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BREAKING: Archie Warren Transferred From Narcotics Unit to Coroner's Office After Suing Sheriff
July 8, 2011
Detective Sgt. Archie Warren was transferred from the Monterey County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit to the Coroner's Office Friday, a week after filing a lawsuit against Sheriff Scott Miller and Undersheriff Max Houser for their conduct in the investigation of Miller's son, Jacob.
Cmdr. Jerry Teeter confirmed that Warren had been transferred, but declined to comment further on the reasons for the transfer. Warren's lawyer, David P. Mastagni, was more forthcoming about the move, which seems to represent a dramatic demotion for the law enforcement veteran.
"Given [Warren's] expertise and experience as a narcotics officer, this transfer would appear to be improper, and a clear pattern of behavior is beginning to emerge," Mastagni said. Said behavior includes the Sheriff's internal investigation of Jacob Miller's arrest, which according to Warren's complaint included inappropriate interrogation of him and a Seaside Police Department detective and a search of Warren's office that violated the Peace Officer's Bill of Rights.
"I've represented police and sheriffs for 39 years, and I'm unaware of a post-arrest investigation of this type following a routine narcotics arrest occurring anywhere in the state," Mastagni added. "We're glad that the investigation has moved to the Department of Justice." On Monday, Scott Miller requested a state DOJ investigation of his department's conduct in his son's June 28 arrest on multiple drug charges.
Nobody in the Sheriff's office is authorized to speak about Warren's transfer; instead, Jones and Meyer, the Fullerton-based law firm that represents the California State Sheriffs' Association, will be handling all inquiries. Martin Meyer was not available for comment Friday.
More on this story as it develops.
Documents from the Jacob Scott Miller case and Archie Warren's civil complaint here.
Previous coverage:
Sheriff's Office Serves Warrant at Sheriff's Son's Home: http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/w...
MoCo Sheriff's Son Arraigned, Charged With Meth Possession: http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/w...
Sheriff Hit With Lawsuit Following Son's Arrest: http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/w...
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