LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The family of a High Desert State Prison inmate that died in custody has filed a lawsuit against the Nevada Department of Corrections.
According to the lawsuit, the family of Jacob Herman alleges that NDOC violated his protective custody rights before the 35-year-old’s death.
The lawsuit emphasized that Herman shared a cell with a man who had threatened his life numerous times. Herman died July 16 and was one of three deaths linked to drug debt.
His cellmate is serving a life sentence for homicides, robbery, kidnapping and sexual assault. Herman was reportedly supposed to be housed in protective custody, not with a cellmate.
Herman’s family says systemic overcrowding, understaffing and disregard for safeguards are to blame for his death.
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