Case: U.S. v. Virgin Islands

1:86-cv-00265 | District Court of the Virgin Islands

Filed Date: Oct. 23, 1986

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 28, 1985, the U.S. Department of Justice [DOJ] notified the Governor of the Virgin Islands that it was commencing an investigation of alleged unconstitutional conditions of confinement at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1997. The DOJ issued a findings letter on January 23, 1986, advising that it had reasonable cause to believe that inmates confined to the Golden Grove Adul…

On May 28, 1985, the U.S. Department of Justice [DOJ] notified the Governor of the Virgin Islands that it was commencing an investigation of alleged unconstitutional conditions of confinement at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1997. The DOJ issued a findings letter on January 23, 1986, advising that it had reasonable cause to believe that inmates confined to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility were being deprived of their constitutional rights.

On October 23, 1986, the DOJ filed suit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1997 in the United States District Court for the District of the Virgin Islands, alleging unconstitutional conditions of confinement at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility. The parties settled the case shortly thereafter and a formal Consent Decree was approved by the District Court (Judge O'Brien) on December 1, 1986. The Decree called for various reforms to Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility in the areas of fire safety, security, sanitation and medical care.

Implementation of the specified reforms called for in the Consent Decree occurred for years. The DOJ employed a penology expert, John Dahm, to monitor compliance and to assist in development of a correction plan. Several enforcement and contempt motions filed by the DOJ followed over the years.

According to the docket, a Show Cause Hearing was held on February 8 - 10, 2006 before Magistrate Judge Cannon. On April 18, 2006, Judge Cannon granted the DOJ's motion to find defendant in contempt and appointed a Special Master.

On May 15, 2007, the Court again found the defendants in contempt. Throughout the next few years the parties engaged in numerous evidentiary disputes and, on September 12, 2011, the case was reassigned to Judge Wilma A. Lewis. On August 31, 2012, the parties filed a joint motion for settlement that prescribed prospective relief to resolve any remaining compliance issues within the correctional facility. On May 14, 2013, Judge Lewis granted the joint motion and adopted the settlement agreement as the court's order. The parties later agreed to Kenneth A. Ray as the monitor for the facility's remaining reforms. On December 30, 2014, the court held the defendants in contempt for failure to pay the Monitor's monthly fees as required by the court's order from June 6, 2014. As of June 14, 2021, the case is still ongoing and the monitor continues to file reports with the court.

Summary Authors

Dan Dalton (2/20/2007)

Alex Wharton (12/3/2014)

Elizabeth Heise (11/11/2018)

Sean Drohan (6/17/2021)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5083102/parties/united-states-v-territory-of-the-virgin-islands/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Austin, Roy L. (District of Columbia)

Barrick, Andrew J. (District of Columbia)

Batenga, Ernest F. (Virgin Islands)

Branch, Lashanda D. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Ballentine, Rosalie S. (Virgin Islands)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other
Judge(s)

Cannon, George W. Jr. (Virgin Islands)

Kelleher, Robert Joseph (California)

Lenahan, John E. (Virgin Islands)

Lewis, Wilma A. (District of Columbia)

O'Brien, David V. (Virgin Islands)

Resnick, Jeffrey L. (Virgin Islands)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:86-cv-00265

Original Docket

United States v. Government of the Virgin Islands

Sept. 23, 1993

Sept. 23, 1993

Docket

1:86-cv-00265

Docket [Pacer]

May 1, 2017

May 1, 2017

Docket
1

1:86-cv-00265

Complaint

Nov. 21, 1986

Nov. 21, 1986

Complaint

1:86-cv-00265

Consent Decree

Dec. 1, 1986

Dec. 1, 1986

Order/Opinion
16

1:86-cv-00265

Amended Implementation Plan

Sept. 22, 1987

Sept. 22, 1987

Pleading / Motion / Brief
21

1:86-cv-00265

Memorandum of Compliance Conference and Order (11-12--87)

