Sangamon County panel OKs $2.6 million settlement

A Sangamon County committee has approved a $2.6 million settlement offer to the family of a former clown charged with child sex crimes who died in jail in 2007.

The State Journal-Register reports the county board's civil liabilities committee signed off on Monday. The full county board next has to approve the settlement.

The county isn't admitting liability. It says it's spent about $2.7 million in legal fees since the lawsuit started in 2008.

A. Paul Carlock of Springfield died in a hospital after a physical struggle with guards at the county jail. The 57-year-old had been arrested on federal child pornography and molestation charges.

A sheriff has denied wrongdoing by jail staff.