A seven-year lawsuit challenging the use of jailhouse informants in Orange County has ended in a settlement, but debate continues over whether reform spurred by the ‘Snitch Scandal’ goes far enough to ensure justice.
The 2018 lawsuit, People for the Ethical Operation of Prosecutors and Law Enforcement (P.E.O.P.L.E.) v. Rackauckas, brought by Orange County taxpayers and criminal legal system advocates against the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) and the Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), challenged what they considered unlawful and unconstitutional informant practices.
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O.C. Sheriff John Barnes said in a written statement about the settlement that he was confident they’d prevail in court.
“It is unfortunate that it took Plaintiffs years to realize their lawsuit was baseless,” Sheriff Barnes said. “The resolution of this case without any requirements, changes, or additional costs reaffirms the work of the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and their dedication to safeguarding the constitutional rights of those entrusted to our care.”…