Commissioner Calls ACLU Lawsuit “Legalized Extortion”

Posted on April 10, 2006

Irked by a recent action from American Civil Liberties Union, one Elkhart County commissioner called the organization’s lawsuit “a legalized extortion.”

Three weeks ago, ACLU filed a breach-of-contract complaint on behalf of two inmates, asking an Elkhart County judge to force the county to maintain its end of the settlement agreement that ended a federal lawsuit.

“We’re doing everything we can,” said Commissioner Phil Stiver Saturday at the joint meeting of the county council and commissioners. “How much can Elkhart County taxpayers bleed on this issue?” he said.

The government already has been using the county adjusted gross income tax and borrowing money to pay for a new $95-million jail complex.

The original federal suit was settled when the county agreed to build the new jail and abide by the 417-inmate cap until the new, 1,000-bed facility opens.

The county also agreed to no longer house inmates in the gym, and hired a coordinator to try to help move inmates through the courts.

The new jail is scheduled to open next summer.

The existing jail houses 460 inmates right now, said Brad Rogers of the sheriff’s department. The county could use at least 100 jail beds in neighboring counties, he said.

But housing inmates outside the county would cost taxpayers $40 per day per inmate, he said.

Sounds to me like they are doing there best to accomodate the ACLU with whatever problems they might have. Maybe the ACLU should back off with their money grubbing hands and practice a little patience.