AOCDS issued the following statement to the Orange County Register in response to a reporter’s questions regarding several Mexican Mafia cases:
“The Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs stands behind the integrity of the deputies who are the subject of the spurious motions of attorneys defending the Mexican Mafia. Peace officers are afforded the same Constitutional rights as all citizens. They do not lose those constitutional protections when they pin on the badge. We believe that the investigation will conclude in agreement with Sheriff Sandra Hutchens that the situation is a training issue and the deputies’ professionalism is confirmed.
The law enforcement community will not be deterred by the tactics of defense attorneys attempting to put members of the Mexican Mafia back in our neighborhoods. Sheriff Hutchens has taken steps to correct the training deficiency and to ensure that the situation does not occur again. We are supportive of her efforts.”
Here is the resulting story:
Deputy’s refusal to testify sparks debate
BY TONY SAAVEDRA / STAFF WRITER
June 9, 2015 – The Orange County Register
An Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputy’s refusal to testify in some court proceedings – previously a key part of his job – is sparking debate about the rights of police to remain silent.
Sheriff’s Deputy Seth Tunstall recently notified prosecutors that he would not testify in future cases involving the Mexican Mafia, and would invoke his right against self-incrimination rather than endure attacks on his credibility.
Tunstall’s decision has forced county prosecutors to offer deals or rethink cases involving at least six defendants.
An official for the deputies union said Tuesday that Tunstall, like all police officers, did not lose his constitutional rights when he joined the Sheriff’s Department.
“Peace officers are afforded the same constitutional rights as all citizens,” said union president Tom Dominguez. “They do not lose those constitutional protections when they pin on the badge.”
