Case: Diggs v. Mici

4:22-cv-40003 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Jan. 10, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about prison officials who allegedly inflicted weeks of unprovoked violence on prisoners, particularly prisoners of color. On January 10, 2022, nine Black and Latino men incarcerated at Massachusetts' Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center (SBCC) filed this putative class action suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the Massachusetts Department of Corrections . The plaintiffs sued state officials under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violations of the Eight…

This is a case about prison officials who allegedly inflicted weeks of unprovoked violence on prisoners, particularly prisoners of color. On January 10, 2022, nine Black and Latino men incarcerated at Massachusetts' Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center (SBCC) filed this putative class action suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the Massachusetts Department of Corrections . The plaintiffs sued state officials under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violations of the Eighth Amendment's Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause. Represented by Prisoners’ Legal Services of Massachusetts and a private firm, the plaintiffs sought both injunctive relief and damages. This case was assigned to David H. Hennessy.

The complaint described a course of conduct, called the Retaliatory Force Campaign, started after a small group of prisoners injured SBCC officers. The damage, the complaint said, included "beating and kicking prisoners; gouging eyes; grabbing testicles; smashing faces into the ground or wall; deploying Taser guns, pepper ball guns, and other chemical agents; ordering K9s to menace and bite prisoners; and excessively tightening handcuffs and forcing prisoners’ arms into unnatural and painful positions".

The complaint alleged that officers particularly targeted Black and Latino prisoners, yanking and ripping out dreadlocks and braids and shouting racist comments and slurs as they assaulted the prisoners. Some officers even allegedly wore a white supremacist logo on their helmets. 

Not much has yet happened in the lawsuit; the state filed an answer, but the docket does not show any other significant activity. 

The case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Michelle Landry (5/23/2022)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

4:22-cv-40003

Class Action Complaint for Damages and Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Jan. 10, 2022

Jan. 10, 2022

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/62055632/diggs-v-mici/

Last updated Jan. 19, 2023, 3:26 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants Filing fee: $ 402, receipt number AMADC-9131161 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebello, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Category Form)(Caruso, Courtney) (Entered: 01/10/2022)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

2 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Category Form

View on PACER

Jan. 10, 2022

Jan. 10, 2022

Clearinghouse
2

NOTICE of Appearance by David Milton on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebello, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Milton, David) (Entered: 01/10/2022)

Jan. 10, 2022

Jan. 10, 2022

PACER
3

NOTICE of Appearance by Lauren Petit on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebello, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Petit, Lauren) (Entered: 01/11/2022)

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER
4

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. District Judge Timothy S. Hillman assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy. (Jones, Sherry) (Entered: 01/11/2022)

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER
5

Summons Issued as to All Defendants. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (Jones, Sherry) (Entered: 01/11/2022)

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER
6

NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth Carr Pignatelli on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebello, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Pignatelli, Elizabeth) (Entered: 01/11/2022)

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER
7

NOTICE of Appearance by Alexandra G. Watson on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebello, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Watson, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/11/2022)

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER
8

NOTICE of Appearance by Anthony E. Fuller on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 01/11/2022)

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER
9

NOTICE of Appearance by Gregory F Noonan on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Noonan, Gregory) (Entered: 01/11/2022)

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER
10

NOTICE of Appearance by Courtney A. Caruso on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Caruso, Courtney) (Entered: 01/11/2022)

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER

Notice of Case Assignment

Jan. 11, 2022

Jan. 11, 2022

PACER
11

NOTICE of Appearance by Kristyn J.E. Henry on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Henry, Kristyn) (Entered: 01/12/2022)

Jan. 12, 2022

Jan. 12, 2022

PACER
12

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. James Allain waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
13

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Paul Birri waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
14

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. David Brien waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
15

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Robert D'Amadio waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
16

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Donald Denomme waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
17

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Patrick Depalo waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
18

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Robert Deschenne waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
19

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Ronald Gardner waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
20

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. James Gearin waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
21

