April 19, 2024

Lawsuit filed over Woodbury County jail death in 2013

SIOUX CITY — A wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed against the Woodbury County sheriff and other officials, saying their failure to treat a jail inmate for substances abuse withdrawal led to his death more than two years ago. The federal lawsuit was filed by Tony Josta, of Homer, Nebraska, representing the estate of his son, Anthony Josta. The lawsuit says 35-year-old Anthony Josta “was subjected to defendants’ deliberate indifference to his medical needs.”

Anthony Josta was found dead in his cell on March 26, 2013, three days after his arrest on a warrant for contempt of court.

Woodbury County Sheriff Dave Drew said he welcomes the chance to offer sworn testimony in defense of the jail’s procedures and explain the conditions and decisions officers face daily.