SAGUACHE, Colo. — A federal jury has awarded $4 million to the mother of a man who died by suicide while in custody at the Saguache County jail more than five years ago. The trial highlighted serious allegations against the sheriff’s office and its procedures regarding mental health crises.
Jackson Maes, 27, took his life in his jail cell despite previously expressing suicidal thoughts. His mother, Sarah Lieberenz, contended in her lawsuit that deputies ignored warning signs and failed to monitor her son adequately. She claimed no deputy checked on him for over eight hours the night he died.
On Wednesday, the jury found the sheriff’s office accountable for insufficient training and determined that a jail commander exhibited deliberate indifference to Maes’ needs. Jurors began deliberations Tuesday afternoon and reached their verdict the following day around 1 p.m.
Sean Dormer, an attorney representing Lieberenz, emphasized the verdict as a crucial affirmation that Maes deserved better care, arguing that suicidal thoughts should not lead to tragic outcomes. He noted that the trial served as a statement that no one facing such difficulties should be left without the necessary support.
Saguache County Sheriff Dan Warwick did not respond to inquiries regarding the case on Wednesday.
The incident occurred on November 16, 2019, after Maes had been arrested for being intoxicated at a local bar. A deputy took him into custody when it was discovered he had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court related to a traffic violation. Maes exhibited concerning behavior, banging his head against the wall and making suicidal remarks when placed in a holding cell.
According to court documents, deputies attempted to contact mental health professionals, but no one answered their call, and they did not pursue other avenues for assistance. Furthermore, Maes was not placed on suicide watch, which was critical given the circumstances.
At approximately 10:15 p.m., less than a minute after a deputy had last checked on him, Maes began to fashion a noose in his cell. Video footage reveals he hanged himself just six minutes later, while deputies were reportedly socializing away from the monitoring area. His lifeless body was not found until 7 a.m. the next day.
A report from one deputy claimed checks were performed at 11 p.m. and midnight, yet surveillance footage contradicted this account. Another deputy who took over monitoring duties at midnight also failed to check on the inmates, raising serious questions about the protocol followed that evening.
Dormer highlighted during the trial that a simple cell check could have taken mere seconds and potentially saved Maes’ life. He anticipates the final financial settlement will exceed the jury’s award due to additional attorney fees and costs, bringing the total closer to $7 million.
This case underscores significant issues within correctional facilities and the desperate need for improved mental health training and protocols for inmates. Concerns surrounding the treatment of individuals in custody are critical as advocates continue to call for reform in jail and prison systems nationwide.
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