Jefferson Parish inmate files handwritten petition against Sheriff’s Office

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish Correctional Center inmate has filed a lawsuit against the Jefferson Parish Sheriff for allegedly depriving him of his rights while incarcerated.

Vincent Mark Castillo filed suit against Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand, arresting sheriff’s deputy M. Ennis and the State of Louisiana in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 27.

Castillo claims he was previously held for nine months in the parish prison before being released. The plaintiff alleges that at the time of his release he was denied his personal property including his cell phone, wallet, credit cards, debit cards, gift cards and jewelry that he entered with as well as not given money for bus fare, access to a public telephone, food or any protective clothing. The plaintiff asserts he was falsely arrested on an assault charge of which he had no knowledge and that he was never brought in front of a judge for the charge.

Castillo was originally charged with simple burglary in December 2011 and then charged with assault in November 2012.

The defendant is accused of limiting the amount of legal mail an indigent inmate can send, refused to provide indigent inmates with proper stationary supplies, failing to provide access to a law library or relevant information, violating civil and criminal procedure and refusing to provide the plaintiff with carbon copy paper so he could have a copy of the petition.

Damages are sought for inmate grievance, inmate requests, disciplinary charges and appeals from 2010 until present.

Castillo is representing himself in the case.

The case has been assigned to Division H Judge Glenn B. Ansardi.

Case no. 722-497.