Panel Urges $4-Million Payment in Drug Raid Death
A county panel recommended spending $4 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the survivors of millionaire Donald Scott, who was shot to death in a 1992 raid at his Ventura County ranch by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and federal agents.
The Ventura County district attorney and Scott’s widow allege the drug raid--which turned up no illegal narcotics--was intended to allow federal and county authorities to seize Scott’s 200-acre ranch.
In January, the government agreed to pay $5 million to settle the long-standing lawsuit. The federal government will pay $1 million of that total, and the county will pay the balance. The county also has spent about $1 million in legal fees on the case, county documents show.
County attorneys wrote that they believe the county has a “viable” defense but were concerned whether a jury would believe police. The county’s share of the settlement must be approved by the Board of Supervisors. The issue is scheduled for the board’s April 18 meeting.
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