fights" at a juvenile hall in Los Angeles County.

The alleged incidents occurred in the second half of 2023, where at least 143 children and teens between 12 and 18 years old participated in 69 fights at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California.

Bonta claimed that the officers stood by and watched the fights take place, instead of intervening, which betrayed the trust placed in their positions. He also accused them of taking advantage of the youths' vulnerability, which sometimes resulted in injury.

"Let today’s charges be a warning for all those who abuse their power," Bonta said. "The California Department of Justice is watching, and we will hold you accountable."

Every officer involved has been charged with one count of child abuse. One defendant was also charged with misdemeanor battery, and three others were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, alleging that those officers knew about the fights ahead of time and where they would take place, per NBC News.

The felony child abuse charge carries a penalty of two to six years in state prison.

Most of the officers were arraigned on Monday, but eight officers will be arraigned on April 18. All the defendants have been placed on unpaid leave.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.