Indiana to pay $1.2M settlement over alleged abuse at Miami Correctional Facility

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Indiana is paying out $1.2 million after inmates say they were locked for months in dark, unsafe cells at the Miami Correctional Facility, according to reporting from FOX59.

The settlement stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which grew as dozens of inmates came forward with similar allegations of abuse and dangerous conditions inside the prison.

In all, 31 inmates claim they were confined in cells with covered windows, no working lights and little access to time outside. Court filings also allege exposed or hanging electrical wiring inside the facility shocked inmates while they were locked inside.

The Indiana Department of Correction agreed to the $1.2 million settlement to resolve the claims. The case will not move forward to trial.

Two detainee deaths earlier this year inside the Miami facility prompted separate investigations and criticism. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement denied allegations of unsafe conditions, saying detainees have access to medical care and can alert staff to emergencies at any time.