GODFREY Mendiola, an inmate serving time for sexual abuse of a minor, has filed a complaint in federal court against Department of Corrections officials and the Department of Public Safety commissioner. They were sued in their official and individual capacities.
He has accused them of violating his civil and constitutional rights and breaching a previous settlement agreement to provide adequate medical services access to prisoners at the Corrections facility.
Mendiola was referring to the settlement agreement in the lawsuit that he and 13 other inmates filed against Corrections on June 1, 2018.
That lawsuit alleged that Corrections failed to provide constitutionally adequate medical care, mental health care, dental care, and eye care to persons in the custody of the department.
The inmates wanted Corrections to develop a plan “to eliminate the substantial harm the prisoners suffer due to inadequate medical care, mental health care, dental care, and eye care.”
Mendiola, who represents himself in his latest complaint, has asked the court for an order awarding him damages in the amount of $5,500,000.
Mendiola also wants the court to issue a judgement in his favor, and to “preliminarily and permanently enjoin the defendants and/or their agents or representatives acting with them or on their behalf from subjecting him to unconstitutional treatment.”
He likewise asked the court to issue “an injunction as necessary and appropriate to prevent such conduct on an ongoing basis.”
For his protection, moreover, Mendiola asked that a permanent restraining order be issued against the defendants and/or their representatives “against all forms of retaliatory treatment, solitary confinement, and unconstitutional mistreatment.”
He said the court should issue a consent decree against Corrections and its officials to improve prison conditions, policies, and practices to ensure and prevent further abuses and mistreatment and violations of rights.
Lastly, Mendiola is asking the court to appoint an attorney who will represent and assist him with his lawsuit.
