Case: Cameron v. Tomes

1:86-cv-03607 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Dec. 2, 1986

Closed Date: 1997

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On December 2, 1986, an involuntarily committed patient at the Massachusetts Treatment Center for the Sexually Dangerous (the "Center") filed a lawsuit under state contract law against Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Boston Division. The plaintiff, represented at first by himself and later by private counsel, asked the court for injunctive relief, alleging that the defendants violated his federal constitutional rights by failing to provide him with minimally adequate treatment. Specifically, the plaintiff contended that the defendants persisted in rigidly applying the Center's rules and policies to him, despite the defendants' actual knowledge that the strict enforcement of those rules and policies interfered with his ability to respond to treatment.

Previously, in 1978, the plaintiff pled guilty to charges of rape in Vermont and Massachusetts. In 1984, while serving at MCI Walpole, the plaintiff was adjudged a sexually dangerous person and committed to the Center in November 1985. The plaintiff's criminal sentence expired on February 15, 1992.

After a six-day nonjury trial that commenced November 1991 and ended in January 1992, on February 14, 1992, the District Court (Judge Robert E. Keeton) found for the plaintiff. Cameron v. Tomes, 783 F. Supp. 1511 (D. Mass. 1992). The Court held that rigid application of some of the Center's rules and policies was an unconstitutional failure to exercise professional judgment. The Court (a) ordered the Restrictive Integration Review Board to review the plaintiff's commitment to the Center to determine appropriate conditions of confinement and evaluate his current sexual dangerousness, (b) required the defendants to allow the plaintiff to receive treatment from the Veterans Administration for a list of ailments, (c) enjoined the defendants from transporting the plaintiff by armed correctional officers and in shackles, (d) required that a qualified decision-maker consider the plaintiff's appointment requests, (e) enjoined the defendants from using the "Extraction Team" against the plaintiff without consulting a clinician, (f) enjoined the defendants from enforcing the current disciplinary system, (g) enjoined the defendants from conducting oral cavity searches, (h) enjoined any requirement of double-bunking, and (i) required the defendants to modify a handicapped accessible room to provide reasonable space for the plaintiff to use his wheelchair and walker. The defendants appealed.

On March 31, 1993, the First Circuit Court of Appeals (Judge Michael Boudin) modified and affirmed the District Court's February 14, 1992, order. Cameron v. Tomes, 990 F.2d 14 (1st Cir. 1993). The Court held that the plaintiff was entitled to injunctive relief requiring reappraisal of his personal dangerousness and of the general conditions of his confinement. The Court adjusted and delimited the future effects of the District Court's injunction by removing the transportation security provisions as well as those enjoining the Center from enforcing the current disciplinary system.

We have no more information on this file.

Summary Authors

Josh Altman (6/28/2006)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/9287872/parties/cameron-v-murphy/

Judge(s)

Boudin, Michael (Massachusetts)

Coffin, Frank Morey (Maine)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Keefe, Robert Dennis (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

Harshbarger, Scott (Massachusetts)

Kaczynski, Michelle (Massachusetts)

Judge(s)

Boudin, Michael (Massachusetts)

Coffin, Frank Morey (Maine)

Keeton, Robert Ernest (Massachusetts)

Selya, Bruce Marshall (Rhode Island)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Keefe, Robert Dennis (Massachusetts)

Matuschak, Mark G. (Massachusetts)

Rocchio, David M. (Massachusetts)

Savage, N. Roland (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

Harshbarger, Scott (Massachusetts)

Kaczynski, Michelle (Massachusetts)

Massing, Gregory (Massachusetts)

Medvedow, Elisabeth (Massachusetts)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1:86-cv-03607	Docket [PACER] Cameron v. Murphy	Oct. 25, 2005	Oct. 25, 2005 Docket
74 1:86-cv-03607	Opinion	Feb. 14, 1992	Feb. 14, 1992 Order/Opinion 783 F.Supp. 1511
92-01343	Opinion U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit	March 31, 1993	March 31, 1993 Order/Opinion 990 F.2d 14

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/9287872/cameron-v-murphy/

Last updated Nov. 3, 2026, 5:51 a.m.

