#United States #Harrisburg #Andreozzi + Foote #Cambridge Springs #Sexual Assault

Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

In a significant legal move, the law firm Andreozzi + Foote has initiated a federal lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) on behalf of S.A., a former inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Cambridge Springs. The lawsuit, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, accuses the DOC of failing to provide adequate protection against sexual abuse within its facilities, specifically alleging misconduct by a correctional officer.

Details of the Case

According to the lawsuit, on December 11, 2022, S.A. was sexually assaulted in her cell by Alfonzia Newsome, a correctional officer at the institution. Shocking details reveal that Newsome had a documented history of inappropriate conduct towards numerous inmates, with some incidents reportedly witnessed and noted by staff members. Yet, he remained in his position until late 2023, raising serious questions about the institution's commitment to safeguarding its inmates' rights.

The complaint suggests that such negligence constitutes a violation of S.A.’s rights under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which protect individuals from cruel and unusual punishment and guarantee due process, respectively.

Nathaniel Foote, a partner at Andreozzi + Foote, emphasized the troubling nature of the allegations, stating, "The facts of this case reveal a disturbing pattern of negligence by those entrusted to uphold safety and dignity within the correctional system." He highlighted the courageous act of S.A. in reporting the assault, only to find herself in an environment where systemic failures permitted such abuse to continue.

Investigation and Charges

Following the incident, the Pennsylvania State Police launched an investigation into Newsome's conduct in July 2023. As a result, on July 29, 2024, he was formally charged with multiple offenses, including Institutional Sexual Assault (a felony) and Indecent Assault (a misdemeanor). His case is currently pending trial in Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

The lawsuit requests compensatory and punitive damages, asserting that the DOC officials displayed deliberate indifference towards S.A.'s safety and violated the provisions of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), designed to prevent sexual violence in detention facilities. Co-counsel Veronica Hubbard pointed out that no individual in custody should face such horrifying treatment and that accountability is critical for the institutions responsible for inmate welfare.

Andreozzi + Foote’s Commitment

Andreozzi + Foote remains steadfast in their mission to advocate for victims of sexual abuse. The firm is renowned for its role in high-profile cases, ensuring that victims and their families receive justice. They aim to leverage this case not only to obtain justice for S.A. but also to push for systemic reforms within the correctional system to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Through this lawsuit, Andreozzi + Foote highlights the need for rigorous standards and accountability in correctional facilities, calling for comprehensive actions that address and eliminate the circumstances that allow such abuses to occur.

For further information or media inquiries, Veronica N. Hubbard can be contacted via phone at 717-525-9124 or through email at [email protected].

About Andreozzi + Foote

Andreozzi + Foote is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse. With a focus on trauma-informed legal practices, the firm has achieved substantial results for their clients, advocating for sustained changes in policy and accountability in various institutions across the country.