January was a bad month for O.C. Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Not only did three inmates escape from the O.C. Central Men’s Jail – a Deputy Sheriff also left an AR-15 rifle on the trunk of his car and drove off. That weapon has still not been recovered.
Hutchens has not had much to say about the jailbreak. Here is the one-paragraph statement she released yesterday:
I have been very clear from the onset of the jail escape investigation that I am deeply concerned about the length of time it took to recognize that three maximum security inmates were unaccounted for. I have initiated an internal administrative investigation to determine the facts of what occurred, contributing factors to the escape and inmate count procedures. Until the investigation is complete, I am unable to discuss further. Please know that we have taken immediate action to ensure that this situation will not happen again, and that the safety of our community is my highest priority.
The only other thing Hutchens had to say is that there have been no personnel changes at the Jail.
How in the world have none of Hutchen’s Jail command staff been disciplined? I understand she has to finish her investigation but at this point there should at least be a suspension or two or at the very least a new Jail director should be appointed.
I suppose by now we should be used to cops covering up for bad cops but this is ridiculous! A prison escape like this doesn’t happen unless a lot of folks were asleep at the wheel.
The escaped convicts were very violent and extremely dangerous. They escaped right into the heart of Santa Ana – yet none of the Santa Ana City Council Members have demanded an explanation and neither has First District Supervisor Andrew Do.
We should all be demanding answers. And one paragraph empty statements from Hutchens aren’t going to cut it!
Honestly. I can’t I let this go. Our focus was getting these dangerous felons back into custody. Now we turn to the how, why and who. Supervisor Do has been all over this issue.
Todd Spitzer, 3rd District Supervisor
Thanks Todd. I have seen Do at the press conferences but considering the gravity of what happened I’d like to see him demanding immediate discipline of the command staff at the jail. At the very least the guy in charge at the jail should be immediately suspended.
We will get answers believe me. But California has a Peace Officers Bill of Rights and I’m not about to walk the taxpayers into a lawsuit before the investigation is complete. Can you please think about what you are saying first? What an injustice. We discipline personnel and they still walk away with millions. Please.
They can’t sue over a paid suspension. At the very least put someone else in charge for now! Please tell me how many heads rolled over the jail snitch scandal? The Sheriff is lucky that these violent escapees didn’t kill anyone else while they were on the lam. At this point I have lost all confidence in Hutchens and her command staff.
Tell me that after YOU have sat in closed sessions and heard all the legal arguments. Anyone can sue. We will do this correctly and legally. I get your impatience. But we will unequivocally know the facts and then proceed accordingly. Your focus on Supervisor Do is misplaced. He is very concerned as we all are believe you me.
I really appreciate that you took the time to comment here today.
We are endorsing Do for reelection so don’t fret too much about that. Overall we think he has done a fine job in his first term.
Thank you for being reasonable and not defensive I appreciate it very much.
WHO (cough) will lead (snort) the invest(sputter) investi (cough) investigation ? Our no-turn-left-unstoned D.A.? (See, I COULD get it out without breaking down into convulsive laughter!) BWAHAHAHAHAH!
LOL. Hopefully not!
Jesus H., did Spitzer just write that unadulterated bullshit or did some evil comedic genius use his name?
C’mon Todd, hiding behind POBR, a law that you would undoubtedly vaunt for all your cop union contributors?
That’s just chickenshit, even for you.
LOL. Busted!