Sarah LaRue, the mother of an inmate who was allegedly pepper sprayed while naked and on suicide watch at Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail (DDRJ), presented her allegations of abuse at the Feb. 28 meeting of the jail district. A DDRJ guard was placed on administrative leave following the allegations.
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This portion of the meeting was documented in audio format and retained with the written record of the meeting.
Daviess County Sheriff Ben Becerra made the following statement prior to giving the floor to LaRue: “On advice of the board’s counsel, we will make no comment with respect to the matter and threatened litigation.”
In other business conducted at the meeting, Deputy Director Timothy Carder gave the financial report as follows: sales tax revenue for Jan. 2020, $74,458.16; sales tax balance $1,209.80; commissary grossed $8,056.97 in Feb. 2020; CD account 247 balance $249,993.42; CD account 977 balance of zero; operating account balance $7,445.33; payroll balance $1,010.57; accounts receivable $354,496.72; accounts payable $6,646.56. The financial report was accepted by the board’s unanimous approval.
Jail Director Edmon Howard advised the board that renovations are moving forward. Brown Lumber Company will move a shed so that boring can begin for the electrical work. A $67,000 deposit has been made to Brown Lumber Company to get started. Midway through the project the jail will pay one-third and final payment will be made upon completion of the work.
Mr. Carder stated that a bid has been received from W.L. Cassell and Associates. They are electrical engineers who will oversee the renovation.
Mr. Howard negotiated with Livingston County Commissioners in regard to the board bill increase. The Livingston County housing rate increase to $48 will begin June 1, 2020, and that rate will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2021.
Mr. Carder indicated that Crisis Intervention Training will be completed in March, and in-service training will be completed in the spring.
Sheriff Becerra inquired about Cameron Accounting, and Mr. Howard advised they review the jail financials quarterly and provide Ms. Burke with assistance if needed.
The new washer and dryer have been installed.
The board members determined that a better process is to be established for citizens wishing to file a complaint.
The board entered closed session at 11:22 a.m. and exited closed session at 11: 55 a.m.
Attending the meeting were Daviess County Presiding Commissioner James Ruse; DeKalb County Sheriff Andy Clark; Daviess County Sheriff Ben Becerra; Edmon Howard, Jr., Director; Timothy Carder, Deputy Director; and Lori Burke, Administrative Assistant.
Visitors in attendance were Matt Hoffmann, St. Joseph Newspress; Heather Gallardo; Sarah LaRue; Michael LaRue; Daviess County Chief Deputy Larry Adams; and Daviess County Sgt. Jared Hogan.
The next meeting of the jail board is scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2020, at 10 a.m.