In brief: Inmate found dead in Spokane County Jail cell

An inmate died Friday evening in the Spokane County Jail, prompting an investigation by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Corrections officers discovered the dead man during a cell check at about 6:45 p.m., according to a news release. The inmate, who was not identified, had been feeling ill and was alone in the cell, the release said.

Jail guards called for assistance and “began life-saving efforts” after discovering the man, it said.

Sheriff’s deputies and major crimes detectives are investigating the incident.

Card dealer accused of L&I benefit fraud

State investigators accuse a Spokane card dealer of illegally taking $27,000 in workers’ compensation benefits.

Victor O. Arrendondo, 58, filed claims he injured his lower back in May 2013 as a card dealer. As he collected wage-replacement checks and used vocational rehabilitation services provided by the state, he secretly went back to work as a card dealer for at least eight months at two casinos in Spokane, according to the state Department of Labor & Industries.

Monday, he will be charged with first-degree theft, according to an L&I news release.

“This case serves as a warning to people who fake or exaggerate workers’ comp injuries. Odds are, we’ll track you down,” said Elizabeth Smith, who directs L&I’s Fraud Prevention & Labor Standards office.

Water restrictions instituted in Othello

The city of Othello, Washington, has put mandatory water restrictions in place while emergency repairs are made to one of the main city wells.

Residents in Othello must stop watering lawns and landscaping and refrain from washing cars, filling wading pools or using slip-and-slides. The restrictions should allow the town to avoid a major water emergency and boil water advisory, according to a city news release.

People using city water can still use water for drinking, bathing and other necessities. The restrictions will remain until the well is repaired.

Man’s body found near Barker Canyon

GRAND COULEE – The body of a Mansfield man was recovered Thursday in the water near Barker Canyon in Grant County.

A passer-by discovered the body of Michael R. Nachtigal, 63, about 3:30 p.m., and the body was recovered about two hours later, Sheriff Tom Jones said in a news release.

Investigators found no obvious signs of foul play.