Inmates Claim Mistreatment in County Jail

Four inmates in the Santa Barbara County Jail have filed a writ of habeas corpus, alleging their medical needs have been neglected by jail staff. One, Arvan Washington, is no stranger to being in jail (he is currently facing charges of forgery and burglary) nor is he a stranger to legal filings. His latest says that he and three others — including two inmates who suffer from various forms of cancer — are not receiving proper medical care because of jail overcrowding and budgetary constraints. The four are asking for a remedial plan to ensure they receive adequate medical care in a timely manner. The county is in the midst of responding to the petition, said Deputy County Counsel Kelly Scott.