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Dean Gray waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
22

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Paul Henderson waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
23

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Keith Houle waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
24

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Evan Laranjo waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
25

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. John Madden waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
26

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Carol Mici waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
27

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Charles Primack waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
28

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Joseph Bellini waiver sent on 1/24/2022, answer due 3/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
29

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Davongie Stone, Demetrius Goshen, Dwayne Diggs, Luis Saldana, James Jacks, Danavian Daniel, Xavier Valentin-Soto, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo. Steven Kenneway waiver sent on 2/23/2022, answer due 4/25/2022. (Fuller, Anthony) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
30

NOTICE of Pro Bono Attorney Appearance by Kayla Ghantous on behalf of Danavian Daniel, Dwayne Diggs, Demetrius Goshen, James Jacks, David Jackson, Raphael Rebollo, Luis Saldana, Davongie Stone, Xavier Valentin-Soto (Ghantous, Kayla) (Entered: 03/24/2022)

March 24, 2022

March 24, 2022

PACER
31

NOTICE of Appearance by Stephanie M. Caffrey on behalf of James Allain, Joseph Bellini, Paul Birri, David Brien, Robert D'Amadio, Donald Denomme, Patrick Depalo, Robert Deschenne, Ronald Gardner, James Gearin, Dean Gray, Paul Henderson, Keith Houle, Steven Kenneway, Evan Laranjo, John Madden, Carol Mici, Charles Primack (Caffrey, Stephanie) (Entered: 03/25/2022)

March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

PACER
32

ANSWER to 1 Complaint, with Jury Demand by James Allain, Joseph Bellini, Paul Birri, David Brien, Robert D'Amadio, Donald Denomme, Patrick Depalo, Robert Deschenne, Ronald Gardner, James Gearin, Dean Gray, Paul Henderson, Keith Houle, Steven Kenneway, Evan Laranjo, John Madden, Carol Mici, Charles Primack.(Caffrey, Stephanie) (Entered: 03/25/2022)

March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

PACER
33

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Reassignment. Judge Allison D. Burroughs added. Case redrawn according to Local Rule 40.1(i). District Judge Timothy S. Hillman no longer assigned to case. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 06/14/2022)

June 14, 2022

June 14, 2022

PACER

Notice of Reassignment

June 14, 2022

June 14, 2022

PACER
34

Judge Allison D. Burroughs: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The parties shall submit a joint proposed schedule by 6/29/22 and indicate whether they object to the court setting a schedule on the written submission. (Folan, Karen) (Entered: 06/15/2022)

June 15, 2022

June 15, 2022

PACER

Order

June 15, 2022

June 15, 2022

PACER
35

Recommendations for Scheduling Order . (Watson, Alexandra) (Entered: 06/29/2022)

June 29, 2022

June 29, 2022

PACER
36

Judge Allison D. Burroughs: ORDER entered. SCHEDULING ORDER: Fact Discovery to be completed by 9/29/2023. Dispositive Motions due by 1/8/2024. Status Conference set for 9/28/2023 09:15 AM in Courtroom 17 (In person only) before Judge Allison D. Burroughs. At that time, the Court will set a date for trial. (See full order attached) (McManus, Caetlin) (Entered: 09/14/2022)

Sept. 14, 2022

Sept. 14, 2022

RECAP
37

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by Elizabeth Carr Pignatelli (Pignatelli, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/28/2022)

Dec. 28, 2022

Dec. 28, 2022

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 10, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Nine Black or Latino men incarcerated at the Souza-Baranowski state prison in Massachusetts, on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Massachusetts Department of Correction (Shirley), State

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General:

Assault/abuse by staff

Conditions of confinement

Disparate Treatment

Excessive force

Failure to discipline

Failure to supervise

Sanitation / living conditions

Search policies

Strip search policy

Torture

Discrimination-area:

Discipline

Discrimination-basis:

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Race:

Black

Type of Facility:

Government-run

National Origin/Ethnicity:

Hispanic