Corrections

Trial Date Set for Former Corrections Officer in Multi-Year Child Pornography Case

by

VANDALIA, Ill. — A 65-year-old retired federal corrections officer from Vandalia is set for an October jury trial over charges involving child pornography production, according to court records. Dennis J. Pickens, who is facing four counts of Class X felony production of child pornography, made a court appearance this Tuesday as final preparations are underway more than six years after his initial arrest. The charges against Pickens date back to 2018, with his trial slated for Oct. 28. Fayette County State’s Attorney Brenda Mathis explained that the 2018 case will be concurrently tried with two … Read more

Family Pursues Justice with Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Missouri Corrections Department After Inmate’s Death

by

Jefferson City, Missouri – A civil rights lawsuit has been lodged by the family of a deceased inmate against the Missouri Department of Corrections, as announced by their legal representatives. The case centers around allegations of inadequate medical care and deliberate neglect that purportedly led to the inmate’s untimely death. The plaintiff in the lawsuit is the family of Michael Smith (a pseudonym used to protect the family’s privacy), who died while under state custody in a Missouri correctional facility last year. The legal action, spearheaded by the firm FeganScott, claims that the corrections staff … Read more

Local Water Company Clashes with Town Board Over Authority to Mandate Health Corrections

by

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Tensions between a local water company and town authorities are simmering over water quality issues and regulatory authority, highlighting a clash that could have implications for public health policy. At the center of the dispute is Housatonic Water Works Co., which has been directed by the town’s Board of Health to improve its water quality or face stringent corrective measures. During a public hearing conducted via Zoom, Robert Cox, an environmental lawyer representing Housatonic Water Works, argued that the local board doesn’t possess the authority to impose such measures because of … Read more

Family Sues Georgia Department of Corrections for Negligence After Inmate Dies from Alleged Heat Exposure

by

Atlanta, GA — A Georgia family has filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Corrections, alleging negligence in the death of 27-year-old Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano, who reportedly died from complications related to heat exposure while incarcerated at Telfair State Prison on July 20, 2023. Ramirez’s death has sparked widespread concern about the conditions inside some of Georgia’s correctional facilities. According to legal representatives, on the day of his death, prison officials had been forewarned about severe heat warnings. Despite advisories issued by Warden Andrew McFarlane urging measures such as limited outdoor time, sufficient … Read more