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Podcasts Take Two
LA Sheriff Lee Baca liable in inmate abuse case
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Oct 18, 2013
Listen • 5:06
LA Sheriff Lee Baca liable in inmate abuse case
The jury found his conduct, and that of four other jail officials, was "malicious, oppressive or in reckless disregard," of inmate Tyler Willis during a 2009 incident in which deputies severely beat him.
L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca conducts an inspection of Men's Central Jail in Downtown Los Angeles in this photo from December 2011.
L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca conducts an inspection of Men's Central Jail in Downtown Los Angeles in this photo from December 2011.
(
Grant Slater/KPCC
)

The jury found his conduct, and that of four other jail officials, was "malicious, oppressive or in reckless disregard," of inmate Tyler Willis during a 2009 incident in which deputies severely beat him.

In an unusual decision, a federal jury in Los Angeles has held Sheriff Lee Baca personally liable for the excessive use of force against a jail inmate.

RELATED: LA Sheriff Baca held liable in jail inmate abuse case

The jury found his conduct, and that of four other jail officials, was "malicious, oppressive or in reckless disregard," of inmate Tyler Willis during a 2009 incident in which deputies severely beat him.

The decision comes as the United States Justice Department conducts a wide ranging investigation of abuse of inmates in the LA County jail system.

KPCC's Frank Stoltze joins the show with more.