St. Louis suburb to pay $3.25 million to thousands subjected to "debtors' prison" scheme

Maplewood, Missouri will settle a federal lawsuit alleging its unconstitutional jailing of thousands over traffic violations and minor offenses to generate revenue.
Over 7,000 people spent time in jail unable to pay excessive fines and fees, while over 20,000 paid the city $6.4 million over 10 years.
The class action lawsuit claimed Maplewood turned its jail into a "debtors' prison" by unlawfully detaining those unable to pay and coercing others into paying despite their inability.
The settlement will provide millions in refunds to those harmed by the city's "unlawful and unfair practices," according to the plaintiff's legal advocacy organization.