LOS ANGELES — Sheriff Alex Villanueva saw footage of a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy kneeling on the head of a handcuffed inmate days after the March 2021 incident, according to a new lawsuit filed by Cmdr. Allen Castellano.

What You Need To Know

• Villanueva has insisted he did not see the video until November 2021, when he immediately ordered a criminal probe and the deputy to be relieved of duty


• Multiple whistleblowers have claimed Villanueva blocked the filing of assault charges against Escalante, the inmate, for punching the deputy


• The use of force investigation against Johnson has been referred to the District Attorney’s office for consideration, Villanueva has said


• At a press conference last month, Villanueva conceded a criminal investigation should have been started immediately

Castellano’s account of the incident and alleged cover up contradicts claims by Villanueva that he immediately ordered a criminal probe into the deputy once he became aware of the incident.

Leaked footage from the San Fernando Courthouse on March 10, 2021, appears to show Deputy Douglas Johnson pressing his knee on the head of handcuffed inmate Enzo Escalante for three minutes. The altercation began when Escalante allegedly punched Johnson in the face. Johnson and other deputies wrestled Escalante to the ground, with Johnson putting his knee on the inmate’s head.

At a news conference last month, Villanueva conceded a criminal investigation should have been started immediately,...

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