KSBY News has confirmed FBI investigators are in town interviewing people as part of their investigation into possible civil rights violations at the San Luis Obispo County Jail.
A source revealed the interviews began Monday and will likely continue through the week.
The death of inmate Andrew Holland sparked the investigation. He died of a blood clot last year after being tied to a restraint chair for 46 hours at the county jail.
Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Sheriff Ian Parkinson has said Holland was restrained because he was suffering a psychotic episode and awaiting transfer to the mental health facility. His admission was denied by county health.
A legal expert told KSBY News after the FBI investigation is completed, and if there is enough evidence to move forward, the FBI will impanel a grand jury to seek an indictment against the Sheriff’s Office.
Holland’s death started a firestorm in the community with many calling on Parkinson to resign.
Holland’s family backed Greg Clayton who ran against Parkinson in the June 5 election.
Parkinson won the election by a wide margin.
Parkinson has maintained his correctional deputies followed protocol and that the FBI investigation will vindicate his office.
