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| Ex-inmates sought in strip-search settlement |
| By Albany Times Union |
| Published: 05/10/2004 |
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Administrators of a $2.7 million federal class-action settlement with the Rensselaer County (N.Y.) Jail are looking for people who were strip-searched after being charged with minor crimes. Inmates and detainees held between June 26, 1999, and July 1, 2002, could be eligible for money in the agreement preliminarily approved by senior U.S. District Judge Thomas McAvoy on April 28. A final approval hearing is scheduled for Sept. 13. "My colleagues and I worked hard for this, and we encourage everyone out there to make a claim and get a share of the funds," said attorney Bob Keach, who filed the $800 million court action on behalf of Nathaniel Bruce Jr. of Troy and others. Up to 2,000 individuals will receive as much as $1,000 each in the deal to be paid by the county's insurance carrier, if claim forms are submitted by July 29. Unclaimed funds will revert to the county. Bruce, now 33, told how officers taunted him on Nov. 11, 2001, when back surgery prevented him from bending over to touch his toes as he'd been ordered to do for a visual body cavity examination. Other named plaintiffs in the class action said they were ridiculed about the size of their genitals, body shapes and odors. Bruce said last Monday he was grateful for the settlement, which will yield him $12,000, but success has come with a price. He said he has been routinely arrested and strip-searched for "crimes" over the years, including jaywalking, mistaken identity and trespassing, "even when I was invited." Sheriff Jack Mahar, who took office in January, said he's been working to strengthen the department. It had been the subject of dozens of civil lawsuits, all claiming mismanagement, under the previous administration. Those who may be eligible for funds can access www.rcjsettlement.com Legal ads are also being posted with the terms of the agreement. |
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