Inmate claims Bureau County Jail denied him HIV drugs

          The Illinois Department of Corrections is investigating allegations that a man who spent a week in the Bureau County Jail was denied his HIV medications.  Arick Buckles of Chicago says jail officials told him the drugs cost too much when he asked for them repeatedly.  The Department of Corrections began an investigation this week after getting a letter from the ACLU.  State administrative code requires county jails to ensure the prescription of medication.  ACLU attorney John Knight says inadequate HIV treatment is a common problem in jails and prisons, partly due to the high cost.  Buckles' drugs cost more than $2,000 a month.  While Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson wouldn’t address the Buckles case specifically, he did say he’s sending a letter to the ACLU.  He says it's interesting that the ACLU is concerned about Buckles' privacy, yet they're the ones that are making it an issue, bringing his name into the spotlight. Thompson says he and his staff strive to treat every inmate with respect, and would never discriminate against anyone based on any disability, illness, ailment, or skin color.  He says he is personally offended by the allegation.  He says whether it's a family member or someone across the nation, all inmates are treated with every care and courtesy possible.  Buckles, 39, was held in the Bureau County Jail last fall after it was discovered he was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant for forgery charges.

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