Nov. 12, 1987

Nov. 12, 1987

Order/Opinion
22

1:86-cv-00265

Memorandum in Support of Motion for Order to Show Cause

Dec. 23, 1987

Dec. 23, 1987

Pleading / Motion / Brief
23

1:86-cv-00265

Motion for Order to Show Cause

Dec. 29, 1987

Dec. 29, 1987

Pleading / Motion / Brief
29

1:86-cv-00265

Motion for Contempt

March 18, 1988

March 18, 1988

Pleading / Motion / Brief

1:86-cv-00265

Order

March 24, 1988

March 24, 1988

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5083102/united-states-v-territory-of-the-virgin-islands/

Last updated Feb. 20, 2024, 3:07 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link

Jams Calendar Events

Nov. 21, 1986

Nov. 21, 1986

PACER
113

ORDER ASSIGNS HEARING to 04/17/96 at 10:00AM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 02/23/96 (Entered: 02/06/1996)

Feb. 6, 1996

Feb. 6, 1996

PACER
257

NOTICE of motion (Document was filed in St. Thomas Division and received to St. Croix division on 10/5/06) (Entered: 08/12/1996)

Aug. 12, 1996

Aug. 12, 1996

PACER
114

ORDER ASSIGNS CONF to 05/22/97 at 09:00AM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 04/07/97 [MWR] (Entered: 04/04/1997)

April 4, 1997

April 4, 1997

PACER
115

STIPULATION of the parties eod 07/25/97 [MWR] (Entered: 07/24/1997)

July 24, 1997

July 24, 1997

PACER
116

NOTICE of filing six-week compliance report eod 09/09/97 [MWR] (Entered: 09/05/1997)

Sept. 5, 1997

Sept. 5, 1997

PACER
117

NOTICE OF FILING monthly compliance report eod 10/02/97 [MWR] (Entered: 10/01/1997)

Oct. 1, 1997

Oct. 1, 1997

PACER
118

VOLUME (7) SEVEN began with pleading #118 eod 11/10/97 [MWR] (Entered: 11/10/1997)

Nov. 10, 1997

Nov. 10, 1997

PACER
119

NOTICE OF FILING monthly compliance report 11/1997 eod 12/03/97 [MWR] (Entered: 12/02/1997)

Dec. 2, 1997

Dec. 2, 1997

PACER
120

NOTICE OF FILING monthly compliance report 12/97 eod 01/15/98 [MWR] (Entered: 01/14/1998)

Jan. 14, 1998

Jan. 14, 1998

PACER
121

VOLUME (9) NINE eod 03/10/98 [MWR] (Entered: 03/10/1998)

March 10, 1998

March 10, 1998

PACER
122

ORDER ASSIGNS CONF to 05/21/98 at 02:00PM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 03/11/98 [MWR] (Entered: 03/10/1998)

March 10, 1998

March 10, 1998

PACER
123

MEMORANDUM of status / GRANTED (JLR) cc attys eod 05/22/98 [MWR] (Entered: 05/21/1998)

May 21, 1998

May 21, 1998

PACER
124

ORDER ASSIGNS CONF to 02/04/99 at 02:30PM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 12/15/98 [MWR] (Entered: 12/14/1998)

Dec. 14, 1998

Dec. 14, 1998

PACER
125

PTC ORDER FROM P/T ON Feb. 4, 1999 scheduling order entered, cc atty eod 02/08/99 [THT] (Entered: 02/05/1999)

Feb. 5, 1999

Feb. 5, 1999

PACER
126

ORDER ASSIGNS CONF to 11/04/99 at 02:30PM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 09/09/99 [MWR] (Entered: 09/09/1999)

Sept. 9, 1999

Sept. 9, 1999

PACER
127

ORDER (JLR) post conference entered cc attys eod 11/05/99 [MWR] (Entered: 11/05/1999)

Nov. 5, 1999

Nov. 5, 1999

PACER
128

ORDER (JLR) amending post conference order effectuation of a joint compliance coordinator is extended to 12/15/99 cc attys eod 12/02/99 [MWR] (Entered: 11/30/1999)

Nov. 30, 1999

Nov. 30, 1999

PACER
129

NOTICE of compliance report eod 01/14/00 [MWR] (Entered: 01/11/2000)

Jan. 11, 2000

Jan. 11, 2000

PACER
130

STIPULATION for appointment of a joint compliance coordinator for health services GRANTED (JLR) cc attys eod 06/19/00 [MWR] (Entered: 06/12/2000)

