Woman wants to organize protest against Stoddard County sheriff's office

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Ann Adams appeared Monday morning before the Stoddard County Commission to ask for permission to hold a "peaceful protest" over treatment of those arrested and jailed in Stoddard County.

Adams said an issue dating to 1999 has continued to cause "pain and hardships" to her family. She said harassment and physical abuse were used by members of the sheriff's office over a 16-year period. Adams said she lived in Stoddard County for a number of years but moved to Sikeston, Missouri, to avoid "further run-ins with county authorities."

"It is not just the sheriff's department," Adams said. "It's all the officials."

Adams said she has written letters to the attorney general, governor and to state social agencies about the situation. She said it has failed to do any good.

Adams said she was planning a demonstration at 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," Adams said.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis asked whether a lawsuit had been filed in connection with her complaints.

Adams said, after she had left the commission meeting, a lawsuit has been filed but "not by me."

"I did not want to step on any toes, and I mean no harm," Adams said. "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 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 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 there could be a pending lawsuit, so they should keep that in mind when asking Adams questions.

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," Mathis said.

Pertinent address:

Bloomfield, Mo.