Posted in Uncategorized on March 2, 2012
The family of Hawaiian inmate Bronson Nunuha, who was murdered just five months before his release, has filed suit against Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) (NYSE:CXW). The suit alleges that CCA’s business model operates to grossly understaff its facilities which violates fundamental safety requirements. A copy of the lawsuit is available here: Nunuha Complaint.
According to the suit, CCA housed Nunuha in a “Special Housing Incentive Program” or SHIP. That program mandated the placement of non-violent offenders like Nunuha in the same unit and cell as violent gang members, and that CCA only had one employee to supervise approximately 50 prisoners.
“Private prisons are known to have higher levels of violence due to understaffing and high staff turnover that result from their goal of generating ever-greater profits,” added HRDC director Paul Wright. “But prison companies are not allowed to make profit more important than human life. Unfortunately, CCA’s desire to turn a corporate profit needlessly cost Bronson Nunuha his life.”
The family is represented by the Human Rights Defense Center, the ACLU of Hawaii, and Kenneth Walczak of Rosen, Bien & Galvan, LLP.
Additional information can be found using the links below:
Honolulu Civil Beat: Death of Hawaii prisoner Raises Concerns About Arizona Facility;
Hawaii Reporter: Family of Murdered Inmate Sues State, Private Prison.