Docket for: Cameron v. Murphy

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
3	Dec. 2, 1986	Complaint filed by pro se plaintiff. (lt) (Entered: 12/09/1992)	RECAP
21	Feb. 17, 1989	Amended complaint by Robert Cameron, amending [3-1] complaint Filed. (lt) (Entered: 12/09/1992)	RECAP
	Jan. 1, 1991	Refer to Paper Docket for entries prior to January 1, 1991. (lt) (Entered: 10/02/1992)	PACER
	Jan. 1, 1991	Refer to Paper Docket for entries prior to January 1, 1991. (lt)
34	Jan. 14, 1991	Motion by Robert Cameron for leave to file an amended complaint (fmr) (Entered: 01/16/1991)	RECAP
35	Jan. 24, 1991	Memorandum by Edward Murphy, John Noonan, Ian Tink, Barry Anechiarico, Michael Maquire, Neil Kiley in opposition to [34-1] motion for leave to file an amended complaint (fmr) (Entered: 01/24/1991)	RECAP
36	Jan. 30, 1991	Motion by Robert Cameron for leave to file reply (fmr) (Entered: 02/01/1991)	RECAP
37	Feb. 11, 1991	Amended complaint by Robert Cameron, (Answer due 2/21/91 for Neil Kiley, for Michael Maquire, for Barry Anechiarico, for Ian Tink, for John Noonan, for Edward Murphy ) amending [37-1] amended complaint against Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci (fmr) (Entered: 02/13/1991)	RECAP
	Feb. 11, 1991	Terminated document(s) [37-1] amended complaint Requested by J. Cull. Terminated pursuant to conversation with counsel for plaintiff on 12/8/92, informing the court that there was no amended complaint on 2/11/91 (#37) filed. (lt) (Entered: 12/09/1992)	PACER
	Feb. 11, 1991	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Endorsed Order granting [34-1] motion for leave to file an amended complaint taking in account of P's desclaimer filed 1/30/91 that any new and distinct cause of action is being asserted, filed (fmr) (Entered: 02/13/1991)	PACER
	Feb. 11, 1991	Terminated document(s) [37-1] amended complaint Requested by J. Cull. Terminated pursuant to conversation with counsel for plaintiff on 12/8/92, informing the court that there was no amended complaint on 2/11/91 (#37) filed. (lt)
	Feb. 11, 1991	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Endorsed Order granting [34-1] motion for leave to file an amended complaint taking in account of P's desclaimer filed 1/30/91 that any new and distinct cause of action is being asserted, filed (fmr)
38	Feb. 15, 1991	Second Amended complaint by Robert Cameron, (Answer due 2/25/91 for James P. Sansouci, for Henry Tomes, for Neil Kiley, for Michael Maquire, for Barry Anechiarico, for Ian Tink, for John Noonan, for Edward Murphy ) amending [21-1] amended complaint. FILED. (fmr) Modified on 12/09/1992 (Entered: 02/19/1991)	RECAP
39	Feb. 19, 1991	Answer to Complaint by Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci; jury demand (fmr) (Entered: 02/21/1991)	RECAP
40	March 25, 1991	Notification of life threatening medical condition, filed (fmr) (Entered: 03/27/1991)	RECAP
41	March 25, 1991	Notice returned to court re: Attny Stone longer at 626 Wilshire Blvd. ....re: hearing set for April 2, 1990.... (fmr) (Entered: 03/27/1991)	RECAP
42	June 3, 1991	Notice of Hearing: set status conference for 4:00 7/26/91 before Judge Robert E. Keeton (fmr) (Entered: 06/11/1991)	RECAP
43	July 1, 1991	Motion by Robert Cameron of reimbursement of costs for exper's services to Judge Robert E. Keeton (fmr) (Entered: 07/02/1991)	RECAP