June 12, 2000

June 12, 2000

PACER
131

ORDER ASSIGNS CONF (TELEPHONIC) to 08/17/00 at 03:00PM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 08/07/00 [MWR] (Entered: 08/04/2000)

Aug. 4, 2000

Aug. 4, 2000

PACER
132

ORDER ASSIGNS HEARING to 11/09/00 at 10:00AM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 08/18/00 [MWR] (Entered: 08/18/2000)

Aug. 18, 2000

Aug. 18, 2000

PACER
133

ORDER (JLR) Post Conference Order, cc counsel eod 08/24/00 [NAH] (Entered: 08/18/2000)

Aug. 18, 2000

Aug. 18, 2000

PACER
134

ORDER (JLR) on pltf motion to order Immediate Payment of the Joint Compliance Ccoordinator cc attys eod 09/15/00 [MWR] (Entered: 09/13/2000)

Sept. 13, 2000

Sept. 13, 2000

PACER
135

MOTION to order immmediate payment of joint compliance coordinator (see document #134) eod 09/15/00 [MWR] (Entered: 09/14/2000)

Sept. 14, 2000

Sept. 14, 2000

PACER
136

ORDER (JLR) that the Order to show cause for deft to appear and show cause on on Sept. 18, 2000 at 9:00 a.. is moot cc atty eod 09/21/00 [THT] (Entered: 09/18/2000)

Sept. 18, 2000

Sept. 18, 2000

PACER
137

ORDER (JLR) post conference entered eod 11/29/00 [MWR] (Entered: 11/28/2000)

Nov. 28, 2000

Nov. 28, 2000

PACER
138

MOTION to order immediate payment of joint compliance coordinator eod 03/19/01 [MWR] (Entered: 03/16/2001)

March 16, 2001

March 16, 2001

PACER
139

ORDER (JLR) on pltf motion to order immediate payment of the joint compliance coordinator cc attys eod 03/19/01 [MWR] (Entered: 03/16/2001)

March 16, 2001

March 16, 2001

PACER
140

ORDER (JLR) cnacelling show cause hearing cc attys eod 03/22/01 [MWR] (Entered: 03/21/2001)

March 21, 2001

March 21, 2001

PACER
141

ORDER (JLR) granting motion for withdrawal of Kelli Evans, Esq. cc attys eod 06/12/01 [MWR] (Entered: 06/11/2001)

June 11, 2001

June 11, 2001

PACER
142

ORDER ASSIGNS HEARING to 12/18/01 at 02:30PM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 11/30/01 [MWR] (Entered: 11/28/2001)

Nov. 28, 2001

Nov. 28, 2001

PACER
143

APPEARANCE of LaShqanda D. Branch Esq. for pltf eod 01/13/03 [MWR] (Entered: 01/10/2003)

Jan. 10, 2003

Jan. 10, 2003

PACER
144

ORDER ASSIGNS CONF to 02/27/03 at 02:00PM Room 295 (JLR) c/m eod 01/14/03 [MWR] (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

PACER
145

APPEARANCE of Andrew J. Barrick, Esq. for pltf eod 02/28/03 [THT] (Entered: 02/27/2003)

Feb. 27, 2003

Feb. 27, 2003

PACER
146

STIPULATED agreement filed eod 10/08/03 [MWR] (Entered: 09/25/2003)

Sept. 25, 2003

Sept. 25, 2003

PACER
147

STIPULATED agreement filed eod 10/14/03 [MWR] (Entered: 10/10/2003)

Oct. 10, 2003

Oct. 10, 2003

PACER
148

ORDER (JLR) regarding stipulated agreement cc attys eod 10/15/03 [TS] (Entered: 10/14/2003)

Oct. 14, 2003

Oct. 14, 2003

PACER
149

PROGRESS REPORT by deft (Entered: 03/18/2004)

March 18, 2004

March 18, 2004

PACER
154

MOTION for an order to show cause why defts should not be held in contempt (Entered: 11/08/2004)

Nov. 8, 2004

Nov. 8, 2004

PACER
155

MEMORANDUM of law in support of its motion for an order to show cause why deft should not be held in contempt (Entered: 11/08/2004)

