Sheriff: Efforts Made To Settle Ex-Inmate’s Claims

AMITE, La. (AP) — Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards says he has made changes at the parish jail and fired a nurse in connection with allegations that medication was withheld from a former inmate.

Edwards also acknowledged that there is some validity to complaints that 33-year-old Dennis Bargher did not receive adequate treatment for a psychotic condition while he was at the jail.

In a statement, Edwards said a recent lawsuit and a news release by the American Civil Liberties Union were unnecessary because his office had attempted to settle Bargher's claims amicably.

ACLU staff attorney Justin Harrison told The Advocate newspaper there have been no discussions between the Sheriff's Office and the ACLU. A lawyer for another group in the case, the Advocacy Center, said Edwards did attempt to negotiate a resolution.