44	July 26, 1991	Judge Robert E. Keeton .(rptr-Cloonan) Clerk's Notes: STATUS CONFERENCE - CL rep'd that they were unfamiliar with the second docket # assigned to this case in the court's records: 87-1153. The Ct advised that the clerk would investigate the matter. D's cl advised that thte clerk would investigate the matter. D's cl tep'd that she had to be removed becuase of a inevitable conflict arising from her defense of p's expert witness in a previous case. THe ct advised P's cl that the ct has no authority to order the P to be reimbursed for the cost of his expect witness. CL agreed after D;s cl brought it to the ct's attention that no jury would be necssary P seeks only equitable relief. P's cl rep'd that he was ready for trial., set Jury trial for 9:45 11/15/91 before Judge Robert E. Keeton (fmr) (Entered: 08/05/1991)	RECAP
	Oct. 11, 1991	Terminated document(s) [43-1] motion of reimbursement of costs for exper's services, [36-1] motion for leave to file reply taken under advisement Requested by JMCull. (lt) (Entered: 10/11/1991)	PACER
	Oct. 11, 1991	Terminated document(s) [43-1] motion of reimbursement of costs for exper's services, [36-1] motion for leave to file reply taken under advisement Requested by JMCull. (lt)
45	Nov. 1, 1991	Notice of attorney appearance for Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci by Elisabeth J. Medvedow. FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 11/04/1991)	RECAP
46	Nov. 1, 1991	Motion by Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci to dismiss FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 11/04/1991)	RECAP
47	Nov. 1, 1991	Memorandum by Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci in support of [46-1] motion to dismiss (fmr) (Entered: 11/04/1991)	RECAP
48	Nov. 1, 1991	Judge Robert E. Keeton. (Rptr - Willette) Clerk's Notes: Status conference - colloquy re: D's mtn to dismiss. Court requests P to respond to mtn to dismiss by 11/8/91. court will give parties a copy of order regulating nonjury trial as a suggestion of how to prepare for trial. court requests P to serve proposed findings and conclusions so D may mark up what D disagrees with. Colloquy re: state habeas corpus claim. Court asks P why this court has jurisdiction if P is litigating same claim in habeas corpus? Parties are to present arguments to court in some form, but the trial date will remain the same, and Response to motion reset to 11/8/91 for [46-1] motion to dismiss, filed. (fmr) (Entered: 11/05/1991)	RECAP
	Nov. 1, 1991	Status conference held. (fmr) (Entered: 11/05/1991)	PACER
	Nov. 1, 1991	Status conference held. (fmr)
49	Nov. 6, 1991	Joint motion by Robert Cameron, Edward Murphy, John Noonan, Ian Tink, Barry Anechiarico, Michael Maquire, Neil Kiley, Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci to dismiss counts III and IV (fmr) (Entered: 11/07/1991)	RECAP
50	Nov. 7, 1991	STIPULATION by Robert Cameron, Henry Tomes, dismissing counts III and IV pursuant to Fed. R. Cic. P. 41(a)(1) (fmr) (Entered: 11/07/1991)	RECAP
51	Nov. 7, 1991	Notice of Non-Consent To Affidavits In Lieu Of Direct Testimony FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 11/12/1991)	RECAP
52	Nov. 7, 1991	Petition for writ of habeas corpus FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 11/12/1991)	RECAP
55	Nov. 7, 1991	Joint motion by Robert Cameron, Edward Murphy, John Noonan, Ian Tink, Barry Anechiarico, Michael Maquire, Neil Kiley, Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci to dismiss counts III and IV (fmr) (Entered: 11/12/1991)	RECAP
