KULPMONT, Pa. — A self-described Viking and former inmate is suing a Pennsylvania county claiming the prison warden and other officials violated his religious freedom by forcing him to shave off his beard.

Randy Elliott Jr., 25, has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that on June 13, 2015, while he was an inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township, Deputy Warden Jim Smink and Warden Bruce Kovach ordered him to shave off his beard or he would be placed on restrictive housing unit status.

When Elliott submitted a grievance about how the prison officials were forcing him to shave his beard “against the Viking way,” Kovach stated it was shaved off completely to state standards, according to court documents.

Elliott claims the order came after making verbal and written requests to use the law library and exercise equipment. Elliott also claims prison officials alternate between county and state policy whenever it suits them when violating inmate rights.

Also named in the suit are the members of the Northumberland County, Pennsylvania prison board — Chairman and Commissioner Stephen Bridy; Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Rick Shoch; Sheriff Bob Wolfe, Controller Christopher Grayson and District Attorney Ann Targonski.

“Nowhere in Northumberland County Prison policy is there a beard-length requirement,” Elliot claims in court documents. “There is (sic) numerous inmates in prison with longer or as long beards that was never asked or told to shave beard regardless of religious beliefs.”

Kovach, the warden, declined to comment. 

In January, the Supreme Court ruled in a 9-0 opinion that the Arkansas Department of Corrections’ policy against beards violated the religious liberties of a Muslim convert who wanted to grow a bear in accordance with his new faith. 

The Viking theology of Odinism, or Asatru, is a type of Germanic neopaganism. Adherents of the faith worship gods such as Thor and Odin, emphasize a connection with one’s ancestors and value honor, loyalty, generosity and truth.

Asatru has gained popularity among inmates, say religious leaders and prison experts who believe its roots in Viking mythology attract prisoners seeking power, protection and unity, according to a 2006 USA Today report. The faith is often associated with white supremacists in correctional facilities.

It’s estimated that there are between 10,000 and 20,000 followers of the Viking theology in the United States.

Elliott was an inmate until July 24, 2015. He most recently pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered by Shamokin District Judge John Gembic to pay a $200 fine plus costs and placed on probation for nine months.

He had already been on probation after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct and public drunkenness but was sent back to prison after a revocation hearing.

Elliott is seeking an injunction to prevent such practices from violating his and others’ rights, compensatory damages of $10,000 and punitive damages as the court deems appropriate.

Justin Strawser writes for the Daily Item in Sunbury, Pa.