Riverside Sheriff Ends Probe of 2 Deputies in Beating

The internal affairs investigation of two Riverside County sheriff’s deputies who were videotaped beating two illegal immigrants with their batons April 1 has been concluded--but the Sheriff’s Department said Monday that it could not discuss the results.

“The department has made preliminary decisions regarding alleged violations of Sheriff’s Department policies and procedures and intends to take appropriate actions in these matters,” Riverside County Sheriff Larry D. Smith said in a prepared statement.

The deputies, Kurt Franklin and Tracy Watson, have an opportunity “to respond to our preliminary decision,” Smith said. “After hearing the response, the department will consider the information provided and then reach a final decision and take appropriate action.”

State law prohibits the department “from making any further statements on its intended action,” the sheriff said.

John D. Barnett, the attorney representing Franklin, said he would not comment on the department’s investigation. Michael P. Stone, who represents Watson, could not be reached for comment.

The deputies chased a pickup filled with illegal immigrants after it was spotted driving erratically.