53	Nov. 8, 1991	Memorandum by Robert Cameron in opposition to D's motion to dismiss and request for oral argument FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 11/12/1991)	RECAP
71	Nov. 8, 1991	Proposed Findings of fact and conclusions of law by Robert Cameron marked up by Ds, filed, c/s. (fmr) (Entered: 02/18/1992)	RECAP
54	Nov. 12, 1991	Plaintiff's List of Witnesses, Depositions And Exhibits To Be Used At Trial FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 11/12/1991)	RECAP
	Nov. 12, 1991	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Endorsed Order granting [52-1] petition for writ of habeas corpus ad testificandum (fmr) (Entered: 12/05/1991)	PACER
	Nov. 12, 1991	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Endorsed Order granting [52-1] petition for writ of habeas corpus ad testificandum (fmr)
56	Nov. 13, 1991	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Memorandum and Order: D's motion to dismiss (#46) is DENIED (fmr) Modified on 09/28/1992 (Entered: 11/21/1991)	RECAP
	Nov. 13, 1991	Writ of Habeas Corpus issued (fmr) (Entered: 12/05/1991)	PACER
	Nov. 13, 1991	Writ of Habeas Corpus issued (fmr)
	Nov. 15, 1991	Bench trial held (fmr) (Entered: 02/18/1992)	PACER
	Nov. 15, 1991	Bench trial held (fmr)
58	Nov. 21, 1991	Motion by Robert Cameron for leave to supplement witness list FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 11/27/1991)	RECAP
57	Nov. 22, 1991	Memorandum by Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci in opposition to [54-1] remark (supplement witness list) FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 11/26/1991)	RECAP
61	Dec. 12, 1991	Statement of Facts by Robert Cameron, Edward Murphy, John Noonan, Ian Tink, Barry Anechiarico, Michael Maquire, Neil Kiley, Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci Re: "..the plaintiff, Robert E. Cameron, has refused medical treatment offered at or by the Massachusetts Treatment Center on more than 150 occasions from 1985 through 8/7/91." FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 12/19/1991)	RECAP
	Dec. 13, 1991	Writ of Habeas Corpus issued (fmr)
59	Dec. 16, 1991	Motion by Robert Cameron for leave to submit affidavit in lieu of live testimony FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 12/16/1991)	RECAP
60	Dec. 16, 1991	Motion by Robert Cameron for leave to supplement witness list to call Albert R. Jurgela, Ph.d FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 12/16/1991)	RECAP
77	Jan. 9, 1992	Return of Habeas Corpus FILED (fmr) (Entered: 02/20/1992)	RECAP
69	Jan. 24, 1992	Petition for writ of habeas corpus FILED (fmr) (Entered: 02/07/1992)	RECAP
72	Jan. 24, 1992	Judge Robert E. Keeton. Clerk's Notes: Non-Jury Trial Day 7 - (rptr - Willette): D calls Yuri Amit. D rests. D moves for a R.52(c) motion. Court responds, will consider w/oral argument. Court would welcome proposed findings and conclusions of law by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday. (fmr) (Entered: 02/18/1992)	RECAP
73	Jan. 24, 1992	Motion by Edward Murphy, John Noonan, Ian Tink, Barry Anechiarico, Michael Maquire, Neil Kiley, Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci to dismiss pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 52(c), filed, c/s. (fmr) (Entered: 02/18/1992)	RECAP
	Jan. 24, 1992	Writ of Habeas Corpus issued (fmr) (Entered: 02/05/1992)	PACER
	Jan. 24, 1992	Writ of Habeas Corpus issued (fmr)
75	Jan. 27, 1992	Return of Habeas Corpus unexecuted (fmr) (Entered: 02/20/1992)	RECAP
