A Sharp County inmate has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Sharp County jail, claiming medical problems at the jail.
Chase Richard filed the complaint earlier this month in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
The seven page complaint alleges that Richard has made several medical calls stating he has had severe pain in his abdomen area.
Richard stated he also filed several grievances with the jail.
Also in the suit he claims “There has also several people who have gotten COVID and the staff has lied, saying they can’t confirm or deny it being in the building. There is not an on-site doctor like there should be.”
Richard also stated in the filing that he told the jail administrator that he could not eat peanut butter due to his abdominal pain.
The suit continues saying “All I received for dinner was a cheese sandwich. There needs to be an investigation done on Sharp County Detention Center and the violation of civil rights that goes on in this facility,”
Judge Ervin issued a partial response to Richard’s complaint.
“The Court does not interpret Mr. Richard’s general comment that there should be
a court-conducted investigation into the Detention Center as an actual request for such an investigation.
However, if that was his intent, the Court would recommend dismissal of such a request.
First, the Court cannot involve itself in the day-to-day operations of the Detention Center.
Second, Mr. Richard can only pursue claims for unconstitutional conduct he has personally experienced. Third, Mr. Richard cannot bring unrelated claims in a single lawsuit. However, he can file a new lawsuit to pursue claims that are unrelated to the medical deliberate indifference claim he is pursuing in this action,” Ervin stated.
Judge Ervin further noted “The United States Marshal is directed to serve Defendant Davis with a summons and a copy of the complaint without requiring prepayment of fees and costs or security. Service for Defendant Davis should be through the Sharp County Detention Center.”
No court date has been set at this time.