US files suit against county officials

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The US Justice Department has filed suit against Sheriff Tim Howard and other Erie County officials, for conditions at the county jails.

The Department of Justice says it found numerous, serious violations of constitutional rights and failed to protect inmates from suicide risks.

Word of the lawsuit came just Wednesday afternoon, and county leaders have already fired back.

"They have been unwilling to even define what they consider constitutional requirements for incarceration. They won't give us a list, because they make it up as they go," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins.

US Attorney Kathleen Mehltretter said, "The Attorney General would not have authorized this lawsuit if he believed it was made up. The Department of Justice would not have brought this lawsuit unless they felt that the allegations were based on facts.

A letter detailing the alleged problems with the jail went to County Executive Chris Collins back in July.

>> Read Justice Department Release here

>> Read Erie County's response to lawsuit here

>> Read Erie County Attorney response to this report here