×
You have 2 more free articles available this month. Subscribe today.
Final Settlement Approved In Indiana Strip Search Suit
On December 4, 2002, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of
Indiana granted final approval of a settlement agreement involving
plaintiffs who were illegally strip-searched upon their imprisonment in the
Floyd County Jail. The settlement included individual compensation, costs,
and attorneys' fees.
Under the settlement agreement, individuals in the plaintiff class--persons
arrested for misdemeanors or driving while intoxicated between January 13,
1997, and January 13, 1999, and strip-searched upon their imprisonment in
the Floyd County Jail--are entitled to a one-time, $1,000 damages payment
from a settlement fund previously deposited with the court. The agreement
included an additional $700,000 for fees and expenses incurred by
plaintiffs' counsel.
Of the 2,951 notices mailed to prospective class members, approximately 634
timely responded and were included in the class.
The settlement agreement received final approval following the district
court's August 2, 2002, order granting preliminary approval and a fairness
hearing held on December 4, 2002. The plaintiffs were represented by Bart
M. Betteau of the New Albany, Indiana, firm McDaniel & Betteau. See: Doan
v. Watson, Case No. NA 99-4-C-B/S, 2002 WL 31730917 (S.D.Ind., 2002) (Not
Reported in F.Supp.2d).
Indiana granted final approval of a settlement agreement involving
plaintiffs who were illegally strip-searched upon their imprisonment in the
Floyd County Jail. The settlement included individual compensation, costs,
and attorneys' fees.
Under the settlement agreement, individuals in the plaintiff class--persons
arrested for misdemeanors or driving while intoxicated between January 13,
1997, and January 13, 1999, and strip-searched upon their imprisonment in
the Floyd County Jail--are entitled to a one-time, $1,000 damages payment
from a settlement fund previously deposited with the court. The agreement
included an additional $700,000 for fees and expenses incurred by
plaintiffs' counsel.
Of the 2,951 notices mailed to prospective class members, approximately 634
timely responded and were included in the class.
The settlement agreement received final approval following the district
court's August 2, 2002, order granting preliminary approval and a fairness
hearing held on December 4, 2002. The plaintiffs were represented by Bart
M. Betteau of the New Albany, Indiana, firm McDaniel & Betteau. See: Doan
v. Watson, Case No. NA 99-4-C-B/S, 2002 WL 31730917 (S.D.Ind., 2002) (Not
Reported in F.Supp.2d).
As a digital subscriber to Prison Legal News, you can access full text and downloads for this and other premium content.
Already a subscriber? Login
Related legal case
Doan v. Watson
| Year | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Case No. NA 99-4-C-B/S, 2002 WL 31730917 (S.D.Ind. |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Attorney Fees | 700000 |
| Damages | 634000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |