The Colorado chapter of the ACLU -- or American Civil Liberties Union -- names two inmates who had serious mental health problems since they were children and were disciplined while incarcerated. In thelatest claims added to a lawsuit filed last month, the ACLU says Clarence Vandehey and William Langley were strapped into restraint chairs multiple times. Sheriff Lou Vallario, who has denied wrongdoing, has also denied the newest claims. The ACLU says psychiatric help was denied when inmates did not have a hundred dollars in their jail accounts. State and federal law requires serious mental health needs of prisoners be treated even when they don't have money, according to the lawsuit.
County denies mental health care to indigent inmates, lawsuit says
GLENWOOD SPRINGS (AP) - The ACLU claims Garfield County jail officials deny mental health care to indigent inmates then impose harsh discipline on them when they act out because of their illness.