Nov. 8, 2004

Nov. 8, 2004

PACER
156

MOTION of the US for leave to file exhibits under seal and for protective order (Entered: 11/08/2004)

Nov. 8, 2004

Nov. 8, 2004

PACER
157

MEMORANDUM in support of motion for leave to file exhibits under seal and for protective order (Entered: 11/08/2004)

Nov. 8, 2004

Nov. 8, 2004

PACER
150

REQUEST FOR Emergency Hearing (Entered: 04/12/2005)

April 12, 2005

April 12, 2005

PACER
151

ORDER (GWC) for response cc attys (Entered: 07/28/2005)

July 28, 2005

July 28, 2005

PACER
153

RESPONSE of the U.S. to inmate request for hearing (Entered: 08/12/2005)

Aug. 12, 2005

Aug. 12, 2005

PACER
152

MOTION TO DISMISS by defts (Entered: 08/15/2005)

Aug. 15, 2005

Aug. 15, 2005

PACER
158

NOTICE of substitution of counsel by pltf (Entered: 11/21/2005)

Nov. 21, 2005

Nov. 21, 2005

PACER
159

NOTICE of appearance of Co-Counsel for the United States by pltf (Entered: 11/22/2005)

Nov. 22, 2005

Nov. 22, 2005

PACER
160

ORDER (GWC) to withdraw,and that the United States Assistant James S. Carroll III shall appear on behalf of federal government in the instant case cc attys (Entered: 11/23/2005)

Nov. 23, 2005

Nov. 23, 2005

PACER
161

NOTICE of withdrawal by co-counsel for the United States by pltf (Entered: 11/23/2005)

Nov. 23, 2005

Nov. 23, 2005

PACER
162

NOTICE of unavailablity by DEFT. (Entered: 11/23/2005)

Nov. 23, 2005

Nov. 23, 2005

PACER
163

ORDER (GWC) for an order to show cause cc attys (Entered: 11/29/2005)

Nov. 29, 2005

Nov. 29, 2005

PACER
165

MOTION for enlargement of time by deft (Entered: 11/30/2005)

Nov. 30, 2005

Nov. 30, 2005

PACER
164

ORDER (GWC) for status conference and hearing for an order to show cause cc attys (Entered: 12/01/2005)

Dec. 1, 2005

Dec. 1, 2005

PACER
166

OPPOSITION response to United States Contempt motion (Entered: 12/16/2005)

Dec. 16, 2005

Dec. 16, 2005

PACER
167

ORDER (RLF) that the joint motion is Granted, cc attys (Entered: 12/19/2005)

Dec. 19, 2005

Dec. 19, 2005

PACER
168

OPPOSITION response to the United States' contempt motion by defts (Entered: 12/20/2005)

Dec. 20, 2005

Dec. 20, 2005

PACER
169

NOTICE to the court by pltf (Entered: 12/20/2005)

Dec. 20, 2005

Dec. 20, 2005

PACER
170

MOTION for enlargement of time (Entered: 01/13/2006)

Jan. 13, 2006

Jan. 13, 2006

PACER
171

NOTICE of service of interrogatories and requests for the production of documents (Entered: 01/13/2006)

Jan. 13, 2006

Jan. 13, 2006

PACER
172

REPLY memorandum of law in support of its motion for an order to show cause Why defts should not be held in contempt (Entered: 01/17/2006)

Jan. 17, 2006

Jan. 17, 2006

PACER
173

ORDER (GWC) continuing status conference on 2/8/06 @ 9:00 a.m. and February 9, 2006 @ 9:30 a.m. cc attys (Entered: 01/18/2006)

Jan. 18, 2006

Jan. 18, 2006

PACER
174

ORDER (GWC) that the pltf's motion is GRANTED, cc attys (Entered: 01/20/2006)

Jan. 20, 2006

Jan. 20, 2006

PACER
175

NOTICE of service of defts objections and responses and supplemental responses to pltfs interrogatories and document request by deft (Entered: 01/30/2006)

Jan. 30, 2006

Jan. 30, 2006

PACER
176

MOTION for mediationby defts (Entered: 02/03/2006)

