By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

A man sentenced two years ago to prison on drug convictions, and who has filed numerous appeals and lawsuits against the county starting before he was convicted, last week filed a hand-written petition against both the county and Kansas Department of Corrections asking for relief from what he calls an “illegal sentence.”

Jonathan L. Mangold claims his sentence should be modified so he can begin post release supervision and get drug treatment.

In last week’s petition, Mangold claims his civil rights are being violated and seeks to be released to his sister, wife, or a friend living in Lawrence.

Mangold sued the county not long after his arrest, claiming the jail was not taking care of him. That lawsuit was moved to federal court.

In the time since, he has filed several petitions seeking writs of habeas corpus — a court order that a public official bring an imprisoned person to the court and show a valid reason for his detention. He claims he received ineffective assistance of counsel in two criminal cases that led to his sentence; several appeals; and motions to withdraw his plea and dismiss charges.

He has served time in Norton, Lansing, and El Dorado Correctional Facilities since his conviction in Marion County. Mangold has been disciplined by the Department of Corrections 40 times.