TOWSON, Md. (AP) - Multiple Maryland inmates have filed federal lawsuits alleging a leak spilled sewage into cells for days and that rules meant to protect against the coronavirus are being repeatedly ignored in state facilities.
Baltimore County inmates Keith Wiggins and Reginald Dorsey said in separate complaints filed last week in U.S. District Court that they were forced to sit in dirty jails without running water for at least four days in April, The Baltimore Sun reported Thursday, citing the lawsuits.
The men said staff members were slow in responding, and when they did, they shut off the water in the cells and kept inmates locked inside.
The allegations join those that were contained in several other federal complaints recently filed against the Baltimore County Detention Center. Inmates are seeking damages and asking the court to address what they say are chronic health and safety issues, as well as repeated violations of coronavirus guidelines.
Another inmate, Renardo Whitehead, alleged in a separate federal lawsuit that he asked for a coronavirus test several times and was denied. He added that staff has ignored social distancing orders, allowing groups of nearly 20 people to congregate.
Other inmates accused prison officials of failing to provide proper access to protective equipment and overlooking mask mandates.
The Director of the Baltimore County Department of Corrections contended the department has been following safety measures.
“The Baltimore County Department of Corrections takes the responsibility of ensuring health and safety of incarcerated individuals seriously and has implemented a number of COVID-19 safeguards to protect both inmates and correctional staff,” Gail Watts said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun. “The county carefully reviews all concerns raised by incarcerated individuals.”
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