Inmate sues over alleged satanism interference

[February 21, 2009]  BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- A 35-year-old man imprisoned for drug possession has filed a $10 million federal lawsuit against Yellowstone County, alleging jailers interfered with his satanic religious practices while he was in jail.

The lawsuit filed by Jason P. Indreland claims county jail staff took from him a religious medallion, denied him access to a "Satanic Bible or Book of Satanic Rituals" and ridiculed and punished him for his religious beliefs.

The suit alleges that Yellowstone County jail staff placed "Christian natured greeting cards under (his) cell door," that said "Jesus was ready to save and accept him."

Indreland is serving a three-year sentence at the Montana State Prison for felony drug possession. He was convicted after police found him with 15 grams of methamphetamine in March 2007.

County officials said they have not seen the lawsuit and could not comment.

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Information from: Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com

[Associated Press]

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