The National Republican Campaign Committee is publicly supporting Scott Jones, the untrustworthy head of the scandal-ridden Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, by adding him to their “Young Guns” program. This is a clear signal that congressional Republicans looked high and low for a viable candidate in California’s 7th district and all they came up with was Jones – and his baggage.
As a reminder, Jones has been under fire for a host of questionable actions. For nearly ten years, the Sacramento Sheriff’s department has used secret cellphone surveillance technology without obtaining warrants. Jones misled residents by saying the technology does not collect their calls or text messages – except that it can.
Jones also continues to face scrutiny for the increase in the use of excessive force, beatings, and the deaths of inmates and mentally ill residents under his watch. Jones even promoted one of his officers facing an $800,000 lawsuit. The tolerance of his department’s misconduct is not only reprehensible, it has cost Sacramento County taxpayers.
“Congressional Republicans have decided to wrap their arms around scandal-ridden Scott Jones, but no amount of support will overshadow Jones’ pattern of deceit,” said Barb Solish of the DCCC. “Voters will have a clear choice at the ballot box in November.”