Hoax Leads Hundreds Who Served Time In Crowded Jail To Sue

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Hundreds of people who have been spent time in a crowded New Jersey jail have inundated federal court officials with lawsuits after being led to believe part of a large settlement was waiting for them.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports (http://bit.ly/2goWn3v) about 1,800 people have filed suits at the federal courthouse in Camden. They apparently sued after a rumor spread that anyone who had spent time in the overcrowded Camden County jail could get paid if they sue.

Officials say the hoax has been perpetuated by people who claimed they received money and others who are passing out paperwork on city streets.

U.S. District Judge Jerome Simandle says he's proud everyone has access to the federal court system, but that it's troubling the suits have been spurred by false information.

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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com