	Jan. 27, 1992	Writ of Habeas Corpus issued (fmr) (Entered: 02/07/1992)	PACER
	Jan. 27, 1992	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Endorsed Order granting [69-1] petition for writ of habeas corpus (fmr)
	Jan. 27, 1992	Writ of Habeas Corpus issued (fmr)
62	Jan. 28, 1992	Plaintiff's Supplemental Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (Annotated) FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 01/28/1992)	RECAP
63	Jan. 28, 1992	Proposed Order FILEDby the Plaintiff (fmr) (Entered: 01/28/1992)	RECAP
64	Jan. 28, 1992	Index FILED by the plaintiff (witness transcripts) (fmr) (Entered: 01/28/1992)	RECAP
65	Jan. 28, 1992	Defendant's Proposed Findings of Fact FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 02/03/1992)	RECAP
79	Jan. 29, 1992	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Clerk's Notes: Non-jury trial day 7. Sidebar- D gives closing argument. P's closing argument. P's counsel will submit proposed order by 1/31/92 and then D's counsel shall respond by Thursday 2/6/92. Court will consider only the substituted proposed order. (fmr) (Entered: 02/24/1992)	RECAP
66	Jan. 31, 1992	Motion by Robert Cameron for leave to file substitute proposed order FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 02/06/1992)	RECAP
70	Jan. 31, 1992	Proposed Order FILED pursuant to Judge Keeton's endorsement (fmr) (Entered: 02/12/1992)	RECAP
	Jan. 31, 1992	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Endorsed Order granting [66-1] motion for leave to file substitute proposed order (fmr) (Entered: 02/12/1992)	PACER
	Jan. 31, 1992	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Endorsed Order granting [66-1] motion for leave to file substitute proposed order (fmr)
78	Feb. 4, 1992	Habeas Corpus return of service FILED (fmr) Modified on 08/18/1993 (Entered: 02/20/1992)	RECAP
67	Feb. 5, 1992	KEETON, D.J. (rptr-Willette) TRANSCRIPT of 6th day of non-jury trial on 1/24/92 (fmr) (Entered: 02/06/1992)	RECAP
68	Feb. 5, 1992	Memorandum by Edward Murphy, John Noonan, Ian Tink, Barry Anechiarico, Michael Maquire, Neil Kiley, Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci in opposition to [63-1] remark (fmr) (Entered: 02/06/1992)	RECAP
	Feb. 12, 1992	Terminated document(s) mooting [36-1] motion for leave to file reply. Requested by jmc. (fmr) (Entered: 02/12/1992)	PACER
	Feb. 12, 1992	Terminated document(s) mooting [36-1] motion for leave to file reply. Requested by jmc. (fmr)
74	Feb. 14, 1992	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Opinion ISSUED (fmr) (Entered: 02/19/1992)	RECAP
80	Feb. 14, 1992	Judge Robert E. Keeton . Judgment for Robert Cameron against Edward Murphy, John Noonan, Ian Tink, Barry Anechiarico, Michael Maquire, Neil Kiley, Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci. Costs awarded to plaintiff (fmr) (Entered: 02/25/1992)	RECAP
	Feb. 14, 1992	Case closed (fmr) (Entered: 02/25/1992)	PACER
	Feb. 14, 1992	Case closed (fmr)
76	Feb. 20, 1992	Return of Habeas Corpus FILED (fmr) (Entered: 02/20/1992)	RECAP
81	Feb. 28, 1992	Motion by Robert Cameron for attorney fees FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 03/05/1992)	RECAP
82	March 3, 1992	Transcript of Conference before Judge Keeton held 12/20/91 in Courtroom 13 (Reptr. Willette) FILED (fmr) (Entered: 03/05/1992)	RECAP
83	March 3, 1992	Transcript of Non-Jury Trial Proceedings Day 1 before Judge Keeton on 11/15/92 in Courtroom 11 (Reptr. Willette) FILED (fmr) (Entered: 03/05/1992)	RECAP
