Neglected prisoner gets $15.5 million after serving 22 months in solitary
Stephen Slevin spent 22 months in solitary confinement in a New
Mexico jail. During that time, his mental health deteriorated, fungus
grew on his skin, and he was forced to pull his own tooth after being
denied access to a dentist. A recent settlement with Dona Ana County
resulted in Slevin receiving $15.5 million.
Initially, Slevin was awarded $22 million by a jury, but Dona Ana
County appealed. The two parties reached an agreement this week.
According to NBC News,
Slevin's attorney, Matt Coyte, said his client's "mental health has
been severely compromised from the time he was in that facility. That
continues to be the same. No amount of money will bring back what they
took away from him. But it’s nice to be able to get him some money so he
can improve where he is in life and move on."
During his 22 months in solitary confinement, Slevin developed
bedsores and lost 50 pounds. The ordeal began in 2005 when he was
arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and stealing a car,
which he says he borrowed from a friend. Slevin was never brought
before a judge nor was he officially convicted of any crime. He said he
wrote letters, begging for help with his depression. The before and
after photos show the effect the 22 months of neglect had.
"Why they did what they did, I'll never know," Slevin told KOB4-TV. "Walking by me, watching me deteriorate day after day after day, and they did nothing at all to get me help."
Slevin's attorney said his client was battling depression at the time
of his arrest. His health woes continue. He was recently diagnosed with
lung cancer. He also suffers from post traumatic stress disorder due to
his time in jail.
Jess Williams, Dona Ana County's public information director, told
NBC News that the jail is making an effort to improve the way it treats
prisoners with mental illness.
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