Eleven Charged in Death of Inmate Maurice Monk

Nine Alameda County sheriff's deputies and two civilian employees from Santa Rita Jail have been charged with felony dependent adult abuse in connection with the 2021 death of inmate Maurice Monk. Three of these deputies are also facing charges for falsifying official documents. Monk, who had mental health issues, was found dead in his cell after being neglected for days, allegedly without adequate care or medication. The charges, filed by District Attorney Pamela Price, align with her commitment to hold law enforcement accountable for in-custody deaths. Despite these charges, Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez expressed disappointment, asserting the mistakes did not constitute criminal negligence. Monk's family had previously settled a wrongful death lawsuit with Alameda County for $7 million.