Jury: Deputies partially to blame in death

Prosecutors on Monday released the transcripts from a nine-month-long grand jury investigation into the slaying of an inmate at the Theo Lacy jail in Costa Mesa, taking sheriff’s officials to task for their negligence, but falling short of finding any authorities criminally responsible.

“I would like to express my disappointment and frustration in the conduct of certain members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Their conduct is shocking and unacceptable,” District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said in a prepared statement.

Nine inmates, including Raul Villafana, 21, of Costa Mesa, were indicted in the beating death of John Chamberlain, who was in custody while facing child pornography charges. Villafana faces 25 years to life if convicted.

Investigators found “institutionalized laziness” by deputies was partially to blame for Chamberlain’s death. For instance, deputies are too often preoccupied with watching TV, text messaging, playing video games and sleeping on the job, according to the grand jury. Rackauckas said deputies did not patrol the floor, they let inmates govern themselves and did not hinder them from learning who among them were charged for child abuse crimes. Those inmates are common targets for beatings, prosecutors said.

Deputies are supposed to patrol each wing every half hour, but on the night Chamberlain was beaten to death they did not do so for at least six hours, according to the grand jury. The jury recommended county officials work together to reform the jail system, but did not offer specific suggestions.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.