“Teens File Class Action Lawsuit Against Sheriff, School District,” WPBF

Lawsuit claims teens kept in solitary confinement for months

A federal class action lawsuit filed Thursday alleges three 16 and 17 year old teens, not yet convicted of their crimes, were kept for months in 6 x 12 foot cells with two small scratched windows they couldn’t see out of, and only let out of solitary confinement three times a week – to briefly shower and go alone to a caged basketball court.

The teens’ lawyers calling their treatment akin to torture, and a violation of their constitutional rights.

The Human Rights Defense Center is suing Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and several of his staff, and including the School District of Palm Beach County in the lawsuit.

The suit said the teens and several others who were also used as examples, were denied access to education except for worksheets pushed under the metal door of their cells.
Teens with mental health diagnoses were not evaluated and denied treatment, according to the suit.

The full article can be accessed here.

Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC is Co-Counsel on this class action.