Mistrial Declared In Jail Corruption Case Against LASD Deputy

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A mistrial was declared Thursday for a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy accused in a federal probe alleging abuse inside the jail system.

Jurors failed to come to a verdict in the conspiracy and obstruction trial for James Sexton, citing that they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict after deliberating for one day.

Sexton, and 17 others, are all named in a series of indictments alleging various acts of corruption.

According to the indictment, an inmate identified only as "AB" was working as an informant for the FBI in connection with the federal probe.

On Aug. 25, 2011, a federal judge ordered the inmate — who was identified earlier by the Los Angeles Times as Anthony Brown — to appear before a grand jury as part of the investigation, according to the indictment.

After learning of the federal probe, the defendants "knowingly conspired to corruptly influence, obstruct and impede, and endeavor to influence, obstruct and impede, the due administration of justice," the indictment alleges.

Sexton has been suspended from the department without pay.

A status conference has been set for June 9 where the  U.S. Attorney's Office will announce if they plan to retry the case.

If convicted, Sexton faces 15 years in prison.

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