Associated Press - June 27, 2009 3:24 PM ET

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) - The Idaho attorney general said the city of Lewiston has been using inmate labor in violation of public works contractor laws and wants the practice stopped.

The city, however, is disputing conclusions drawn by Deputy Attorney General Patrick J. Grace, who represents the Idaho Division of Building Safety.

Grace wrote last month, "The Division of Building Safety has received numerous complaints."

But the city contends the projects where inmates are involved are being done by city employees, with inmates brought in for manual labor.

City Attorney Don L. Roberts says, "I do not believe the public works contracting law or...Idaho Code prohibits the city from determining who they should hire for temporary or part-time employees."

Talks between the two sides continue.

Information from: Lewiston Tribune, http://www.lmtribune.com

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