BLOOMFIELD -- Ann Adams appeared before the Stoddard County Commission Monday morning to ask for permission to hold a "peaceful protest" over treatment of those arrested and jailed in Stoddard County.
Adams said an issue dating back to 1999 has continued to cause "pain and hardships" to her family. She alleged harassment and physical abuse were used by members of the sheriff's office over a 16-year period.
Adams said she formerly lived in Stoddard County for a number of years, but has moved to Sikeston, Mo., to avoid "further run-ins with county authorities."
"It is not just the sheriff's department," said Adams. "It's all the officials."
Adams said she has written letters to the attorney general, the governor and to state social agencies about the situation. She said it has failed to do any good.
Adams said she was planning the demonstration for a future date, so she would have more time to organize it.
"There are a lot of people who want to walk and protest with me," said Adams.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis asked if a lawsuit had been filed in connection with her complaints.
Adams said, after she had left the commission meeting, that a lawsuit has been filed, but "not by me."
"I did not want to step on any toes, and I mean no harm," stated Adams. "There has just been one situation after another situation with me and my family."
Adams said she intends for the protest to be peaceful, but she cannot guarantee that everyone will live up to her wishes.
"There are always some that are immature," she said. "I cannot stop them if they want to join."
Mathis said it was her right to protest, but that the streets around the sheriff's office could not be blocked and pedestrian traffic could not be stopped from doing business in county offices.
Mathis advised the commissioners that there could be a pending lawsuit, so they should keep that in mind when asking questions of Adams.
Both Commissioners Carol Jarrell and Danny Talkington said they had no questions for Adams.
"If you want to do something peaceful, we respect your right to do that," said Mathis to Adams.