The following lawsuits are among those pending in federal court against Lowndes County:

• Clifton H. Jones and Jerry D. Nance, both of Alabama, are suing Lowndes County, Sheriff Butch Howard and a deputy for holding them five days in 2008 without giving them opportunity to make bail, see a judge or call an attorney.

  Jones and Nance had bought camping supplies, which were taken to be methamphetamine precursors by Deputy Ivan Bryan, said Jeff Navarro, attorney for Jones and Nance.

  They were arrested on April 5, 2008, and released the following Wednesday without charges ever having been filed.

  The defendants argue that the unusually long delay was out of their control because a judge was not available until Wednesday.

  Jones and Nance are only seeking reimbursement for the pay they missed while in jail, Navarro said.

  The case will be heard in federal court at Aberdeen at 9:40 a.m. Nov. 29.

• Howard Smart, a former employee of Lowndes County, is suing the county for race discrimination and wrongful termination.

  Smart claims he was passed over for promotion because he is black, and was fired after he took sick leave for medical tests and possible surgery to his back.

  He also claims that when the positions of white employees are eliminated, they are given another position.

  Smart is seeking reimbursement for missed pay and out-of-pocket payments for health insurance premiums and for damages to his reputation, mental state and future employment opportunities. He is also seeking reinstatement of his employment and retirement benefits.

  He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Aberdeen March 21, 2011, at 9:30 a.m.