A jail in Pennsylvania has allegedly imposed punitive measures on entire cell blocks following suspicions of inmates smoking synthetic marijuana, according to a federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday. Inmates claim that the Dauphin County Prison retaliated by confiscating essential legal documents, denying them basic necessities such as toilet paper, soap, and warm clothing, as well as cutting off power and heating in their cells.
The lawsuit asserts that top prison officials engaged in an aggressive month-long campaign of collective punishment that resulted in what they described as “near-total deprivation” and infringed upon the constitutional rights of incarcerated individuals at this facility located near Harrisburg, the state capital. Margo Hu, a staff attorney for the Abolitionist Law Center representing the plaintiffs, condemned the actions of the jail staff, labeling them as “mass torture.” She stated that these actions contradict both the Constitution and fundamental human decency. Hu pointed out that inmates have fought against the poor conditions in the facility for years, emphasizing the need for Dauphin County to answer for the damage they have caused.
In response to the allegations, a request for comment was made to the Dauphin County Prison Board. Newly elected County Commissioner Justin Douglas expressed his deep concern regarding the accusations after they became public months ago. He stated that allowing a thorough investigation into the matter is crucial, insisting that if any wrongdoing took place, appropriate consequences should follow.
The alleged abuses reportedly occurred during November and December of 2023 within the jail’s restricted housing unit, which typically houses inmates who violate jail rules. Officials suspected those in this unit were using synthetic drugs. The lawsuit contends that in reaction to these suspicions, jail staff confiscated inmates’ tablet computers, restricted access to religious materials and legal correspondence, and effectively severed communication with the outside world. According to the claims, detainees’ personal hygiene items were taken away, and they were confined to their cells for nearly 24 hours a day, allowed only one 15-minute shower every three days. The lawsuit further alleges that power and heating supply were stopped, forcing some inmates to cut open their mattresses for warmth as outdoor temperatures fell below freezing.
Most of the inmates who faced these punitive measures were awaiting trial. One of the plaintiffs, Kani Little, a 27-year-old inmate, reported that when he raised concerns about the deplorable conditions, he was met with a violent response from a dozen guards in riot gear who allegedly assaulted him and used chemical agents against him.
Little, along with two other plaintiffs, is seeking financial compensation on behalf of all detainees held in the restricted housing unit during the timeframe from November 16 to December 19, 2023. The lawsuit names Dauphin County, the warden, the chief deputy warden, and several guards as defendants.
The plaintiffs’ legal team highlighted the “widespread and well-earned reputation” of the Dauphin County facility as a troubled institution. Citing data from their filing, it was noted that over 20 individuals have died while in custody at this jail since 2019, and reported overdose rates are alarmingly high.
One plaintiff, James Patterson, voiced his fears regarding the high mortality rate within the facility. In a statement released by the Abolitionist Law Center, he 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. They all had their hands in this, none of them protected us, and they all need to go.”