By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 05/20/14, 8:31 PM PDT |
RANCHO CUCAMONGA >> San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon on Tuesday gave a tour of the West Valley Detention Center, praising the facility as first rate while countering allegations of inmate abuse in the wake of an FBI investigation, the firings of three deputies and the filing of a federal lawsuit by half a dozen inmates alleging civil rights violations.
McMahon stood firm in his belief that there is no pattern of inmate abuse occurring at the jail and that the pending criminal and administrative investigations are isolated to only a few deputies in one unit of the jail. He also disputed allegations that inmates are not receiving proper medical care.
“I truly believe that in our county (jail) we offer great medical and psychological care, as well as we provide good care and custody of the inmates that are in custody,” McMahon said.
A registered nurse is staffed in every unit of the jail 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the jail has a team of doctors with varied specialties on standby should any inmate need them, said Terry Fillman, the jail’s health services administrator who accompanied McMahon on Tuesday’s tour along with the jail’s second-in-command, Lt. Linzy Savage, and department spokeswoman Cindy Bachman.
The jail has a dental clinic, a state-licensed dialysis unit, and an award-winning automated prescription program where 3,000 prescriptions, on average, are administered daily, Fillman said.
“We are one of the most progressive and premier facilities in Southern California,” Fillman said.
Doctors see, on average, 70 inmate patients a day on weekdays and about 30 a day on weekends, said Dr. Jeffrey Haga, the jail’s chief medical officer.
McMahon said most of the inmate complaints on poor medical care are unfounded.
“Obviously, if someone fills out a grievance we investigate to find out if there’s any truth to it,” said McMahon. “But when it comes to complaints about the medical care that inmates are provided within our facility, or mental health care for that matter, most of the time, 99 percent of the time, there’s nothing to the complaint.”
Rana Anabtawi, a staff attorney at the Prison Law Office in Berkeley, said her office has been investigating complaints by dozens of inmates alleging excessive use of force by deputies and substandard medical care at the jail. She said in a recent interview that complaints started pouring in in the fall.
The jail, which opened in 1991 and has a capacity of 3,092, is one of the largest jails in California and the most active of San Bernardino County’s four jails, the other three being the recently expanded and renamed High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto, the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center, and the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.
Last month, the jails hit the media spotlight when the FBI and Sheriff’s Department jointly announced criminal and administrative instigations at the jail. Three rookie deputies — Brock Teyechea, Andrew Cruz and Nicholas Oakley — were fired, while several others remain under investigation.
To read entire story, click here.
Interesting, I know a nurse who was fired for aledging these very issues that McMahon says NEVER happened. Since McMahon never litigated the case it would difficult for him to call her a liar.
I wonder why Captain Rose wasn’t on this tour? Rose must have had more pressing issues to handle.
Perhaps an interview with the FBI?
This is damage control nothing more. Maybe retired Deputy Chief Stewart can step up on these jail issues.
Maybe McMahon can do another YouTube video with all the medical staff praising his leadership?
Well golly gee you wanted him to address the issues. So he did and took the media with him but it’s all damage control. You are just never satisfied are you?
Kenneth I agree and this not satisfied crap #2 no not satisfied till he is gone and the DA period then this county can breathe a sigh of relief.
I never got an invitation to the tour. Oh wait, I Forgot, I ask questions.
We’re the “Salad Tosser’s” inmates or deputies?
Did the Appointed One invite his challenger for Sheriff 2014, Paul Schrader, to the “Open (Big) House”?
Sorry everyone….didn’t mean to post the same thing on two articles
I’d post that 10 times. I have already copied and pasted it to slap down a McMahon sock puppet.
@2 have McMahon answer the tuff questions in front of a group of people who are not sock puppets. All we have seen since these scandals broke is people lying for McMahon and pumping his trunk monkey.
Enough of this Chinese propaganda BS you anonymous clowns keep trying to sell. The guy is a proven liar. Accept the fact or put your name to this when calling BS.
Now get off your knees for the first time in your life.
Kenny you weren’t relevant as a deputy and are even less relevant here.
Well pal not much your going to be able to do about that huh?
