Devine urged to look into inmates' beating allegations

Groups ranging from Amnesty International to the Chicago Councilof Lawyers urged State's Attorney Dick Devine Thursday to investigateclaims that seven Cook County Jail inmates were beaten whilehandcuffed last month by as many as 50 jail guards, some armed withpool cues.

But the Cook County sheriff's office dismissed the allegations,saying the inmates were trying to cash in on recent publicity aboutbrutality by jail guards. The office added that it expects theinmates will be charged in connection with the July 27 incident.

"What do you expect from them?" said jail spokeswoman Sally Daly."Every one of them is charged with murder or sexual assault. Theseguys are among …