Woman Settles Lawsuit Over Alleged Assault by LA Sheriff's Deputies

Pregnant woman claims deputies used excessive force, putting her unborn child at risk

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A woman who alleged she was assaulted and battered by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies while she was 7 1/2 months pregnant has settled a lawsuit against the county. The woman, Diamond McDowell, claimed the deputies slammed her to the ground stomach-first, put their weight on her, and created potential risks to her unborn child. McDowell later had complications delivering the baby, who is one of two minor plaintiffs in the case along with her older son.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns over alleged use of excessive force by law enforcement, especially when dealing with vulnerable individuals like pregnant women. It also raises questions about communication breakdowns between social services and law enforcement that may have contributed to the incident.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on April 20, 2023, the LA County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Children and Family Services went to McDowell's home after a miscommunication about a request for DCFS assistance. When McDowell questioned the deputies, she was allegedly slammed to the ground stomach-first after her arms were twisted behind her back. The deputies reportedly put all their weight on the obviously pregnant McDowell, compounding the pain and creating potential risks to her unborn child.

  • The incident occurred on April 20, 2023, when McDowell was 7 1/2 months pregnant.
  • McDowell later had a difficult labor before delivering the baby, B.A.R.J., in July 2023.
  • The lawsuit was filed in May 2024.

The players

Diamond McDowell

A woman who was 7 1/2 months pregnant at the time of the alleged assault by LA Sheriff's deputies.

B.A.R.J.

McDowell's son, one of two minor plaintiffs in the lawsuit, who was born in July 2023 after the alleged incident.

S.X.M.

McDowell's 11-year-old son, the other minor plaintiff in the lawsuit.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency whose deputies were involved in the alleged assault of McDowell.

Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services

The social services agency that was involved in the incident that led to the deputies being sent to McDowell's home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The terms of the settlement between McDowell and Los Angeles County have not been revealed.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns over alleged use of excessive force by law enforcement, especially when dealing with vulnerable individuals like pregnant women. It also raises questions about communication breakdowns between social services and law enforcement that may have contributed to the incident.