Nope. Just like there’s not much you’re going to do on June 4 when Deputy Schrader is still deputy Schrader
Anon, did you get an invitation to Appointed Sheriff Johnny Mac’s “Open (Big) House”, or are you bitter because you have something in common with Schrader for Sheriff 2014?
Not sure what you mean nor do I really give a fuck.
#13 if that is the case that is true. But you’ll still be a coward no matter who wins.
Coward? Ok tuff guy.
17 obviously he is compared to you. This isn’t the jail where you can chain people up and beat them with a bunch of your cop friends. Go harass the FBI tuff guy.
Sheriff John McMahon’s campaign released a new short video featuring members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department who, among other items, discuss the Dorner manhunt. Detective Alex Collins, who was shot four times by Christopher Dorner last year, talks about the shooting and his recovery.
Law enforcement shootings became a focus of this Sheriff’s race during a debate between the three candidates, McMahon and challengers Paul Schrader and Cliff Harris, when Schrader claimed he was shot and stabbed in the line of duty. Members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were quick to call Schrader out on the claims after he would not provide details of either incident.
Over a period of months, inquiries were sent to the West Memphis Police Department in Arkansas where Schrader claimed the incident occurred. The only confirmation of an “incident” was by a current captain who stated Schrader may have been hit during a training exercise at the range.
According to Captain Ken Mitchell, “I know of no documented records confirming either of these alleged injuries. However, I did work with Mr. Shrader for a portion of the time (1/91 until he left in 1993) he worked for the West Memphis Police Department.
“I do recall hearing from and discussing with co-workers an accident involving Mr. Schrader receiving an arm injury from a bullet that supposedly fragmented during training at our firing range. I was not at the range when the accident occurred. That is the only knowledge I have of him ever being shot.”
The result is a barrage of “stolen valor” accusations against Schrader. Sworn personnel are expressing outrage over Schrader’s claim when one of their own died on the mountain that day and Collins suffered injuries to his face, chest, leg and arm. Simply put, they say they do not want someone leading their department who insults the real sacrifice made by their fellow officers.
Sorry #11, you couldn’t be more wrong! Kenny was an awesome deputy, An arresting machine and deputy of the year a couple of times. What he was, was a pain in the ass to the bosses because he often told them no when they were wrong and if you have been around for more than a few weeks you would know that brass doesn’t like the word no. If you’re going to throw stones, at least get the target right.
So great his ass was fired. Got it. Thanks
Obviously you don’t have a clue about what you are talking about. Yeah, he got fired but, he was RIGHT!!.. Let me say it again, Kenny was Right, Correct, Legally, Ethically, and Morally. He did the right thing and was torpedoed by the brass. Here’s an idea, go and ask the man. He will tell you the facts of the case.
@22, 20 years later. The bosses weren’t as bright as you. Not as brave in person either. What can I say. They’re about as bright then as they are now. That’s why the FBI is in town. Now John has folks like you running around.
Still waiting to be arrested to.
So where is his million dollar pay out? How did anger management work out? I don’t need to ask his dumbass a damn thing but I’m glad to see you’re his cheerleader.
Kenny how much was your wrongful termination lawsuit settlement?
No, I’m not a cheerleader but I am loyal to my partners and I was there junior. I saw it, and I lived it! I am guessing that you are one of the youngsters who are salty after a few months on the job. Not only do you not know the facts of the case, you have listened to all of the rumor bullshit, and chose to believe it. I have one more comment on the issue, if you had half of the stones Kenny has, you wouldn’t be hiding behind “anonymous” and step up and tell us who you are.
26 you want to play this little game how come you can’t do it in person? I’ll be happy to show you my file. Got pictures and tape recordings all kinds of neat stuff.
Sam this boy could be the test case on 1st amendment with impunity say whatever you want with no consequence theory. I bet McMahon would promote him.
Come on junior. If you have rank you have nothing to worry about and if you are the gladiator you would like to be you have no worries. Step up sonny and publish your name, like a real man.
Kenny, I am just glad I don’t have to work with people like junior. All talk and no heart.
Sam he doesn’t realize he could be a hero for many. Sam do they put anonymous on the CR-1 these days? Or Unknown blogger?
I sure hope not…
Kenneth, quick question(s) for you. How do you see the election turning out? Who do you honestly see winning? How will the results effect your life?