84	March 3, 1992	Transcript of Non-Jury Trial Proceedings Day 2 before Judge Keeton on 12/17/92 (Reptr. Willette) (fmr) (Entered: 03/05/1992)	RECAP
85	March 3, 1992	Transcript of Non-Jury Trial Proceedings Day 3 before Judge Keeton on 12/18/91 in Courtroom 13 (Reptr. Willette) FILED (fmr) (Entered: 03/05/1992)	RECAP
86	March 3, 1992	Transcript of Non-Jury Trial Proceedings Day 4 before Judge Keeton on 12/19/91 in Courtroom 13 (Reptr. Willette) FILED (fmr) (Entered: 03/05/1992)	RECAP
87	March 3, 1992	Transcript of Non-Jury Trial Proceedings Day 5 before Judge Keeton on 1/23/92 (Reptr. Willette) FILED (fmr) (Entered: 03/05/1992)	RECAP
88	March 3, 1992	Transcript of Non-Jury Trial Proceedings Day 7 before Judge Keeton on 1/29/92 in Courtroom 11 (Reptr. Willette) FILED (fmr) (Entered: 03/05/1992)	RECAP
89	March 13, 1992	Memorandum by Edward Murphy, John Noonan, Ian Tink, Barry Anechiarico, Michael Maquire, Neil Kiley, Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci in opposition to [81-1] motion for attorney fees FILED c/s (fmr) (Entered: 03/19/1992)	RECAP
90	March 13, 1992	Notice of appeal by Henry Tomes, James P. Sansouci from the judgment of 2/14/92, Appeal record due on 4/13/92, filed. Notice sent to all counsel. (fmr) (Entered: 03/23/1992)	RECAP
91	March 20, 1992	Motion by Robert Cameron for leave to file reply memo (fmr) (Entered: 03/24/1992)	RECAP
92	March 23, 1992	Motion by Robert Cameron for leave to file reply memo (fmr) (Entered: 03/25/1992)	RECAP
	April 1, 1992	Notice of Docketing ROA from USCA Re: [90-1] appeal USCA NUMBER: 92-1343 (fmr) (Entered: 04/01/1992)	PACER
	April 1, 1992	Certified copy of docket and record on appeal forwarded to U.S. Court of Appeals on Clerk's Certificate: [90-1] appeal (fmr) (Entered: 04/01/1992)	PACER
	April 1, 1992	Notice of Docketing ROA from USCA Re: [90-1] appeal USCA NUMBER: 92-1343 (fmr)
	April 1, 1992	Certified copy of docket and record on appeal forwarded to U.S. Court of Appeals on Clerk's Certificate: [90-1] appeal (fmr)
	April 7, 1992	USCA appeal fees received $ 105, receipt #16491. (fmr) (Entered: 04/10/1992)	PACER
	April 7, 1992	USCA appeal fees received $ 105, receipt #16491. (fmr)
93	April 17, 1992	Receipt for exhibits used at trial signed by Atty. Medvedow for both sides. (fmr) (Entered: 04/17/1992)	RECAP
94	April 24, 1992	Letter to the Court from Atty. David Rocchio re: remaining time of Mr. Cameron's sentence FILED cc/oppos/cl (fmr) (Entered: 05/05/1992)	RECAP
95	April 24, 1992	Corrected version of letter from Atty Rocchio re: Mr. Cameron's sentence. FILED cc/oppos/cl (fmr) (Entered: 05/05/1992)	RECAP
	April 30, 1992	Transmitted supplemental record on appeal (Plaintiffs and Defendants Exhibits) : [90-1] appeal (fmr) (Entered: 05/06/1992)	PACER
	April 30, 1992	Transmitted supplemental record on appeal (Plaintiffs and Defendants Exhibits) : [90-1] appeal (fmr)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Mental Health (Facility)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 2, 1986

Closing Date: 1997

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Involuntarily committed patient alleging violation of his constitutional rights due to the failure of Department of Mental Health to provide him with minimally adequate treatment

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: Yes

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Mass. Treatment Center for the Sexually Dangerous

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details