Claims against seven West Virginia counties filed by SRJ inmates dismissed

Brandon Eanes
·1 min read
1

FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WVNS) — Multiple complaints filed by Southern Regional Jail inmates towards seven West Virginia counties that use Southern Regional Jail was dismissed after a Fayette County judge’s order.

According to a press release from Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Ciliberti Jr., Judge Frank W. Volk entered a order dismissing all claims filed by inmates. Judge Volk cited the inability of the plaintiffs (inmates) to provide a, “plausible foundation for holding the County Defendants liable for the alleged federal constitutional claims.”

Jude Volk also pointed out that county commissions are not responsible for ownership, operation, and maintenance at the regional jails.

The claims were ordered to be dismissed without prejudice. This means the claims cannot be brought up in court again. An objection to the claims being dismissed with prejudice must be filed by the plaintiffs by March 20, 2024.

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The press release concluded with the following statement:

Recent events at the Southern Regional Jail are concerning to both the Fayette County
Commission and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County. However, conditions
at the Southern Regional Jail are completely outside the control of both the Fayette County
Commission and the Office of Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County. The only involvement
the Fayette County Commission has with the operation of the Southern Regional Jail is
monitoring of and payment of the cost for housing inmates. The West Virginia Division of
Corrections and Rehabilitation is solely responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
Southern Regional Jail and it is our most sincere hope that the recent litigation will result in
improved conditions at the Southern Regional Jail.

Anthony Ciliberti Jr. | Office of The Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney

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