413-pound inmate loses weight, sues
An inmate awaiting trial on a murder charge is suing the county, complaining he has lost more than 100 pounds because of the jailhouse menu

Broderick Lloyd Laswell says he isn't happy that he's down to 308 pounds after eight months in the Benton County jail. He has filed a federal lawsuit complaining the jail doesn't provide inmates with enough food.

According to the suit, Laswell weighed 413 pounds when he was jailed in September. Police say he and a co-defendant fatally beat and stabbed a man, then set his home on fire.

"On several occasions I have started to do some exercising and my vision went blurry and I felt like I was going to pass out," Laswell wrote in his complaint. "About an hour after each meal my stomach starts to hurt and growl. I feel hungry again."

But Laswell then goes on to complain that he undertakes little vigorous activity.

"If we are in a small pod all day (and) do next to nothing for physical exercise, we should not lose weight," the suit says.

"The only reason we lost weight in here is because we are literally being starved to death."

The suit also asks that the county be ordered to serve hot meals. The jail has served only cold food for years.

The meals, provided through Aramark Correctional Institution Services, average 3,000 calories a day, jail Capt. Hunter Petray told the Morning News of northwest Arkansas for a story Saturday.

A typical Western diet consists of 2,000 to 3,000 calories a day.

Laswell's suit was filed without a lawyer in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.

-- Associated Press

Do YOU feel for him?
What would you do!

Hello Saph:

I'd sue too. Cold sandwiches suck for dinner.

excon

Our GITMO detainees are gaining weight . Perhaps a change of scenery ?

He'll probably win. We had a 500 lb contractor that was determined to be a disadvantaged business owner because of obesity. He therefore had to be given favorable treatment for getting state contracts. It may vary by state or it may be a Federal requirement.
It could become a handicapped treatment issue. They will at least have a medical evaluation and the Dr. may well determine he is receiving sufficient calories, even for his size, and he will have to lose weight to cut down on the cost to the taxpayers to feed him.
But if they don't have the authority to make him lose weight, they will have to give him more food just like they would have to spoon feed a guy with no arms.
Or they might put an electronic monitor on him and park him at IHOP.

Ex I thought it was bologna sandwiches breakfast, lunch AND dinner!
Tomder maybe some kind of a deal could be made between GITMO and our prisoners.
Smearcase IHOP sounds good too.

... and to think some people pay big bucks to lose weight!

He needs to lose weight so when they hang him his head won't pop off.

Mag, that's great!:D

Aw, the poor guy, to think that he had to suffer so, my heart goes out to him. (sarcasm)

Are you kidding me? He weighs more than twice as much as me after losing 100 pounds and I'm supposed to feel bad for him. Ya, I'd love to say to his face "Suck it up buttercup." Nope, no sympathy here.