Probation officers acquitted on cruelty charges

DOWNEY - Four Los Angeles County probation officers have been found not guilty on charges that they unlawfully used pepper spray against teenage girls housed at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey.

A jury deliberated less than a day Tuesday before acquitting LaCour Harrison, Claudette Reynolds, Maria Asuzena Guerrero and Karnesha Marshall of misdemeanor cruelty to a child by endangering her health.

Harrison and Reynolds also were found not guilty of one felony count each of assault by a public officer.

The defendants, who worked as detention services officers, were accused of using excessive force when using pepper spray and also were accused of acting unreasonably by delaying the victims from being decontaminated after they were sprayed.

Two other officers are facing similar charges.

Marlene Rochelle Wilson was charged with five felony counts of assault by a public officer and three misdemeanor counts of child abuse. She faces a possible maximum sentence of eight years and eight months in state prison to be served in local custody.

Janeth Vilchez was charged with one count each of assault by a public officer and child abuse. She faces a possible maximum sentence of four years in prison to be served in local custody.

They are scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing setting on