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Lawsuit Challenges Pasco Jail Mail Policy Change

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: March 20, 2009

Updated: 03/20/2009 04:21 pm

NEW PORT RICHEY - A West Pasco resident and former inmate is asking a judge to block proposed changes to mail policy at Pasco County jails.

Daniel Callaghan today filed in Pasco-Pinellas Circuit Court an emergency motion seeking a temporary injunction against the "Pasco County Sheriff" until a court hearing can be scheduled.

The Sheriff's Office recently announced only postcards would be delivered to county jail inmates after March 30. Under the new policy, mail in envelopes would be returned unopened to the sender, except for correspondence from lawyers, courts or government officials.

The Sheriff's Office cited security concerns and inspection costs in announcing the post-card-only mail policy at the two county jails.

A judge should "consider if this new policy abridges or abrogates the civil and constitutional rights of prisoners under both the Florida and the U.S. Constitution," Callaghan wrote in his complaint.

The lawsuit is "completely without merit and the sheriff will respond appropriately," Kevin Doll, Sheriff's Office spokesman, said late Friday afternoon when reached for comment about Callaghan's challenge of the mail policy.

Callaghan, 66, served 21 days in the Land O' Lakes Jail in December of last year, the complaint notes. Callaghan said he communicates regularly with half a dozen inmates.

Callaghan was arrested in 2004 after disrupting the Chasco Fiesta street parade. Callaghan says the Krewe of Chasco float in the parade is racist and demeans American Indians.

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