Shelby County Sheriff sued over problems with records system
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – A class-action lawsuit claims people were held for “unreasonable” lengths of time at the Shelby County Jail after trouble with the new computer records system.
Media outlets report that attorneys Claiborne Ferguson and Josh Spickler filed the lawsuit Thursday against Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham on behalf of Issacca Powell.
The complaint says Powell was arrested during a traffic stop Nov. 1 without knowing the charge against him. After 11 days in jail, Powell’s family hired a lawyer.
A new computer records system at the jail has caused difficulties, including delays in the release of inmates after they posted bond.
The complaint says attorneys were able to get Powell in front of a judge who set his bond. Powell was released after two weeks in jail.
A Shelby County Sheriff’s spokesman wouldn’t comment on the lawsuit.
