DeKalb County

Veteran group demands to speak to local sheriff after inmate says he was denied cancer drugs

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A metro veteran who had a stroke in a local jail says it happened because he was denied his cancer medication.

He now has new supporters demanding to speak to the sheriff about the incident.

His advocates are all members of a group called Justice for Veterans, and as soon as they saw the exclusive story by Channel 2′s Tyisha Fernandes on Monday, they started making calls trying to figure out how they can help Rickey Carter get the care he needs.

Amos King stood beside family members Friday who are fighting for their loved one.

“It’s amazing he’s still alive,” King said.

Carter suffered a stroke inside the DeKalb County Jail because he claims jail workers denied him some of his cancer medication.

Carter ended up in jail after police arrested him for murder in February. He says he’s innocent.

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“I don’t know what happened in the case — that’ll come along later. But he’s entitled to good treatment. He’s entitled to fairness,” King said.

Carter is 63 years old, and his attorneys have filed an emergency motion to get him out on bond so he can get what they call proper care.

“He’s not getting the right treatment,” his brother, Ray Carter Jr., said. “His blood is thickening from not getting this medication.”

King said Rickey Carter isn’t the only veteran in the jail who’s not getting their meds. He said he’s been trying to speak to DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox about this since she was elected two years ago.

“Fix it! Fix it right now. Not only for Mr. Carter, but for the rest of the veterans in that jail.” King said. “Do a check and balance. Make sure that they’re getting the medicine that’s coming from the VA.”

Fernandes asked for comment from the sheriff’s office. They wouldn’t talk on camera but sent her a statement saying inmate care is a priority.

They also said, “Some arrestees have critical and costly medical conditions that must continue to be treated, even though they’re incarcerated. Working with our health services providers and local medical facilities, we strive to provide Mr. Carter and other inmates with the best possible care while in our custody.”

Carter’s family said that’s just not true. However, they said after our Fernandes’ story aired on Monday, doctors in the jail started asking Carter questions about the care he’s been receiving.

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