SANTA FE, N.M. — A former inmate at a New Mexico jail is suing the facility, claiming he was beaten by corrections officers who mistook his dentures for contraband.
The civil rights lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court this week by the New Mexico Prison and Jail Project on behalf of former inmate Marvin Silva, KRQE reported. The watchdog group for improving prison conditions said that Silva was left naked in a holding cell at the Valencia County Adult Detention Center with no security cameras, the television station reported.
The lawsuit alleges that Silva was beaten after a guard said the inmate was hiding contraband in his mouth, according to The Associated Press. The incident occurred after a medical checkup.
Former Valencia County jail inmate claims assault by corrections officer https://t.co/5DO6TQjEAH
— KRQE News 13 (@krqe) August 6, 2021
The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary compensation for Silva for injuries and emotional harm plus punitive damages against the jail and health care employees, along with attorney’s fees, the AP reported.
Administrators at the detention center did not immediately respond Friday to phone messages seeking comment, according to KRQE.
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