ACLU'S LAWSUIT PROMPTS NEW JAIL IN ACADIA PARISH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            
January 18, 2008

The ACLU Foundation of Louisiana and Acadia Parish have settled a lawsuit over the conditions in the Acadia Parish jail.  On behalf of several prisoners, the ACLU sued Acadia Parish and its Sheriff, Kenneth Goss, because the former jail was filthy, unsanitary, and overcrowded. Prompted by the ACLU's lawsuit, Acadia Parish has built a new jail that now meets Constitutional standards, and has closed the old substandard facility.

ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie R. Esman said: “we're glad that Acadia Parish recognized the problems at the former facility and took seriously its responsibility to honor the US Constitution as it houses its prisoners.” Cooperating attorney David Benoit of Breaux Bridge praised the Sheriff's attorney Homer Ed Barousse for his cooperation in reaching the agreement that led to the construction of the new jail and the dismissal of the lawsuit.