Report clears deputies in Maita raid

The jury findings, released Tuesday, said the officers didn't cause the death of Philip Maita.

Jurors, responding to a petition, reviewed details of the July 1996 raid by deputies who looking for stolen property they believed his grandson possessed.

A civil lawsuit filed by Maita's family claims Maita was injured when he was knocked to the floor with a shotgun butt.

But after interviewing 19 witnesses, jurors found that Maita was blocking a doorway and was pushed aside and against a wall by a deputy - and the contact could have been avoided if he had complied with a demand to step aside.

Maita's immediate cause of death was listed as respiratory distress syndrome, acute leukemia and other health problems.

The grand jury also said the Carson City jail is outdated and overpopulated - but that will be resolved when a new jail opens next March.

However, the grand jury added the city was shortsighted in not seeking funding for the sheriff's administration, operations and dispatch functions in the new facility.

The report concluded the 17-member grand jury's 18-month review of various city government departments. The grand jury study cost an estimated $34,000.

Jurors also:

-Gave a thumbs up to a controversial decision by supervisors to lease out operations at Eagle Valley Golf Course.

"It is the conclusion of the Grand Jury that no useful purpose can be served by attempting to second-guess the years of debate and decision-making that have resulted in this highly politicized process," the report states.

-Criticized the local school board, saying panel members should get more involved in schools, and said overcrowding is a problem in all schools at all levels.

-Credited City Manager John Berkich for being "proactive in seeking ways to deal with the issues facing Carson City."

-Concluded supervisors continue to expand Health Department staffing in ensure adequate inspections required to assure public health and sanitation. But jurors said more inspections at the jail are needed.

-Said Carson City should have a public works plan similar to one used by the Nevada Department of Transportation for clearing debris from storm drains and culverts.

archive