Cleveland County Inmate Death Raising More Questions About Jail Safety & Drugs

1. Inmate Death: Jacob Shane Dieball, 27, died Jan. 10, 2025, marking the first inmate death of the year at Cleveland County Detention Center (CCDC).
2. Death Investigation: Preliminary reports indicate NARCAN was administered, suggesting signs of an overdose. The Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.
3. History of Deaths: Dieball's death is the 11th during Sheriff Chris Amason’s administration which began Nov. 2020. Five inmates died in 2024 amid public scrutiny of jail operations.
4. Oversight: SIMCO Correctional Consulting, LLC, is conducting an independent investigation into detainee deaths. The Oklahoma State Auditor & Investigator is conducting a forensic audit of the budget.

What Happened?

On Jan. 10, 2025, Cleveland County Detention Center inmate Jacob Shane Dieball was found unresponsive in his bunk. The official timeline released by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) states the following:

1. 9:21 a.m.: Detention officers conducted a routine sight check, noting Dieball was breathing and moving his head and hands. No issues were detected in the cell block.
2. 9:35 a.m.: Staff were alerted to a welfare concern. Dieball was found unresponsive but still breathing. NARCAN administered.
3. 9:53 a.m.: Emergency medical services (EMSSTAT) were called, and CPR was initiated.
4. 10:05 a.m.: Dieball was pronounced dead by EMS personnel.

What is NARCAN, and why was it administered?

NARCAN is frequently used by law enforcement to reverse opioid overdoses. Its administration suggests Dieball exhibited signs of an overdose, despite being in custody for over two months. Dieball had been in custody since Oct. 24, 2024, following multiple drug and firearm-related charges. The use of NARCAN raises questions about drug access with the CCDC.

Sheriff’s Office Statement

The Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement:

"Preliminary review shows Dieball was lying on his bunk breathing and moving his head and hands at approximately 0921 hours. Detention Staff was alerted at 0935 hours for a welfare check. Staff administered Narcan, and Turnkey Medical Staff began lifesaving measures. CPR continued until EMSTAT arrived. Dieball was pronounced deceased by EMSTAT at 1005 hours. The cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner."

Commissioners’ Response

The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners have expressed concern over the inmate deaths, reiterating a commitment to reform.

Storme Jones, Cleveland County Director of Communications stated:

“The Commissioners express their sadness over this loss of life. While acknowledging that detainee populations often face higher risks than the general population, the Board considers any preventable loss of life unacceptable. To address the ongoing concerns over in-custody deaths, the Board stresses the need for full cooperation from all parties responsible for housing Cleveland County detainees with SIMCO Correctional Consulting, LLC, the independent consultant hired by Commissioners to identify the root causes of detainee deaths.”

Inmate Deaths Under Scrutiny

Dieball’s death adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Sheriff Chris Amason’s administration, regarding jail safety operations and allocation of resources:

1. 2024 Inmate Deaths: Five detainees died in custody last year, including:
2. Alex Jermaine Wright (Oct. 3)
3. Nicole Deann McComb (Aug. 28)
4. Daniel Edward Freeman (Aug. 25)
5. Thomas Sanchez Pesina (May 4)
6. William Kenneth Moore (April 19)

Jail Safety Concerns

The Cleveland County Detention Center has faced increasing criticism under Sheriff Chris Amason’s leadership:

1. 2024 Inmate Deaths: Five detainees died in custody, prompting the commissioners to hire SIMCO Correctional Consulting, LLC, in 2024 to investigate possible systemic issues. Sheriff Amason was initially accused of delaying the investigation by withholding documentation, which he denies.
2. Budget Disputes: Sheriff Amason accuses commissioners of underfunding his office, calling it a political maneuver. The commissioners argue the issues stem from his financial mismanagement. During a heated debate, Amason was accused of criminal behavior in his overspending, which he denies.

Budget Challenges and Legal Troubles

The Sheriff's Office has faced budgetary and legal issues that critics say reflect mismanagement:

1. Staffing Cuts: Amason reduced staff in late 2024, citing a budget shortfall.
2. “Bailout”: County leaders approved a $3.2 million “bailout” for the sheriff’s office in 2024.
3. Lawsuit: A civil suit filed in December 2024 accuses Amason of defaulting on a $40,000 personal loan. Critics argue this is indicative of broader financial mismanagement. He declined to comment on the personal matter.
4. Forensic Audit: The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector released a preliminary report in June 2024, highlighting initial findings in forensic review of the sheriff’s budget. The full report can be found below.

A final report is expected soon.

Ongoing Investigations:

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) was requested to assist in Dieball’s death investigation, as it has in the county’s inmate death cases. Findings from the investigations have not been publicly released.