State labor department sues Jackson County community corrections over workman’s comp

SCOTTSBORO, AL (WAFF) - New problems for a for-profit court referral program in Jackson County.

The state department of labor has filed a lawsuit because employed weren’t provided worker’s compensation.

Jackson County Court Services has been at odds with the county commission over the last year and the county commission chairman says this is just another reason for having oversight.

Awaiting an attorney general’s opinion, the county commission is still considering takeover of some of the community corrections program.

Chairman Tim Guffey says there have been complaints from people nearing completion of drug color coding who then fail and must continue and pay for six more months.

Guffey said an audit questioned if the commission was getting the money due to them from Jackson County Court services.

Guffey said they’ve asked for records and the for profit group only returned some records.

Meanwhile, the suit by the department of labor also claims the group has failed or refused to secure and provide verification of workman's comp coverage.

The commission chairman said they’re also having problems getting answers from Jackson County Court Services.

“From what I’ve read into this lawsuit is that’s one of the things that they haven’t gotten the answers back that they need to get. So, lack of oversight, I believe, is still the problem with community corrections and it needs to be corrected,” said Jackson County Commission Chairman Tim Guffey.

Brandon Brown with Jackson County Court Services said at this point in time they’re going to decline comment until they have an opportunity to speak with their attorney.