Why Federal Involvement is Still Possible in the Isbill Homicide

PIO hired to gain trust

Even without public confirmation, the DOJ, through the FBI and the Civil Rights Division, often monitors or reviews high-profile cases involving in-custody deaths and alleged law enforcement misconduct, especially when state charges are filed...A state conviction may make a defendant more likely to cooperate with federal investigators (for a reduced sentence), potentially leading to evidence against higher-ranking officials.

Parallel Investigation: The federal government can run its own investigation alongside the state's, often using the FBI. This is most common in high-profile, complex cases.
Waiting Period: The DOJ often waits until the state prosecution is fully resolved (acquittal, conviction, or dismissal) before deciding on federal charges.

"Double Jeopardy" (Not a Factor): The Fifth Amendment's Double Jeopardy Clause does not bar the federal government from prosecuting a defendant for a federal crime (like a Civil Rights violation) even if they were acquitted or convicted in state court. This is due to the "separate sovereigns" doctrine.

It is possible for Sheriff Tommy Jones to be indicted federally for obstruction, but it is not guaranteed.

• The Bar is High: The DOJ would have to prove he acted willfully (for civil rights violation) or with specific intent to obstruct a federal matter (for obstruction) by actively concealing or falsifying evidence, rather than merely making poor judgment calls or public statements.

• Current Focus: The current charges against the jail staff focus on the direct actions (neglect, false reporting, misconduct) that caused Isbill's death. However, in major cases of misconduct by law enforcement, the federal government often opens a separate Civil Rights and/or obstruction investigation to assess the role of command staff in the subsequent cover-up.