Justice Department launches investigation into Orange County jailhouse snitch scandal

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Justice Department announced it has opened an investigation into the Orange County District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Department on Thursday.

The investigation stems from the jailhouse snitch scandal, which alleged prosecutor and deputies were working with jailhouse informants to gather evidence against defendants without their knowledge.

The Justice Department said it would be determining whether the departments violated the Sixth and 14th amendment rights of defendants.

MORE: Appeal court upholds misconduct ruling in Orange County jailhouse snitch scandal

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas requested that the Justice Department review his office's informant policies and practices, according to federal officials.

"We are confident that this investigation, and the cooperation being offered by the Orange County District Attorney's Office, will help restore public confidence in the integrity of the Orange County criminal justice system," U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said in a written statement.

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