In March 2011, Deputy Ben Spencer was involved in a civil standby to assist Ricardo Ortiz in retrieving personal belongings from a residence. Spencer left the premises before Ortiz completed the retrieval, violating department policies. This departure led to Ortiz being fatally shot by the property owner, Joseph Nieves. The incident resulted in a lawsuit against the County and Spencer, alleging inadequate training and supervision. The court dismissed the claims against the County and Sheriff Tim Saxon, citing insufficient evidence of a policy of inadequate training. Spencer was not reprimanded for his actions in this incident.
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