FERGUS FALLS, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against Otter Tail County and its jail staff, representing an inmate, Ramsey Kettle. Kettle claims he was denied food and water for over 50 hours as a form of punishment while in solitary confinement at the Otter Tail County Jail this past spring. Kettle, who was held as a pretrial detainee on charges later dropped, was reportedly subjected to harsh conditions without adequate medical or mental health care.
The lawsuit, filed on December 6, names Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons, Jail Administrator Beth Carlson, and 12 jail staff members, many of whom were on duty during the incident. The Minnesota Department of Corrections had previously investigated the incident and imposed sanctions on the jail, temporarily downgrading its license, although it was later reinstated.
Kettle’s complaint expands on previous findings, alleging prolonged deprivation and neglect, and seeks compensation for damages as well as legal fees. The ACLU also seeks protections for Kettle from retaliatory actions due to the lawsuit.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for trfnews.i234.me