An open letter to Sheriff Hutchens

Sheriff, concerned citizens would like to ask you a few questions:

1. Are members (or a member) of the SAFE Division (which you created), or any other OCSD division, under investigation for illegally using law enforcement and/or DMV databases to probe the histories and/or personal information of individuals not under criminal investigation, such as current or former love interests, or romantic rivals?

2. If this investigation is happening, have you kept it ‘in house’ by refusing to report the possible violation to the DMV or California Attorney General so that an independent investigation can be undertaken?

3. If this investigation is happening, have you notified the FBI and the Department of Justice as to the possible violations of 18 USC 2721, 2722, and 2723 so that they may begin an independent investigation?

4. If this investigation is happening, have you notified the individual or individuals whose confidential records were illegally obtained that they may seek relief against the county and responsible parties under 18 USC 2724?

5. If this investigation is happening, have you considered that the department members under scrutiny may have felt their actions were sanctioned considering your refusal to dismiss certain members of your command staff after the BOS ’spying’ incident?

6. If this investigation is happening, can you explain why, after your promise of transparency, you have not revealed this incident to the public through the media?

The citizens of Orange County eagerly await your response.