The Deaths of Sunset Mesa

In September 2020, federal prosecutors announced a possible plea deal that would cap Meghan Hess and Shirley Koch's prison time at about 12 and a half years. The families did not think the proposed plea deal was adequate. While the lawyers hammered out the details on Hess and Koch's plea bargains, some civil lawsuits were settled. On April 10, 2021, another multi-party lawsuit was settled, the largest yet. Sunset Mesa was ordered to pay $16 million to 30 people whose family members were sold.