For over a month now, Woodford County Jail has blocked books sent by family and friends from reaching inmates. This means that not only Kevin and Tyler, but every other inmate, has had zero access to new reading material sent from the outside—we don’t need to tell you that this is a serious violation of their First Amendment rights.
[Unfortunately, this kind of thing is not unprecedented. Read more here, here, and here.]
Grievances have been filed by Kevin, officials have been contacted by liaisons, and still there’s been no movement from Superintendent Mike Waterforth or Sheriff James Pierceall to lift this arbitrary ban.
SO START CALLING. Please contact the jail and (politely!) ask when the inmates will be allowed to start receiving books again. Let them know that you’re concerned about this infringement on free speech, and that you’ll continue to call to check back about the book ban.
Jail: 309-467-2116
Sheriff Pierceall: 309-467-2375
In other news, Kevin and Tyler are eating well, which they’re obviously happy about. (So we know Woodford County can be worked with, given the 180-degree turn-around with regard to their meals.) They’re awaiting their October 9th pre-trial, and in the meantime are reading your letters and whatever decent books they can find, and watching too much TV. And as always, they’re grateful for your support.
Finally, we have a fundraising goal of $1,000 for the month of October. Let’s do this for our friends.
Thanks to each and every one of you for reading, sharing, donating, writing, and staying involved. It doesn’t go unnoticed.
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Please send Kevin & Tyler a letter of support (include your email address if you wish to correspond via email):
Kevin Johnson #4565
Woodford County Jail
111 E Court St.
Eureka, IL 61530
Tyler Lang #4564
Woodford County Jail
111 E Court St.
Eureka, IL 61530
