BEND, OR -- A candidate for the Bend Parks and Recreation’s Board of Directors is currently serving a 90-day sentence for Contempt of Court, for failing to pay child support. Ron Boozell was originally booked March third, but a judge ordered his temporary release in mid-March because Boozell mounted a hunger strike and refused to eat for more than 10 days.

Sheriff Shane Nelson tells KBND News the move was due to an over-abundance of caution. "In this day and age, it’s a very litigious society, so what you get is government agencies that are always trying to balance some of that liability. But, the other thing is, government agencies want to do the right thing. Now, we, of course, had an inmate death a few years back and that can cause some sensitivities."

He says the case shouldn't be considered a precedent, "People can refuse medical treatment in jail; people can refuse food in jail. Now, we will still bring a tray full of food to that individual. It’s their right whether they want to eat or not. No, I’m not in the business of requesting people be released from jail because they’re not eating." Jail staff carefully monitored Boozell's health and Sheriff Nelson says he was never in any danger. "In the case of a hunger strike, we called the Department of Corrections because they’ve seen some things a lot more than our jail has. And, what they mentioned is, when an individual gets to the point it’s obvious that they need medical attention – as long as they’re drinking water – then, you get that medical attention." Nelson says other inmates have undergone hunger strikes, but this was the longest in recent memory.

Boozell reported back to the jail April third to continue serving his sentence, although he claims he's a political prisoner. He's not due to be released until several weeks after the May election.

Click HERE to listen to our full conversation with Sheriff Shane Nelson, or visit our Podcast Page.