The widow of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Deputy Arturo Atilano-Valadez, who was one of four department members to die by suicide in a single day, is filing a $20 million damages claim against the department, alleging that mandatory overtime policies contributed to the mental health struggles that ultimately led to the suicides.
Michele Atilano spoke at a news conference, revealing the toll that excessive overtime took on her husband and calling for changes to department policies.
“My husband was present but he was walking like a zombie,” Atilano said, pointing to the department’s indifference to the deputies’ working hours and calling for a shift in their approach.
Atilano-Valadez had reportedly spent over a decade working grueling 12-hour shifts in county jails, facing mandatory overtime, and was denied requests for transfer. According to the claim, these conditions contributed to his growing depression, ultimately leading to his tragic decision to take his own life.
Atilano addressed Sheriff Robert Luna directly, recounting a conversation with him after her husband’s death.
“He doesn’t even know how much overtime he gives them. I want to know how many have committed suicide this year, because my husband was just one of many.”
The department issued a statement expressing condolences and stating its commitment to the well-being and safety of its employees.
Following the suicides, Sheriff Luna promised to address the stressful working conditions.
“Our profession has become even more challenging throughout the years, and we are all human with emotions and struggles that don’t disappear when you take off your duty belt or leave work,” he wrote in a statement. “I recognize the increased workload and long hours can take a toll on you and amplify challenges. I have the deepest concern for your well-being, and I’m committed to developing a healthier plan to reduce work stress factors to support our employees.”
However, the claim comes amid a broader pattern of deputy suicides linked to mandatory overtime, prompting calls for urgent action.
This incident follows a similar $20 million damages claim filed by the family of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer,who was killed in an ambush-style shooting in September.
The claim alleges that excessive overtime left Clinkunbroomer physically and chronically exhausted, contributing to his vulnerability during the ambush.
Legal experts, such as Loyola Law School Professor Laurie Levenson, said that due to governmental immunity, the claims may face challenges.
However, Atilano’s attorney, Brad Gage, argues that additional factors such as discrimination against the deputy may present exceptions to the immunity.
Additionally, Gage said the department has not taken steps to protect deputies.
“The department is well aware of the health problems the deputies are going through because of the overtime,” Gage said of the situation. “The board of supervisors acknowledged it. Sheriff Luna acknowledged it. But the department has not replenished their ranks or taken other actions to protect deputies from the harm of being overworked and overburdened.”
Los Angeles County now has 30 days to respond to the claims before a lawsuit can officially be filed.
Meanwhile, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), the union representing LASD deputies, noted the increasing levels of forced overtime faced by deputies, calling for solutions to address the growing operational demands on law enforcement.
“Employees of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are being pushed daily to, and sometimes beyond, their limits,” ALADS President Richard Pippin told Fox News. “With the increasing operational demands on law enforcement and the upcoming Olympics on the horizon, a solution is needed.”
As the families seek justice and accountability, the mental health toll of mandatory overtime within the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department continues to intensify, raising critical questions about the well-being of police officers.
