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District attorney, commissioners publicly thank jail deputies and staff for handling complex, violent inmate case
Summary
Crook County leaders publicly commended jail staff and deputies for handling an unusually difficult inmate who required prolonged decontamination and extra security; officials said staff work prevented further harm to witnesses and community members.
District Attorney Carrie Hawthorne and other officials publicly thanked Crook County jail staff and deputies during the Sept. 24 board meeting for their work managing an inmate who engaged in prolonged disruptive and self‑harm behavior over several months and during a multi‑day trial.
Why it matters: The DA described extreme incidents — including smearing feces, threats to staff and repeated attempts at self‑harm — that required personal protective equipment for deputies and extensive decontamination of jail spaces. Officials praised deputies, lieutenant command staff and jail investigators for keeping courthouse proceedings and the community safe during transport and courtroom appearances.
Hawthorne said deputies and jail staff provided continuous protection to witnesses, court staff, and the public during the trial. She recounted deputies wearing Tyvek suits and other protective gear during cell cleanups and described the psychological and physical strain on jail staff. A speaker from the sheriff’s office detailed a jail investigation that led to discovery of contraband communication — including a smuggled cell phone — and coordination with a federal prison to stop outside communication into the local facility.
Commissioners and the DA highlighted the jail’s role in monitoring inmate mail and calls and said recent interventions likely prevented further criminal conduct. No formal action or policy change was taken at the meeting; the remarks were a public recognition of staff performance.
Ending: Commissioners publicly thanked the DA, jail command staff and deputies and noted the difficulty of corrections work; there were no policy changes announced at the meeting.
