The Associated Press reported Tuesday that inmates at Dauphin County Prison, a 1,000-person jail near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that jail officials retaliated against suspected drug use by punishing entire cell blocks through harsh and inhumane measures.
The lawsuit claims that from November to December 2023, jail staff withheld necessities such as toilet paper, soap, and warm clothing, confiscated legal paperwork and religious texts, and cut off power and heat during freezing temperatures.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of current and former inmates, describes the measures as “near-total deprivation” and accuses jail officials of violating constitutional rights. The alleged punishments were imposed on individuals in the jail’s restricted housing unit, primarily pretrial detainees, where jail officials suspected inmates were using synthetic marijuana.
“Inmates were locked in their cells nearly 24/7, permitted only one 15-minute shower every three days,” the lawsuit alleges. “Some inmates sliced open their mattresses to keep warm as temperatures outside dropped below freezing.”
One inmate, 27-year-old Kani Little, reported being assaulted by a dozen guards in riot gear after complaining about the conditions. The guards allegedly slammed him to the ground and sprayed him with chemical irritants.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for all detainees in the restricted housing unit during the specified period. Defendants include Dauphin County, the warden, the chief deputy warden, and other jail officials and guards.
A staff attorney for the Abolitionist Law Center, which is representing the plaintiffs, described the conditions as “abominable” and said the jail’s actions “violate the Constitution and basic human decency.”
Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas, who took office after the events described in the lawsuit, expressed his concern about the allegations. “If any inappropriate actions occurred, it is important that there are appropriate consequences,” he stated.
The lawsuit also highlights the jail’s troubled history, noting that more than 20 people have died in custody since 2019, and overdose rates remain disproportionately high. James Patterson, one of the plaintiffs, said, “I’ve seen so many people die in DCP that I was scared I was next. I kept talking to staff, and no one wanted to listen.”
Dauphin County Prison has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit.
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