(Editor’s note: This story was updated Wednesday evening to reflect new information, namely that the tazing incident occurred in September, not in February as an earlier version of this story reported.)
By Matt Ward
Pahrump Valley Times
A Nye County Sheriff’s deputy was fired and numerous other police officers disciplined after an inmate in the county’s Pahrump detention facility was zapped multiple times with a stun gun while he was shackled and in handcuffs, sources tell the Pahrump Valley Times.
A criminal investigation into the incident is underway and sources say the FBI is involved.
The newspaper has learned that former jail deputy Dan Ellis is at the center of the investigation. Ellis was placed on administrative leave after video of the incident — which the newspaper learned late Wednesday occurred in September of last year — was reviewed by a detective, turned over to the sheriff’s internal affairs section and determined to show excessive force by the officer, possibly rising to criminal battery on a prisoner.
At least five, and perhaps six, deputies who witnessed the incident and failed to report it were also disciplined. One source inside the sheriff’s office who did not want to be named said those officers have since been “retrained.”
Sheriff Tony DeMeo said he would not comment about any open internal affairs investigations. He did confirm, however, that the FBI is looking into the matter.
“We self-reported this to the FBI,” he said.
One source in the sheriff’s office said the inmate in question was causing a disturbance and possibly even hurting himself when he was tazed by another deputy. After the inmate, whose name has not been released, was subdued with restraints, Ellis allegedly continued to taze him.
The inmate was described by more than one police source as a homeless person. A detective was subsequently dispatched to get a statement from the inmate after he’d already been released from jail.
Ellis, meanwhile, was terminated on Feb. 25 after four years with the sheriff’s office. At some point a police report was sent to the district attorney’s office. Sources say criminal charges may be pending against Ellis.
District Attorney Brian Kunzi would not confirm or deny that such an investigation is ongoing. He also would not confirm whether his office has received any reports regarding this incident from the sheriff’s internal affairs office.
“Unfortunately, I cannot offer any comment, because at this stage it is a personnel matter. All employment disputes have to be resolved in accordance with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement,” he wrote in an email response to questions about the case.
Efforts to reach Ellis via telephone and at a Pahrump address were not successful Wednesday morning. A source in county government not authorized to speak about personnel matters told the newspaper that Ellis has filed notice that he will appeal his termination. Sources also say that the deputies disciplined in the matter may seek legal counsel through the Nye County Law Enforcement Association during questioning by the FBI.
Det. David Boruchowitz, president of the association, refused to comment because the matter is ongoing and is a personnel issue. He did confirm that it is customary for the association to provide legal counsel in situations where deputies are called upon to provide information about incidents that result in disciplinary action.
A special agent in the FBI’s Las Vegas field office, who sources say is leading the investigation into the tazing incident, referred questions to a public information officer who did not respond to a phone message left Tuesday evening.
DeMeo said it is his office’s policy to inform the FBI about incidents involving potential civil rights violations. The FBI became involved in this case after the sheriff’s internal affairs investigation was complete and a separate criminal investigation had already commenced.
This is a developing news story. Check back for more details as they emerge.
This is a perfect reason for having a GRAND JURY.
Why do you say that DeCanio? Looks to me like the NCSO fired the officer and then sent the matter over to have him prosecuted. Are people like you never satisfied?
Everyone else has stated the obvious – apparently Louie does not understand the role of a Grand Jury.
I understand the role of the GRAND JURY perfectly and it’s apparent that you and the NCSO also understand that the GRAND JURY can uncover all the “WHITEWASHES” performed by internal affairs and you sure don’t want anybody to do that. Any jury is fair and impartial but police investigating their own “BROTHERS” is nothing more then a smoke & mirror show.
Louie, be careful what you wish for.
No it’s not. Sorry.
Let’s see now… The deputy who committed the offense was fired. Five or six deputies who witnessed the event and failed to report it were disciplined. The sheriff self-reported the incident to the FBI for additional investigation. A report was subsequently sent to the DA’s office for possible criminal prosecution. (Edited: no matter how delicate your comment…we don’t allow personal bashing – PVT)
You’re absolutely right, and I apologize. Let’s just say my frustration ran away with my comment. : )
So your saying that if a citizen had tazered a deputy while 6 of his friends stood around and watched, the punishment and investigation would be the same, I don’t think so. The real sad part is the fact a few bad apples are making many good people look bad. If everything is on the “SQUARE” then what took 3 weeks for the public to hear about this incident. What do you think would have happened to Robert S. Beckett our previous Nye County District Attorney if Nye County had a Grand Jury?
This is another tier in the Nye County Pyramid scheme? Another level of enforcement paid by the taxpayer/Pahrumpians? and for what! The police to police the police. I am sick of Pahrump being the “service station” for the county.
Now we find out this incident took place last september and we are hearing about it NOW, so I guess everyone’s comments about everything being on the UP&UP goes right out the window.This shows how desperately we need a GRAND JURY.
Louie, tell us how it “goes out the window”.
You must believe that the cops should tell the public immediately about everything they do. Unrealistic – besides as kunzi said, it is a personel matter. Again, if you think a Grand Jury would have brought this to lite any sooner, you obviously do not understand how a Grand Jury works.
So you think 6 months later is appropriate, well here is what I think happened.They tried to cover it up but somehow this incident leaked out and now they are trying to cover their tracks. If everything is on the “SQUARE” then why are certain people so afraid of a GRAND JURY that will make ALL people held accountable for their actions.
First I heard of that anyone is afraid of a Grand Jury. How do you know people are afraid of a Grand Jury?
As for the length of time, why don’t you ask the cops instead of speculating on something you have no knowledge of.
I would like to thank the Sheriff and any other officers involved who took measures to escalate and investigate the matter, instead of sweeping it under the rug as may have occurred in other jurisdictions. Job well done. Thank you.
I agree, good comment.
I agree with desert cat.
exactly, this was done perfectly, not a single issue. I don’t understand how anyone could find fault with this.
It is about time they did something about Ellis!!!! What a Smuck! He is one of many that makes that department look really bad. I have had the pleasure or should I say the displeasure of coming in contact with this guy, and I was there to visit an inmate and he treated myself and my family as we were low lifes…Well look who the low life is now Mr. Ellis, what goes around comes around. Maybe you should treat other human beings like human beings! Just saying. By the way that goes for that whole department!!!!