While there have been media reports of possible settlements in the works, the most recent information from the ACLU of Utah on their lawsuit over Daggett County inmate abuse is that the case is being allowed to proceed. A press release from ACLU Utah issued earlier this year states that motions to dismiss the lawsuit were refused by U.S. District Court Judge Dale Kimball allowing the case to proceed to the discovery phase. “We are committed to making sure that every person who abused prisoners, fostered the culture where that abuse occurred, or turned a blind eye to the abuse is held accountable for his or her actions,” said John Mejia, Legal Director for ACLU of Utah. “The Court’s ruling allows Mr. Asay’s case to proceed not just against the County defendants, but against a State defendant as well.” The decision allows the ACLU of Utah to review documents and communications to discover more about the circumstances surrounding prisoner abuse in Daggett County Jail, offering a clearer picture of who knew what and when, shares the press release. “Our goal,” shared Mejia, “is to send a clear message to the State and counties that they must take measures to protect prisoners in their care.”
