The following is testimony from Joseph M. Jason-President of National Alliance on Mental Illness-BA regarding inappropriate handling of people with Asperger Syndrome by the Iowa City Police Department and Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office Re: Daniel S. Jason
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Email sent 04/05/2014
Mr. Hargadine:
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I also wanted to share my criticism of your police department with you.
I just wanted to give you information on the Criminalization of Asperger Syndrome in Iowa City. I watched the trial of my son. Your police department is also a large part of the problem in the Criminalization of Asperger Syndrome. They have been part of implementing cruel and unusual punishment on the autistic community. I have done radio interviews and been interviewed for new articles. Your police officers do not understand mental illness and Asperger Syndrome nor do they want to. I thought it was very interesting that Detective Hartman ignored me when I met with him. He was just typing and doing his work. Also he did not bother to watch Dr. Mills testify regarding Daniel's actions. He only listened to Dr. Gunter who did not have the cooperation of Daniel.
This has been a shameful episode in Iowa City. My son could get 55 years for non-violent crimes. He never went to Iowa and never harmed anybody. Detective Hartman's deposition was filled with numerous factual inaccuracies. He looked all over for the whereabouts for Daniel. He contacted shelters and motels. He did everything, but call my house where Daniel was living.