Claims of mistreatment at a D.C. jail where numerous Capitol rioters are being held have led to a federal prosecutor to refer the jail for an investigation into possible civil rights violations after holding its officials in contempt of court, CNN reports.
The revelations came after the lawyer for defendant Christopher Worrell, who garnered support in right-wing circles due to his health issues while in jail, claimed that jail officials procrastinated on getting his client medical treatment for a broken finger, causing him to need surgery. But prosecutors say Worrell “invented” his medical issues.
While presiding over a separate case related to the Capitol riot, Judge Emmet Sullivan wasn’t moved by claims from defendants about poor treatment while incarcerated.
“They’re running a jail, not a hotel. Some people want hotel services,” Sullivan said.
From CNN:
The DOJ wrote in its filing that one doctor said that Worrell’s finger surgery was an “elective procedure” that he had wanted because he did not like the appearance of how his fracture healed.
“He was informed that surgery has risks that may outweigh the benefits of a surgery. Although, we discussed the risks of infection, poor function, pain, etc … the patient’s beyond reason at this time,” notes from the doctor read. “We will proceed with extreme caution, since it is apparent that ulterior motives are at play.”
Prosecutors also allege that Worrell had turned down earlier treatment at the jail for his cancer, among other medical conditions.
