Lawsuit contends probation fees more than allowed

BOISE (AP) - Three Ada County residents are suing a for-profit company contracted to supervise people on probation, contending it has been charging fees greater than the state allows, and an Ada County commissioner wants an investigation.

Kenneth Green, Nicholas Hall and Nathaniel Smith filed the lawsuit Thursday in 4th District Court against Ada County Misdemeanor Probation Services Inc. It seeks class-action status and demands reimbursement of their fees, an unspecified amount in compensation, and an end to the practice.

The three contend they were not ordered by a court to undergo drug or alcohol testing, yet were ordered to do so by their probation officers. The three say that cost them fees above the $50 maximum monthly supervision fee allowed by the state.

Ada County Commissioner Sharon Ullman met with some current and former employees of the probation services company and came away with "grave concerns" about the way the company treated its employees and clients.

The company did not return a call from The Associated Press on Saturday.

Commissioners Tuesday are scheduled to discuss the county's two-year contract with the company, owned by Nancy Cladis. Ullman wants an investigation started that could lead to the county breaking the contract if wrongdoing is found.