Migliaccio & Rathod LLP currently represents a class of females admitted to Franklin County (which includes Columbus, Ohio) Corrections Center Two, commonly known as “Jackson Pike.” Class members were admitted between May 23, 2011 and April 30, 2014, and charged only for minor crimes but subjected to the practice of having tattoos on their private parts (including breasts, buttocks, genitals, and hypogastric region) photographed. The lawsuit alleges that these practices violate the Constitution’s prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures. Our attorneys believe that this practice may extend beyond Jackson Pike to prisons in other counties in Ohio and even across the country.
In his opinion that allowed the case to proceed as a class action, District Judge Frost, of the United States District Court for the Southern District, described in detail the invasive nature of the procedure and noted the disturbing practice that “Plaintiff’s tattoos were saved to the County’s electronic database along with Plaintiff’s identifying information.” Given the intrusive nature of the practices in question, the Court also stated that “this is a case in which class members are not likely to file individual actions, thereby making a class action the superior method of adjudication.” The court certified that the class can seek injunctions requiring Franklin County to delete all photographs of tattoos and end the practice of photographing female detainees charged with minor crimes. In addition, the lawsuit will seek money damages to compensate class members.
Class Counsel is currently taking discovery on Franklin County’s photography policies and practices. If, as a class member, you are willing to confidentially discuss your experiences at Jackson Pike, please call the attorneys at Migliaccio & Rathod LLP at 202-470-3520 or email them at [email protected] or [email protected].