Attorneys allege the use of jailhouse informants has violated their clients' Constitutional rights

Law enforcement agencies throughout the United States have used sentenced inmates to help get information on pre-trial detainees.

The primary challenge in the Orange County jails, however, is how those informants are being used.  Some defense attorneys have alleged they're starting to cross a line.

One public defender has reportedly said that authorities are having sentenced inmates interrogate suspects- which is a huge no-no.  Not only that, but when the matter goes to court, prosecutors have allegedly been hiding the inappropriate tactics.

Although it's still too soon to tell how many cases could have been tainted, defense attorneys want answers.

Informant says he was told to not question inmates

There are, however, three sides to every story.

One former gang member said authorities made sure he knew the rules.  Although he wasn't allowed to question defendants, if they offered something up on their own, that info was free game.

He said it's common for people in jail to brag about their crimes.

Defense attorneys reportedly say it's hard to believe that this particular inmate was randomly selected to be housed next to high-profile defendants.

The informant said he didn't actively interrogate or seek out information. He said inmates felt comfortable with him and offered things up on their own.