Current:Home > NewsJustice Department investigating Georgia jail where inmate was allegedly "eaten alive" by bedbugs -Capital Dream Guides
Justice Department investigating Georgia jail where inmate was allegedly "eaten alive" by bedbugs
View
Date:2025-04-27 05:36:01
The Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into the conditions at a Georgia jail where an inmate died after he was, according to his family, "eaten alive" by bed bugs.
The department found credible allegations that the Fulton County Jail is "structurally unsafe, that prevalent violence has resulted in serious injuries and homicides, and that officers are being prosecuted for using excessive force," officials said Thursday. Investigators will determine whether there are systemic violations of federal law at the jail and how to correct them if that's the case.
"The recent allegations of filthy housing teeming with insects, rampant violence resulting in death and injuries and officers using excessive force are cause for grave concern and warrant a thorough investigation," U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia said.
The Justice Department investigation will also cover whether Fulton County and the Fulton County Sheriff's Office discriminate against inmates with psychiatric disabilities. Lashawn Thompson, the 35-year-old man who died in September of last year after he was "eaten alive" by bed bugs, was dealing with untreated schizophrenia at the jail, according to an independent autopsy report.
Fulton County and the sheriff's office said they were aware of the investigation and "will be cooperating fully."
Thompson died three months after he was booked into the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta following a June arrest. He'd suffered insect bites to his ears, mouth, nose and all over his body, Ben Crump and Michael Harper, attorneys for Thompson's family, said.
"While nothing can undo the injustice that Lashawn Thompson faced, it is a tragedy that can hopefully amount to much needed change inside of the Fulton County Jail," the attorneys said Thursday in a joint statement. "It is our prayer that the DOJ confirms the clear pattern of negligence and abuse that happens in Fulton County and swiftly ends it so that no other family experiences this devastation."
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration and operation of the Fulton County Jail, in April said there would be "sweeping changes" at the jail after Thompson's death. Sheriff Patrick Labat said at the time he asked for the resignations of the chief jailer, assistant chief jailer and assistant chief jailer of the criminal investigative division, following a preliminary investigation. They all resigned.
- In:
- Georgia
Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBS News.
TwitterveryGood! (4)
Related
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Benefits of Investing in Climate Adaptation Far Outweigh Costs, Commission Says
- Beyoncé's Makeup Artist Sir John Shares His Best-Kept Beauty Secrets
- New York, Philadelphia and Washington teams postpone games because of smoke coming from Canadian wildfires
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Annie Murphy Shares the Must-Haves She Can’t Live Without, Including an $8 Must-Have
- Climate Change Is Transforming the Great Barrier Reef, Likely Forever
- How Ben Affleck Always Plays a Part In Jennifer Lopez's Work
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- What to know now that hearing aids are available over the counter
Ranking
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Health department medical detectives find 84% of U.S. maternal deaths are preventable
- Today’s Climate: July 26, 2010
- GM to Be First in U.S. to Air Condition Autos with Climate Friendly Coolant
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- At 18 weeks pregnant, she faced an immense decision with just days to make it
- The story of two bird-saving brothers in India gets an Oscar nom, an HBO premiere
- In close races, Republicans attack Democrats over fentanyl and the overdose crisis
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
Bindi Irwin Shares Health Update After Painful, Decade-Long Endometriosis Journey
Offset and Princesses Kulture and Kalea Have Daddy-Daughter Date at The Little Mermaid Premiere
Too Hot to Handle's Francesca Farago Flashes Her Massive 2-Stone Engagement Ring
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Suburbs delivered recent wins for Georgia Democrats. This year, they're up for grabs
Schools are closed and games are postponed. Here's what's affected by the wildfire smoke – and when they may resume
Bachelor Nation's Brandon Jones and Serene Russell Break Up