In June 2014, a pre-trial detainee with psychiatric disorders in the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center filed this lawsuit against the Middlesex County in the Superior Court of New Jersey. The plaintiff, represented by the ACLU, sought injunctive, declaratory and monetary relief, claiming violations of the Due Process and the Cruel and Unusual Punishment Clauses of the New Jersey Constitution and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. The plaintiff argued he had a long psychiatric history and had received extensive special education. He argued that nonetheless, while in jail, he was held in solitary confinement for months while awaiting trial, with little or no meaningful human contact or mental stimulation, and that his mental health problems got worse during that time.

There is no information available on what happened in the case between 2014 and 2018. On January 8, 2018, the parties entered into a settlement agreement. The County agreed to pay $100,000 to the plaintiff: $25,875 in damages; $37,000 as reimburse for costs associated with the litigation; and $37,125 to cover attorney's fees. The County also agreed to provide plaintiff's attorney with notice if the plaintiff was reincarcerated.

There is no information on whether the settlement was approved by the court, but it appears the case is now closed.

Daniele de Oliveira Nunes - 04/14/2019


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