NEW ORLEANS – An inmate who claims he was stabbed in prison by a group of inmates, allegedly with the complicity of a prison guard, is suing the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office.
Terrence Lee has brought suit against Sheriff Marlin Gusman, in his capacity as Sheriff of Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with their respective insurance company.
On Sept. 13, 2014 Lee suffered severe injuries after he was allegedly attacked and stabbed over 12 times in a gang-related incident while an inmate at Orleans Parish Prison (OPP). Lee alleges that at 8:30 a.m. that morning, while in the defendant’s custody, he was attacked by two inmates when prison deputy John Dupart intentionally unlocked a door to a common room allowing the inmates to stab and brutally attack him.
Lee charges that, as a result of the defendant’s negligence, he sustained painful and debilitating injuries and damages. Specifically, Lee contends the defendants acted negligently by failing to maintain a safe environment, failing to warn and protect, failing to properly supervise employees and failing to see what should have been seen.
Lee seeks damages for mental anguish and emotional trauma, emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of the pursuit of happiness, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses.
The lawsuit states that in December 2014, Dupart and eight other inmates were indicted by a state grand jury in connection to the September 2014 incident. According to court exhibits, Dupart was charged with malfeasance in office and being principal to aggravated battery, while six inmates were charged with attempted second-degree murder in Criminal District Court.
Lee is represented by Pius A. Obioha, Kelly S. Love, and LaMarre T. Elder at the Law Offices of Pius A. Obioha & Associates, LLS in New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Paulette R. Irons.
Case No. 2015-06864.