Sam,
Are you a gladiator?
How would you know what kind of cop Holtz was? Do you want us to assume that you have sufficient knowledge to assess a cop’s ability?
Jon are you a gladiator? Should we assume you know what your talking about?
We know you aren’t John so does it matter if Sam is or isn’t? Did you see anywhere that he claims to be?
If you knew how to read, he said he worked with him…….duh
#35 Yes I am and yes I do. You know better than to assume. If you read my comments then you would KNOW I have the knowledge to assess a cops ability. It is called YEARS of experience. Next question
Sam,
Your years of experience were years you spent clueless and catatonic.
Nice try dipshit but you and I both know that the record proves you wrong. By the way, if you are Jon Marhoffer, you should know since you wrote me an ATTA-BOY for my investigative prowess…
Well desert heat has never denied he is Marhoefer. And if he isn’t Marhoefer then he is a pile who has no honor.
All I hear from Kenneth is Crickets.
What about this?
“Here they are again….. So readers can see for themselves:
Would any of you have an issue with McMahon not firing deputies that have been arrested, convicted of a crime, sentenced to jail and given probation?
If you think that’s fine, then re-elect McMahon.
If you think that’s b.s., help your self to the following link:
http://openaccess.sb-court.org/OpenAccess/
Deputy GALLANT, PAUL MVI803380 09/09/2008 PC M149
Deputy Joseph Catalano:
http://www.sbsun.com/…/some-in-sheriffs-department-are…
Both deputies, related to department brass, are arresting others working in patrol. If thats okay with you, then re-elect McMahon”
What about what this?
“Here they are again….. So readers can see for themselves:
Would any of you have an issue with McMahon not firing deputies that have been arrested, convicted of a crime, sentenced to jail and given probation?
If you think that’s fine, then re-elect McMahon.
If you think that’s b.s., help your self to the following link:
openaccess.sb-court.org/OpenAccess/
Deputy GALLANT, PAUL MVI803380 09/09/2008 PC M149
Deputy Joseph Catalano:
sbsun.com/…/some-in-sheriffs-department-are…
Both deputies, related to department brass, are arresting others working in patrol. If thats okay with you, then re-elect McMahon”
Be careful of what you read because it can be factually wrong. Let me comment of Catalano’s case because it was there and he was working for me at the time. The bottom line is that Joe was ambushed by two drunk marines as he walked down the street. Joe fought back and broke contact as soon as he could. He spotted a Havasu unit and ran to them for help. The Havasu cops hooked him. Joe called me the next day and asked me to get a copy of the report for him since it was not ready when he left the next day.
I BOUGHT a copy of the report with my money and read it. The first thing that jumped out to me was the “witness” statements were almost word perfect. Almost identical and the people were not together, did not know each other. When our IA investigators discovered the same thing, they contacted the witnesses and questioned them. Both witnesses said they did not tell the Havasu cops what was written in the report, they both said that was what the cops told them to write.
Joe was counseled to seek another judge since the one assigned had a DOCUMENTED bias against SBSD. Joe ignored that advise and it cost him.
Joe Catalano is/was factually innocent.
As to Paul Gallant’s case, I cannot and will not comment because I was not privy to the report or facts of the case.
People, you all should know better than to believe anything the Sun publishes…
Gallant should’ve been fired. But you can’t blame McMahon for that as penrod was the sheriff. Joe is as solid as they come.
But we can blame McMahon for promoting liars. So it really doesn’t matter. Plenty of dirt on all of them.
Come on now all you McMahon haters. Quit being bitches and do what Kenny and Sam yap about….put your name behind it! Come on junior or is it sonny. Whatever just put your name behind it.
@42….Kenny won’t answer you. He knows Paul will lose.
50 that is john emmons.
Thanks #53, my mistake.
Still crickets from holtz on his election prediction. Still crickets on his wrongful termination monetary settlement.
I will give my prediction, If McMahon should win it will be from some corrupt shit at the registrar for sure like they did Imus but he wont survive all the lawsuits and so on to much to type out its insane, If some of us are their during the count Schrader will win it honestly, and Harris ill get 10% of votes. If its honest Scrader all the way. Dishonest the McMahon people did a dirty deed again.