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Prison Chief Gains Right to Counter-Sue Cons for Riot Damage

Prison Chief Gains Right to Counter-sue Cons for Riot Damage

Pennsylvania Corrections Commissioner Joseph D. Lehman has been granted standing by a federal district court to litigate against inmates for extensive property damages caused by rioting at the Camp Hill prison in October of 1989.

A magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania granted Lehman's motion to intervene as a defendant/counter-claimant in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier by inmates seeking damages for alleged loss of personal property, abuse and general conditions during and after the 1989 disturbances.

The magistrate granted the motion to intervene under local rules of court after counsel for the plaintiff prisoners filed no opposition.

The action clears the way for Lehman to lodge a counterclaim against the suing inmates seeking compensation for damage to the Camp Hill facility during the three days of rioting that destroyed or extensively damaged half the prison's buildings.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

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