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Cochise County Jail District board enters executive session over enforcement of LaChance settlement
Summary
At a special meeting, the Cochise County Jail District Board of Directors voted to go into executive session under Arizona law to discuss possible legal action to enforce settlement terms in LaChance v. Cochise County, CV2023-00363; the board returned from closed session at 2:36 p.m. and adjourned.
The Cochise County Jail District Board of Directors voted during a special meeting to enter an executive session under Arizona Revised Statutes §38-431.03(A)(3) to discuss possible legal action and enforcement of settlement agreement terms in LaChance v. Cochise County, CV2023-00363.
The session was authorized after a motion moved by Supervisor Gomez (District 2) and seconded by an unnamed board member. Gomez moved “that per executive session as authorized under ARS 38 dash 4 3 1 0 3, subsection a 3, that we move into executive session discussion, possible direction, and potential legal action regarding enforcement of settlement agreement terms in LaChance versus Cochise County, CV2023-00363.” The motion carried after the board voted in favor; members responded “Aye.”
Under Arizona law cited by the board, a governing body may meet in executive session to obtain legal advice and discuss pending or potential litigation. The meeting transcript records no public deliberations on the substance of the settlement during the open record; the board moved into and later exited the closed session. The transcript shows the board announced, “We are now out of executive session. The time is 02:36.”
Those listed in attendance included Supervisor Crosby (District 1, attending remotely), Supervisor Gomez (District 2), Supervisor Antler (District 3), and several staff and law enforcement representatives identified in the record: Laura Lowenheim, Paul Correa, Dylan Haendel, Sheriff Commander Bradshaw, Mr. Cosby, and Mr. Lasota. The transcript also notes Sharon Dillon and an attendee identified as Mr. Lophedo attempted to join.
The board announced the next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. in the Hearing Room. The transcript does not record substantive public discussion of the settlement terms or any public votes on the underlying settlement; no additional motions or directions that require public disclosure were recorded in the open portions of the meeting.
Action and attendance details below are based on the meeting transcript and the board’s roll call and motion statements.
