Four deputies disciplined in Deschutes Co. Jail death

Four deputies have been disciplined as Oregon’s justice department investigates the death of an inmate who overdosed while in the Deschutes County jail.

Deschutes County sheriff’s counsel Darryl Nakahira confirmed Friday to NewsChannel 21 that two of the four deputies were supervisors who have been demoted.

“This is related to the lack of professional behavior,” sheriff’s Capt. Shane Nelson said in an e-mail to Nakahira.

Nakahira said he couldn’t share details of the disciplinary action under Oregon public records law.

The deputies are named in a $10.7 million lawsuit filed by the family of 31-year-old Edwin Burl Mays, who overdosed on meth while in custody. Deschutes County is among those named in the lawsuit, as is Sheriff Larry Blanton.

County counsel Dave Doyle told The Bulletin a legal defense will start being prepared when the justice department’s investigation concludes.