Sonoma County jail staff not at fault in inmate's suicide jump

<p>Sonoma County District Attorney officials will not file criminal charges against jail staff responsible for the care of an inmate who jumped off a balcony inside the facility and killed himself.</p><p>Michael Molgard, 34, was being walked back to a housing cell on Sept. 8, 2010 after having been on suicide watch when he climbed over the railing of the second floor walkway and jumped head first, arms at his sides, Sonoma County sheriff's officials said.</p><p>District Attorney Jill Ravitch said Thursday in a statement that a review of Molgard's treatment didn't find any negligence.</p><p>Medical staff and correction officers had kept close watch over Molgard for about 24 hours after he said he was feeling suicidal, officials said. He was placed in a separate cell, monitored and was evaluated by a psychologist, Ravitch said.</p><p>Molgard told staff that he was no longer feeling suicidal and he “agreed to take a medication designed to counter stress and anxiety,” Ravitch said. However when he was walked back to a regular housing cell, he climbed over a railing and took his life, she said.</p><p>Ravitch said investigators didn't find any criminal negligence on the part of jail staff regarding Molgard's death.</p><p>“Sometimes, despite the best mental health care, an individual may have an overwhelming will or desire to commit suicide and may be able to successfully mask their (thoughts) from others,” Ravitch said.</p><p>Molgard was arrested Sept. 5, 2010 in Rohnert Park following a traffic stop during which he sprayed an officer with pepper spray and resisted arrest, officials said. He was booked on an outstanding warrant from Arizona as well as several other charges including battery on an officer, Ravitch said.</p>