Dona Ana County in New Mexico has agreed to pay Stephen Slevin, 59, $15.5 million after it kept Slevin in solitary confinement for 22 months without a trial for a DUI arrest. The horrific case was made worse by years of litigation by the county, which refused to pay a court verdict that was originally $22 million. One of the most disturbing facts of this case however is that not a single county employee was fired over his grotesque treatment, which included the denial of necessary medical attention.
Slevin was arrested for DUI in August of 2005. He was leaving New Mexico and driving across the country. He had been depressed and his friend loaned him the car. He ended up being put in a padded cell because he was viewed as suicidal. However, after three days for no known reason, he was transferred to solitary confinement where he languished from 2005 to 2007. While there he was denied medical attention and had to pull his own tooth for lack of a dentist. Fungus covered parts of his skin because he was denied showers. He was not allowed out many days for an hour as required for people in solitary confinement. His mental state deteriorated rapidly.
When he was released he was dying from cancer. However, he has beaten predictions of his death despite the county prolonging the litigation and fighting every effort for relief in the courts. Even after a jury awarded him $22 million, the county continued litigation. It was only after a court mediation that it agreed to pay him $15.5 million — a record settlement.
What is truly astonishing is that, despite the horrific and inhumane treatment of this man, not a single county employee will be fired. Indeed, there does not appear to be any backlash for the prison officials and attorneys that contributed to this nightmare in Dona Ana County.
Source: NBC
This case makes a strong argument for the quaint Roman practice of decimation. “You, you and you! up against the wall!”
This case is extraordinarily terrible. All this over a misdemeanor crime? Even a felony crime would have been inexcusable. I don’t know if this was a felony DUI case but my god the pretrial detention this long in solitary is terrible.
I wonder if there is a cause for a criminal case against the officials involved under Title 18 USC &sec; 242 ?
Not mentioned in the piece, bit perhaps worthy of note, is that the Dona Ana County District Attorney at the time was none other than current New Mexico Governor and GOP rising star Susana Martinez, who went from Dona Ana DA to the Governor’s mansion.
Is this a private Prison, the fastest growing industry in the country?
RayG
I know I am entitled to damages but I haven’t got an attorney and it seems that they are all afraid of DOJ. Maybe they are afraid that DOJ will harass them, maybe they are afraid that DOJ will stall. Maybe it is because the Courts are defensive.
I have a claim under the Privacy Act 5 USC 552a e(I) for use of the Prisoner Tracking System without a criminal charge but DOJ claims that they can use PTS without a criminal charge.
Kaysieverding. You ARE entitled to damages. get a good attorney
Disgusting. Reminds me of Guantanamo.
You meant Old Mexico not New Mexico? Right? New Mexico is a state in the United States.
So where is my money? I was held without trial, a charge, or a bail hearing for 5 months as a federal prisoner. I was drugged in jail without a doctor’s examination. I was denied a lawyer and law library access. Why can’t I get damages?
Words fail me.
Las Cruces, right?
“County officials said its insurer with New Mexico Association of Counties will pay $6 million of the new amount, but the county “will pay the remainder out of cash reserves,” according to a statement.
County officials contended the dollar amount they must pay “will not affect the long-term integrity or financial stability of Doña Ana County.”
Interim County Manager Sue Padilla said that of the $9.5 million that will come directly from the county’s coffers, the county will pay $6 million this week. Another $3.5 million will be paid within 60 days, she said.”
http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_22723124/slevin-lawsuit-settled-15-5-million?source=most_viewed
Justice huh…. Americans held on American soil…..next the drone….
I do not believe it is taxable.
Compensation for a loss is not considered income.
I am glad Paul chose to do this but when Ted Cruz started talking I had to shut it off. I understood why no republican or democratic woman cared to participate.
Riesling – standard as far as I know would be $5 million. LB, yes, it is taxable.
Well played by the county so far though. They have saved $7 million right off the top without even considering the inflation reducing the value. Plus the odds are the guy would have died & may still while they wrangle over the how & when to pay part. These are lawyers who have earned their keep for the county.
Is it the county who will pay, or its insurer? If it is the county, then it comes from the county taxpayers, which is only fitting, if they are this apathetic.
“He ended up being put in a padded cell because he was viewed as suicidal. However, after three days for no known reason, he was transferred to solitary confinement where he languished from 2005 to 2007.”
And no one has been held accountable.
Ah, “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
What a country.
how much does his lawyer get?
Is that taxable income?
And we are surprised?
As part of the settlement he should have demanded firings