Six People Plead Guilty for Hurting CHP Officers and an SUV During LA Protests

Six Men Plead Guilty in Los Angeles Protest Violence

LOS ANGELES — Six men have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from violent protests in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, during which they allegedly threw rocks, fireworks, and debris at California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers.

The protests erupted in response to increased federal immigration enforcement operations in Southern California. During the demonstrations, a CHP patrol SUV was set ablaze as tensions escalated on the Main Street overpass, where a group confronted law enforcement personnel.

Video footage from the scene captured objects being hurled at law enforcement vehicles on the 101 Freeway, as officers attempted to clear protesters blocking traffic. According to prosecutors, one of the suspects shared video of the chaotic events on social media.

Three individuals in the group pleaded guilty to felony counts related to obstructing and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder. The U.S. Attorney’s Office provided details about the charges against the suspects:

• Ismael Vega, 41, of Westlake: Pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder.
• Balton Montion, 25, of Watsonville: Pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder.
• Junior Roldan, 27, of Hollywood: Pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of simple assault on a person assisting a federal officer.
• Adam Charles Palermo, 40, of Rampart Village: Pleaded guilty to one felony count of assaulting, resisting, and impeding persons assisting federal officers and employees with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
• Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, of Lincoln Heights: Pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder.
• Ronald Alexis Coreas, 23, of Westlake: Pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of simple assault on a person assisting a federal officer.

While protests were predominantly peaceful and focused near federal buildings, including a detention center, authorities characterized the defendants as opportunists who exploited the situation for unlawful activities. The Los Angeles Police Department reported incidents of violence, including the throwing of rocks, bottles, and commercial-grade fireworks towards officers, leading to a declaration of unlawful assembly as demonstrators blocked freeway traffic.

Following incidents of looting and vandalism on June 9, including at an Apple Store, the city implemented a limited curfew in a one-square-mile area of downtown, which resulted in a noticeable decrease in arrests.