Broward, FL: (Apr-25-08) A class action lawsuit was brought against Broward County, over its controversial strip search policy that was started by former Sheriff Ken Jenne. The suit stated that Jenne maintained the search practice in written department policy from 1998 to 2001, but some jail deputies continued it sporadically for years afterward. It accused the jail of making the arrested take their clothes off and subjecting them to examination by jailers.
The strip searches were mandated for men and women, who were charged with a traffic, regulatory or misdemeanor offense. Martha Echeverry and Daisy Cole were the lead plaintiffs in the case, who claimed that they faced these searches. The suit stated that Cole was strip-searched three times in the 12 hours she was held in the jail after being charged with obstructing justice without violence. A judge withheld adjudication on the misdemeanor charge and sentenced her to alcohol rehabilitation.
As part of a settlement reached in the case, over 5,000 people are expected to claim their shares of the settlement, which is capped at $1,000 a person. Sources stated that the deal is going to cost the county $5 million, plus attorney's fees that are locked in at $2.5 million. Both the lead plaintiffs in the case are slated to get $50,000 each as they participated in extensive court hearings and depositions. [
