Jack and Angela Howser, the former publishers of the area newspaper "The Disclosure" have been ordered to pay close to $1 million after being found guilty of conspiracy to seize custody of their stepdaughter Jade Green's daughter.
The case was tried in U.S. District Court for Southern Illinois and later upheld upon appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Green alleged that her mother and stepfather worked with the then sheriff, a sheriff's deputy, a prosecutor and a private investigator here in Lawrence County to forcible remove her daughter from her care, following a bitter family dispute.
After regaining custody of the girl, Green then filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the duo. A jury ruled in favor of Green and awarded her a total of $970,000 in compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress and reckless disregard of Green's parental rights.
The Howsers' subsequent appeal was rejected by a three-judge panel, affirming the conspiracy evidence.
Secretary of State's Office hosting $2 Tuesday at the Indiana State Fair
Illinois State Police to conduct ACE patrols in Lawrence County
Parkside Elementary cleanup update
Knox County to host public meeting on solar projects
Red Hill Unit #10 hires new principal and adopts new student technology policy
Ameren announces proposed electric rate changes
Early childhood education programs earn highest rating
Illinois state sales tax reduction for school supplies to begin for parents
Local man killed in a two vehicle accident
Celebrate 217 Concert Week with $26 grandstand tickets
New Office of Cybersecurity established in Indiana
FRESH begins across Illinois
Kratos completes $50 million state-of-the-art hypersonic systems payload integration facility in Indiana
FSSA to text HIP members about HIP work requirements
Lawrence County woman to be inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame
