The U.S. Justice Department said Thursday that the sheriff’s department and prosecutors in Orange County ran an extensive jailhouse informant program for years that violated the rights of criminal defendants.
In a separate instance, a gang member charged with a 2004 killing took a plea deal and a shorter prison sentence after an earlier conviction was set aside over concerns that prosecutors had failed to share critical evidence.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said he has cooperated with the federal investigation since taking office four years ago and that he led his own probe that found veteran prosecutors were negligent in the Seal Beach shooting case. He said much of the informant activity was hidden from prosecutors, preventing the proper disclosure of information.
“This report confirms exactly what we already knew,” Spitzer said in a statement. “I have made it unequivocally clear that I refuse to accept the ‘win-at-all costs’ mentality” of the prior administration.Assistant Public Defender Scott Sanders, who represented the shooter, said the federal report shows that county agencies are still not doing enough to protect the rights of the accused.
Authorities can use jailhouse informants but can't have them deliberately elicit information from defendants once they are represented by lawyers. In addition, prosecutors are required to turn over evidence to defense attorneys that could be seen as favorable to their clients.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Local, state leaders celebrate funding to move train tracks off Del Mar bluffFor nearly two decades, SANDAG has worked to stabilize the bluffs as a temporary solution. In June, Atkins and other leaders secured the funding in Gov. Gavin Newsom's California budget to move the tracks off the Del Mar Bluffs.
Read more »
Domestic violence suspect dies after being transported to the Cuyahoga County Justice CenterA registered nurse with the county jail and officers rendered first aid; including, CPR and Narcan.
Read more »
Orange County bus mechanics vote to strike, starting Monday; bus service expected to be suspendedOrange County Transportation Authority maintenance employees have voted to strike, which is expected to lead to a suspension of all bus service in the county.
Read more »
Orange County bus mechanics vote to strikeOrange County Transportation Authority mechanics have voted to strike starting Monday. The strike could lead to the suspension of bus service throughout the county.
Read more »
Bus Mechanics Vote to Strike in Orange County Which Could Lead to Suspended ServicesOrange County Transportation Authority maintenance employees have voted to begin a strike Monday which is expected to result in a suspension of all bus services throughout the county.
Read more »