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    Back to Orange County Line

    Orange County Line

    Will OC Jail Escape Affect Sheriff Sandra Hutchens

    A high-profile jail escape compounds problems for OC's sheriff.

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    By Gustavo Arellano • Jan 26, 2016 • 4m Listen

    Friday's dramatic escape from OC Jail by three violent criminals is making headlines across the country. Locally, it's the latest black eye for Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, who's been on the job for eight years. Her department has been embroiled in a jailhouse informant scandal that's been upending the Orange County District Attorney's office and that saw a judge accuse two of her deputies of perjury. A year ago, the OC Grand Jury noted the lack of good cameras to monitor inmates, a factor that played into the escapee's plans. Will the escape affect Hutchens' reelection chances?

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Gustavo Arellano

      columnist, LA Times

      CultureNewsOrange County
    Back to Orange County Line