Yesterday, we discussed the horrific allegations against police from Deming, New Mexico and the medial staff of Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, N.M. They (and others including the local prosecutor) allegedly conducted repeated digital anal searches of man stopped for a minor traffic violation and then performed multiple enemas and a colonoscopy in search of drugs. David Eckert has sued for both compensatory and punitive damages. However, I learned today that in addition to the alleged physical abuse, he was sent a $6000 bill from the hospital for the involuntary colonoscopy.

His lawyer says that the hospital sent him the bill, which is perfectly bizarre. They must be treating this as if he had come into the hospital unconscious and required the procedure. Yet, he was objecting to the procedures and the other intrusive measures taken against him. Hopefully, the court will rule against the likely motion al limine filed by the hospital to keep the bill out of the trial. I would love to see the jury that is informed at the end of this alleged nightmare, Eckert received a bill for his mistreatment. As opposing counsel, it is sometimes better to be the one to mention such damaging facts in your opening argument to avoid Plaintiff’s counsel dropping it with greater effect at trial.

What is clear is that, regardless of the outcome at trial, someone needs to be fired for such absurd acts. My assumption is that the police declined the bill for the procedure but it is not clear who made this decision.

Source: US News