Two $1-Million Claims Allege O.C. Jail Beatings

Two men who served brief periods in Orange County Jail for traffic violations each filed $1-million claims this week against the county, alleging that sheriff’s deputies beat them in separate incidents.

The claims, filed Thursday, come three weeks after sheriff’s officials opened a criminal probe into accusations that deputies attacked dozens of inmates during a November jailhouse protest.

In the latest allegations, John Kenneth Lolli of Brea, who served one night in jail in October, says that deputies broke two ribs after he requested a snack to maintain his blood sugar level. Lolli said he is a diabetic.

Howard Faulkner, who is scheduled to be released from jail in March, accused deputies of beating him last month without provocation as he returned to his cell after dinner. Faulkner said he needed hospital treatment for severe bruises.

Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino said he was unaware of either Lolli’s or Faulkner’s case but that officials would review the complaints.

In previous interviews, officials have strongly denied allegations that deputies beat inmates, saying that the jail staff uses only enough force to quell violent disturbances.

In a disturbance over last Thanksgiving weekend, about 30 deputies in riot gear ended what authorities called a near-riot which involved nearly 50 inmates. Investigators conducted interviews and reviewed videotape of the incident before concluding that the deputies acted properly, sheriff’s officials said.

But authorities launched a second inquiry after Newport Beach attorney Jonathan M. Slipp filed a $5-million brutality claim against the county over deputies’ conduct during the melee. Slipp also represents Lolli and Faulkner.