Suit Alleges Man Was Jailed Past Release Date
An El Monte man has filed suit against the Sheriff’s Department, alleging that he was improperly held in the county jail for 73 days past his release date without any charges pending against him.
Juan Avalos also alleges in the suit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, that he was forced into an illegal settlement before being released in 2004.
Attorney Stephen Yagman said the department threatened to continue to detain Avalos unless he signed a liability waiver. The lawsuit seeks more than $10 million in damages.
Sheriff’s Lt. Shaun Mathers said Avalos willingly signed the waiver and accepted a $500 settlement. He said he considers the lawsuit baseless.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
