Iowa Sheriff Faces Lawsuit Over Misuse of Jail Fees

Class-action suit alleges Black Hawk County Sheriff used inmate fees for recreational expenses like laser tag and cotton candy machines.

The ACLU and Public Justice filed the lawsuit on behalf of a single mother who was charged $730 in jail fees.
Inmates were allegedly forced to sign confessions of judgment without legal representation to secure their release.
Collected fees were reportedly used for non-essential items at a shooting range, including ice cream and cotton candy machines.
Sheriff Tony Thompson defended the expenditures, claiming they funded law enforcement training and community programs.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and the declaration that the practice of collecting these fees is unlawful.