ACLU Sues Sheriff Baca over Abuse in Jails

The American Civil Liberties Union has gone to federal court asking for an injunction against Sheriff Lee Baca and his top aides. The ACLU charges that deputies have formed jailhouse gangs who earn tattoos by beating inmates, even breaking their bones. In October, Sheriff Baca appeared on this program with ACLU legal director Peter Eliasberg. Baca agreed that deputies must be accountable, but dismissed any need for intermediaries. Today, the Sheriff's spokesman said there was a meeting last week but that the ACLU didn't mention its intention to sue. Robert Faturechi has been covering the story for the Los Angeles Times.