Arizona County Set to Pay $1M in Inmate’s Death

Maricopa County is set to pay out $1 million to the family of a man who died while in custody of the Sheriff’s Office.

The Arizona Republic reports Juan Farias Mendoza died in 2008 after a physical exchange with detention officers.

A notice of claim named the Sheriff’s Office and the county’s Correctional Health Services agency, which is responsible for inmate health care.

Mendoza was taken into custody in December 2007 on a DUI probation. The claim says Mendoza died after a series of altercations with sheriff’s officials, including the use of pepper spray, a stun gun and physical force.

Mendoza’s three children originally asked for $6 million, however, an item on the Board of Supervisors’ Wednesday agenda indicates the board is prepared to approve a $1 million settlement.