Sheriff responds to questions about conditions in jail

Published 5:23 am Friday, May 9, 2025

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Freeborn County’s sheriff said Thursday he is certain there are “no serious human rights concerns” in the county’s jail after a Mankato clergy group had questioned conditions there. 

In a statement posted on social media, Sheriff Ryan Shea said he began receiving media questions Tuesday  about a clergy group from Mankato that was going to visit the jail because of concerns. 

He said at first he had no idea what the questions were about as the department has not had any complaints from the local inmates or the detainees being housed through Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. 

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On Wednesday, the group reached out to Jail Administrator Mike Stasko with questions. 

Shea said their concerns were about food provided to the inmates, access to medical care, access to communication with family, access to sunlight, access to programming and some other general care questions. 

Shea said hopefully the answers to their questions will alleviate their concerns about the quality of care received in the jail. 

The administrator also pointed out the department’s excellent ratings it has received each year during its ICE inspections. He was unable to answer questions directly related to the county’s agreement with ICE.

“We at the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office are committed to treating people with dignity no matter our encounter with them,” Shea said. “We take pride in the work we do and always strive to provide professional service to the community.”