Feb. 3, 2006

Feb. 3, 2006

PACER
177

ORDER ((GWC) on defts motion for mediation is DENIED cc attys (Entered: 02/06/2006)

Feb. 6, 2006

Feb. 6, 2006

PACER
178

ORDER (GWC) that defts motion in limine to exclude prisojners'declarations, stipulated agreement and corrective action plan is DENIED, cc attys (Entered: 02/06/2006)

Feb. 6, 2006

Feb. 6, 2006

PACER
183

OPPOSITION to the territory of the virgin islands motion for mediation by pltf (Entered: 02/06/2006)

Feb. 6, 2006

Feb. 6, 2006

PACER
184

OPPOSITION to the territory of the Virgin Islands motion in limine to exclude prisoners declaration, stipulated agreement and corrective action plan by pltf (Entered: 02/06/2006)

Feb. 6, 2006

Feb. 6, 2006

PACER
185

MOTION in limine to exclude prisoners declarations, stipulated agreement and corrective action plan by defts (Entered: 02/06/2006)

Feb. 6, 2006

Feb. 6, 2006

PACER
179

ORDER (GWC) regarding filing exhibits under seal and protective order cc attys (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
180

EXHIBIT List (FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL)for show cause hearing commencing on 2/8/06 by pltf (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
181

EXHIBIT List for show cause hearing commencing on 2/8/06 by pltf (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
182

WITNESS LIST for show cause hearing commencing on 2/8/06 by pltf (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
186

WITNESS LIST by defts (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
187

EXHIBIT List by defts (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
188

SUBPOENA issued to Rosaldo Horsford,Acting Warden (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
189

SUBPOENA issued to Jennifer Charles (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
190

SUBPOENA issued to Orsel Edney, Chief of security (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
191

SUBPOENA issued to Dr. Yousef mustafa Ali (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
192

SUBPOENA issued to Stephen McIntosh-Luis (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
193

SUBPOENA issued to Stephen Mcintosh-Luis (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
194

SUBPOENA issued to Dr. Yousef Mustafa Ali (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
195

SUBPOENA issued to Orsel Edney,Cheif of Security (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
196

SUBPOENA issued to Jennifer Charles (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
197

SUBPOENA issued to Rosaldo Horsford, Acting Warden (Entered: 02/07/2006)

Feb. 7, 2006

Feb. 7, 2006

PACER
198

MOTION requesting taking of judicial notice by defts (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
199

SUBPOENA issued to Stephanie McIntosh-Luis (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
200

SUBPOENA issued to Nurse Qualey (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
201

SUBPOENA issued to Officer Belardo (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
202

SUBPOENA issued to Orsel Edney, Chief of security (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
203

SUBPOENA issued to Orsel Edney, Cheif of security (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
204

SUBPOENA issued to Rosaldo Horsford, Acting Warden (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
205

SUBPOENA issued to Dr. Yousef Mustafa Ali (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
206

SUBPOENA issued to Dr. Yousef Mustafa Ali (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
207

SUBPOENA issued to Rosaldo Horsford, Acting Warden (Entered: 02/08/2006)

Feb. 8, 2006

Feb. 8, 2006

PACER
208

CTRM. MIN. show cause hearing held (GWC) (Ct.REPORTER C. Hasse on 2/8/06 (Entered: 02/13/2006)

Feb. 13, 2006

Feb. 13, 2006

PACER
209

CTRM. MIN. CONTINUATION of Show Cause Hearing held (CT.Reporter C. Haase) dated 2/9/06 (Entered: 02/13/2006)

Feb. 13, 2006

Feb. 13, 2006

PACER
210

CTRM. MIN. CONTINUANCE of Show Cause hearing held (CT. Reporter V. Lawrense Present) Dated 2/10/06 (Entered: 02/13/2006)

Feb. 13, 2006

Feb. 13, 2006

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Virgin Islands

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 23, 1986

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

United States Department of Justice.

Plaintiff Type(s):

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Virgin Islands, Regional

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Order Duration: 1986 - None

Issues

General:

Fire safety

Informed consent/involuntary medication

Sanitation / living conditions

Totality of conditions

Medical/Mental Health:

Medical care, general

Type of Facility:

Government-run