Nashville Inmates Sue Over Scabies, Claim They Were Threatened With Solitary If They Squealed

NASHVILLE, TN — A newly filed federal class action lawsuit claims that CoreCivic — formerly Correction Corporation of America — tried to cover-up or downplay the scabies outbreak at the facility it runs in South Nashville and threatened inmates with solitary confinement if they mentioned the itchy epidemic to outsiders and revoked other privileges for those who tried to draw attention to it.

"(Correction officers) began threatening Plaintiff and other inmates that if they mentioned the word ‘scabies,’ complained about it, or filed a grievance, they would be placed in solitary confinement. Inmates attempted to inform their family members about the scabies infestation over the phone and asked their families to research scabies on their behalf. Because (CoreCivic) monitors all phone calls, those inmates immediately had their phone privileges revoked, in retaliation for attempting to bring light to the epidemic," the lawsuit, filed by attorney Gary Blackburn who is married to Judge Melissa Blackburn, who has emerged as one of the toughest critics of CoreCivic, states. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

The suit alleges, in addition, that CoreCivic denied medical treatment as the outbreak of scabies — caused by an infestation of the human itch mite, the disease leaves a rash and is highly susceptible to spread in correctional facilities, dormitories and institutions — was initially confined to the women's side of the Harding Pike facility. Eventually, all 1,300 inmates were treated for the disease.

In addition, courthouse employees and attorneys have been treated and some trials have been rescheduled.

According to the suit, inmate Wendy Snead called her family in mid-May and asked them to tell the Metro Department of Health about the outbreak. Later, she was sent to a Franklin specialist who diagnosed her with the disease and wrote a prescription. The lawsuit said that, on her return to the facility, CoreCivic officials denied her the medicine and placed her in segregation without her personal belongings or a mattress.

"(CoreCivic's) retaliation towards Plaintiff was intended to intimidate (Snead) and other inmates from filing grievances, seeking outside medical treatment, or otherwise reporting the scabies outbreak to individuals outside of (CoreCivic's) facility," claims the suit.

"While we don't comment on pending litigation, the health and safety of our staff, community and those entrusted to our care is our top priority. The Davidson County Sheriff's Office and the Metro Public Health Department were notified of this issue from the start, and they have been engaged every step of the way. In situations like this, we work hard to follow all protocols and guidelines to mitigate the issue," CoreCivic said in a statement. It is the same statement the company issued after Gary Blackburn filed a lawsuit on behalf of infected courthouse employees.

The inmates in this lawsuit seek immediate treatment and monetary damages.

Image via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention