Human Rights Defense Center sues Jefferson County sheriff, officials over jail censorship

Katie Langford, The Denver Post on Jan 21, 2025

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DENVER — A prison advocacy group is suing Jefferson County officials over claims the jail is censoring books and magazines sent to inmates in violation of the organization’s free speech and due process rights.

The Human Rights Defense Center filed the federal lawsuit Thursday in the District of Colorado, alleging dozens of books, magazines, brochures and letters the group tried to send to inmates were rejected under the Jefferson County Detention Center’s mail policy.

The lawsuit names the Board of County Commissioners, Sheriff Reggie Marinelli, Detention Division Chief Gary Gittins and 10 unnamed jail staff.

Rejected mail included the group’s magazines, Prison Legal News and Criminal Legal News, along with guides for enrolling in higher education and staying healthy and safe while incarcerated, according to the lawsuit.

Jefferson County did not tell the group why the materials were rejected or give officials a chance to appeal the decision before sending the books and magazines back.

None of the group’s content violates the jail’s mail policy and there is no other legitimate reason for the censorship, attorneys for the group wrote.

Human Rights Defense Center officials are seeking an unspecified amount of money for damages. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on the lawsuit.

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