A former custody assistant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has recently pleaded no contest to charges of committing sex crimes against an inmate in a jail cell located in Lancaster back in 2019. The district attorney made this announcement on a Friday and has indicated that they will be pushing for the maximum sentence of eight years for the alleged attack.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman expressed his strong condemnation of the heinous act, stating, “What happened to the victim in this case is unconscionable, and our office will not tolerate such egregious abuses of authority. A member of law enforcement who commits sex crimes against an inmate in their custody deserves to be imprisoned. Our prosecutors will vigorously argue for the maximum sentence in state prison.”
The victim, a woman who was allegedly assaulted by Daniel Everts, now 30 years old, filed a federal lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County in 2019. The case was eventually settled for $950,000 two years later. In her lawsuit, the woman detailed that she had been booked into the Lancaster station jail in June 2019 for driving under the influence. She claimed that Everts assaulted her after she requested a blanket, with Everts warning her that failing to comply with his demands could result in an extended stay in custody.
According to the lawsuit, Everts then entered her jail cell, pulled down his pants, and forced her to engage in oral sex. The woman was released the following day, while Everts was arrested a few days later and subsequently released on $100,000 bail. Everts faced charges of three felonies: forcible oral copulation, oral copulation under threat of arrest, and sexual activity with a detained inmate. Initially pleading not guilty, Everts recently changed his plea to a no contest for all counts.
The investigation into the case was conducted by the Sheriff’s Department, with sentencing scheduled for July 7th. The details of this disturbing incident shed light on the importance of upholding the integrity and ethics within law enforcement agencies and ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations.
Expert Commentary on Law Enforcement Accountability
In light of this troubling case involving a custody assistant abusing their authority and committing sex crimes against an inmate, legal experts emphasize the critical need for increased accountability and oversight within law enforcement agencies. Attorney Rachel Thomas, specializing in civil rights cases, highlights the significance of holding individuals in positions of power accountable for their actions. She notes, “Cases like these underscore the importance of transparency, thorough investigations, and swift justice in addressing misconduct within law enforcement. It is crucial to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, including those under the custody of law enforcement officers.”
Impact of the Settlement on Victim Recovery
The settlement reached between the victim and the Sheriff’s Department raises questions about the impact of financial compensation on the healing and recovery process for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Dr. Michael Wong, a psychologist specializing in trauma recovery, explains that while financial compensation can provide some form of restitution and validation for the victim’s experience, it is essential to also prioritize emotional and psychological support. He emphasizes, “Survivors of sexual violence often face long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. It is crucial to offer comprehensive support services, including counseling and therapy, to aid in their healing and recovery journey.”
As the legal proceedings continue and sentencing approaches, the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to address systemic issues of abuse of power and ensure accountability and justice for survivors of sexual crimes within our criminal justice system. The voices of survivors must be heard, and their rights protected to prevent such egregious abuses from occurring in the future.
