LOS ANGELES, Aug. 16 – Sheriff Peter J. Pitchess today had called “utterly ridiculous” charges that Charles Manson was mistreated in the Los Angeles County Jail.

Pitchess released the following statement concerning the accusation made by Manson’s attorney.

“Any prisoner within our jail system in Los Angeles County has the right to and receives fair and humane treatment.

“The notoriety which has accompanied the Charles Manson trial is unfortunate and I do not intend to be a part of additional extrajudicial statements.

“My comments, therefore, will be brief and to the point.

“He has alleged constant forced marches, spying, eavesdropping and a variety of other harassments.

“We have reviewed the allegations in their entirety, and find them to be utterly ridiculous.

“Thus, our only conclusion is that Mr. Manson and his attorney are seeking to distract those persons following the case under consideration from the facts attendant to it, through diversionary tactics that are as old as sin itself.”