BENTON – Eight inmates in Marion County jail at Salem claim their keepers violated their rights by exposing them to the coronavirus.
They sued Sheriff Rich Stevenson and jail administrator Kenny Benzing at U.S. district court in October.
Their complaint states that in July, “we caught Covid-19 from correctional officers because they refuse to wear a face mask.”
“We all need face masks, staff members and inmates,” the plaintiffs claim.
They stated that Stevenson and Benzing denied social distancing from when the virus started.
The lawsuit also names nurse Allison Alexander, a John Doe doctor, and a Jane Doe nurse.
“We had the nurse check our temp and our vitals was over 103,” plaintiffs claim.
“But nurse Allison and Jane Doe nurse put down 98.
“They have been putting false info about our health.
“We have been putting in grievances and some sick calls to the sheriff, jail administrator and nurse.
“We have not got any response back at all.
“It is 10-17-2020 and we still have been getting denied Covid-19 test for our health and we ask both nurses all the time.”
Their request for relief stated, “Max of money. Lose their jobs. Get transfer to a better county jail.”
They moved to recruit counsel.
Dartaniel Pruitt, Jerry Ezebuiroh, Terrell Lucas, Victor Linton, Jerel Bryant, Nelson Pichardoreyes, Lamaren Williams, and Giovany Guzman signed the complaint.
Ninth plaintiff Dakota Holland signed it but moved to proceed on his own.
“I’m in fear of my health care here and I feel the staff and medical only care about themselves,” Holland wrote.
“They told me verbally this was not a big deal, the Covid-19 won’t kill you, you’re young.”
Senior District Judge Phil Gilbert opened a separate case for Holland.