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Justice Department confirms investigation of Sangamon County Sheriff's Office after Sonya Massey's death
https://www.nprillinois.org/sangamon-county/2024-11-15/justice-department-confirms-investigation-of-sangamon-county-sheriffs-office-after-sonya-masseys-deathThe U.S. Department of Justice has confirmed an investigation is underway into the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department.
In a letter to county officials dated Nov. 14, the federal agency said it reviewed complaints alleging the sheriff’s department and central dispatch may be in violation of nondiscrimination requirements. The complaints were related to the death of Sonya Massey, who had called 9-1-1 for help and was later shot and killed in her home by then-Deputy Sean Grayson on July 6.
Grayson is held on first degree murder charges. Following the incident, his previous work history was scrutinized. Reports showed he had been discharged from the Army for serious misconduct. He also had multiple arrests for driving under the influence. Police departments he worked for raised concerns about his temperament and decision-making.
“The incident raises serious concerns about SCSO’s interactions with Black people and people with behavioral health disabilities, as well as SCSO’s policies, practices, procedures, and training regarding community policing, bias-free policing, response to behavioral health crises, use of force, de-escalation, affirmative duty to intervene, affirmative duty to render medical aid, and body-worn camera (“BWC”) policies and compliance,“ it said.
In a letter to county officials dated Nov. 14, the federal agency said it reviewed complaints alleging the sheriff’s department and central dispatch may be in violation of nondiscrimination requirements. The complaints were related to the death of Sonya Massey, who had called 9-1-1 for help and was later shot and killed in her home by then-Deputy Sean Grayson on July 6.
Grayson is held on first degree murder charges. Following the incident, his previous work history was scrutinized. Reports showed he had been discharged from the Army for serious misconduct. He also had multiple arrests for driving under the influence. Police departments he worked for raised concerns about his temperament and decision-making.
“The incident raises serious concerns about SCSO’s interactions with Black people and people with behavioral health disabilities, as well as SCSO’s policies, practices, procedures, and training regarding community policing, bias-free policing, response to behavioral health crises, use of force, de-escalation, affirmative duty to intervene, affirmative duty to render medical aid, and body-worn camera (“BWC”) policies and compliance,“ it said.