A former inmate has filed a lawsuit against North Dakota corrections officials, seeking $1.1 million for alleged torture endured during his confinement. The case, which highlights serious accusations regarding the treatment of inmates, began in U.S. District Court in Fargo on July 13, 1993.
Eugene Littlewind, the plaintiff, claims he was subjected to inhumane treatment while incarcerated in 1988. According to his attorney, Don Becker, Littlewind was confined naked in a brightly lit isolation cell for six days. During this period, he was allegedly chained with his hands and feet bound behind him. Becker argued that such treatment constitutes torture and a clear violation of human rights.
In response, state officials presented a different narrative. Bill Peterson, an assistant attorney general, characterized Littlewind as a dangerous individual who posed a threat to prison staff. He contended that the measures taken by corrections officers were necessary to ensure safety within the facility. Peterson stated, “The state penitentiary is not a kiddie farm. It’s a serious place to be,” emphasizing the need for strict measures to handle unruly inmates.
The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including the North Dakota Corrections Department and former officials such as Richard Rayl, a former director of state institutions, and Terry Haines, the former warden. Becker’s argument revolves around the notion that punitive damages should not only compensate Littlewind for his alleged mistreatment but also serve as a deterrent against similar actions in the future. He remarked, “This kind of behavior will not be tolerated, not here, not in North Dakota. Maybe in Honduras, maybe in some other places, but not here.”
Littlewind’s legal troubles began on April 5, 1988, when he and three other inmates attempted to take a prison guard hostage. Becker explained that the inmates aimed to draw attention to the conditions within the prison’s administrative segregation unit. He acknowledged that during the incident, Littlewind and another inmate physically restrained the guard while their accomplices assaulted him.
As the trial unfolds, the implications of this case extend beyond Littlewind’s experience, potentially influencing ongoing discussions about inmate treatment and human rights within the correctional system. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar allegations are addressed in the future.
Both sides are expected to present comprehensive evidence as the trial progresses, with the court ultimately tasked with determining the validity of the claims and the appropriate course of action.
