Garrett v. Commonwealth of Virginia

On Christmas Day 2018, just four months shy of his release from custody, Curtis Garrett was alone in his cell at Sussex I Prison when two prison guards opened his door and unleashed their patrol dogs, ordering them to attack Mr. Garrett. The canines immediately began mauling his arms and legs. The officers then further assaulted Mr. Garrett, kicking and punching him and even slamming him into the wall of his cell while their canines continued to dig their teeth into Mr. Garrett’s limbs. Mr. Garrett suffered lasting injuries to his hand and nerve damage to his leg. Rights Behind Bars argues canine officers at Sussex I have engaged in the pervasive conduct of using patrol dogs to attack prisoners when there is no legitimate justification for doing so, in violation of the prisoners’ Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.

Garrett v. Commonwealth of Virginia, Case No. 3:20-cv-00986

Read the complaint.