Lawsuit Claims Private Prison Company Covered Up 7 Inmate Deaths

The Texas Civil Rights Project and Prison Legal News have filed a lawsuit against Corrections Corporation of America, claiming the company is withholding evidence of mismanagement and mistreatment of prison inmates.

The lawsuit claims that Corrections Corporation of America covered up the deaths of seven inmates at the Dawson State Jail in Dallas. Earlier this year, the death of an infant at the prison made headlines statewide. Bob Libal, director of Grassroots Leadership, said the lawsuit will shine light on the private prison industry.

“This is an industry that thrives when no one is paying attention,” Libal said.  “This is an industry that uses campaign contributions and its lobbying influence to win contracts and to maintain contracts even when there is ample evidence that these contracts should be ended. And I think there is probably no better example than what is happening here in Texas right now.”

Texas Civil Rights Project attorney Brian McGiverin said the jail is designed as a short-term correction facility for minor crimes including property crimes and writing a bad check. McGiverin said despite their crimes, these prison inmates still have rights. MOREHERE