GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO - The American Civil Liberties Union has sued Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario in federal court, saying he has blocked attorney access to inmates and raising allegations that some inmates are being improperly treated.

ACLU attorneys said they were investigating allegations last week that jail officers are improperly using restraint chairs and pepper spray. One inmate was allegedly placed in a restraint chair for at least 6 1/2 hours.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses Vallario of hindering attorneys' ability to speak with prisoners who claim they were abused. The ACLU wants a judge to allow staff attorney Taylor Pendergrass to talk with inmates.

Vallario's office said he was out of the country and couldn't be reached for comment. Calls to the Garfield County attorney's office were not returned.

Public defender Greg Greer said he's never been subjected to such any policy barring attorneys from talking with inmates who haven't specifically requested them.

"People have a right to have counsel and they don't have to arrange for that counsel themselves," he said.

Prior to the construction of the new jail, Garfield County spent several years under a consent decree to deal with overcrowding following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch in an inmate lawsuit brought on by the ACLU.