A San Diego County jail inmate who was supposed to be in protective custody was intentionally placed into a cell with a mainline detainee who later assaulted him, a citizens’ review board said.

According to the county Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board, which provides oversight of the Sheriff’s and Probation departments, the inmate said he was targeted by deputies who held a grudge against him.

“The complainant said that he was attacked by a mainline inmate and believed it was done on purpose by Deputy 2 and orchestrated by Deputy 4, because he had heard them bad-mouth him in the past,” the review said.

Neither the inmate nor the officers involved were identified in the report.


Allegations that the detainee was targeted on purpose were not sustained due to a lack of evidence, but the oversight board found that the inmate was wrongly placed into the general jail population.

“The evidence showed that the complainant’s placement with a mainline inmate was improper and Deputy 4 was in violation of Detention Services Bureau Policy & Procedure and facility Green Sheets supporting the procedures,” the report said. “The evidence supported the allegation and the act or conduct was not justified.”

The review board report does not explain how seriously the inmate was injured or identify the guards who were involved in the complaint. It operates as an independent panel and makes policy and disciplinary recommendations when its volunteers see fit.


Board members said their investigation of the inmate’s allegations yielded additional information that should be investigated further.

“Actions of other sworn personnel not identified by the complainant may have played a contributing role in this situation and were referred back to the department for further review,” the review board wrote.

The Sheriff’s Department declined to comment on the finding or the referral to additional investigation in advance of a review board meeting set for Tuesday.


Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald