Crime & Safety
Juvenile Hall Counselor In Santa Clara Co. Charged With Assault
Robert Medellin was accused of punching a 17-year-old juvenile in the head and slamming it against the floor.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — A Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall counselor was arrested on suspicion of punching a 17-year-old boy in the head and slamming it against the floor.
Robert Medellin, a 46-year-old Tracy resident, was charged with assault by a public official. The April 14 incident, which was videotaped, occurred as Medellin was breaking up a fight between the minor and two other juveniles, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office
Prosecutors did not release the video to protect the juveniles’ identities and the “integrity of the case,” according to a news release.
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“Sometimes force by law enforcement is necessary to stop a dangerous person from hurting others,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. "However, excessive force by a person hired to protect and serve minors is unnecessary and wrong. It is over the line, unacceptable, and criminal.”
Medellin punched the boy approximately a dozen times and slammed his head into the floor while breaking up a fight between the boy and two other juveniles, according to the district attorney’s office.
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Medellin has approximately 18 years of experience on the job, prosecutors said. He faces prison time if convicted.
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