Inmates say O.C. lockdown is unfair

A three-week lockdown at a high-security Orange County jail -- triggered by racially charged fights between inmates -- is drawing protests from prisoners who say authorities are being heavy-handed by stripping them of basic privileges.

But Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials said the get-tough treatment was needed to keep violence from continuing or spreading to other jail facilities.

Last year, racially sparked violence spread through county jails in Los Angeles, leaving more than 100 injured.

The lockdown at Theo Lacy Jail in Orange is believed to be the longest ever at the jail, jail officials said.

The stricter security measures began Sept. 14 when five Latinos at Theo Lacy attacked four African American inmates after one group reportedly showed a lack of respect toward the other, jail officials said.

After tensions eased, measures that prohibited inmates from taking recreation breaks or even leaving their cells were gradually lifted but then quickly reinstated after more violence. The second incident took place Sept. 23 during chapel services.

Sheriff’s officials acknowledge that there’s a chance racial tensions that have routinely flared in Los Angeles County jails may have trickled south into Orange County. But Damon Micalizzi, a sheriff’s spokesman, said the recent outbreak at Theo Lacy appeared homegrown.

“This first fight was definitely split along racial lines and started from an issue of lack of respect,” Micalizzi said. A gang leader was disrespected by a member of a rival group in a recreation area, authorities said.

Inmate wounds were described as minor, amounting to cuts and bruises. No weapons were used, officials said, adding that fewer than 10 inmates fought on each occasion.

With more than 2,700 inmates, those involved in the violence represent a small percentage of the inmate population at Theo Lacy, Micalizzi said.

Lockdowns at the jail are not unusual, but normally are brief. During the race riots that broke out in Los Angeles County jails in February 2006, leaving two dead and more than 100 injured, both Orange County Central Jail and Theo Lacy were locked down to prevent violence. No problems were reported.

Inmates have told their attorneys that the jail’s current security measures are too restrictive because they include all inmates.

Jail officials suspended inmates’ visitor privileges, their access to recreation areas and their privilege to worship, shower and eat in large groups.

Criminal defense lawyer Fred Fascenelli has at least 25 clients detained in Theo Lacy.

“The conditions are that they get showers every other day, and they are more or less cut off from the rest of the world,” he said.

Inmates’ telephone use is prohibited, Fascenelli said.

Lockdowns do not limit court appearances, visits from attorneys, bail bondsmen and law enforcement agencies. Inmates do receive medication and medical treatment, officials said.

david.reyes@latimes.com

seema.mehta@latimes.com.