Former inmate says he was abused by officers

HUNTINGTON – An inmate at the Western Regional Jail alleges correctional officers abused him while he was incarcerated.

Michael McDonald filed a lawsuit Aug. 20 in Cabell Circuit Court against the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville, the Correctional Facility Authority and officers Matthew Berlin, Carl Aldridge and Neil.

In his complaint, McDonald alleges he was incarcerated at the Western Regional Jail in February 2012. Beginning in September 2012, officers Berlin, Aldridge and Neil began abusing him, according to the complaint.

"This abuse included interfering with the plaintiff's mail, taunting the plaintiff and invoking physical abuse toward the plaintiff," the suit states.

Although McDonald complained to administration, they did nothing to correct his problems, the complaint says.

McDonald accuses the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority of negligently hiring and supervising correction guards and of failing to properly supervise the guards.

In his complaint, McDonald seeks punitive damages and other relief the court deems just.

Timothy J. LaFon of Ciccarello, Del Giudice and LaFon in Charleston will represent him.

Circuit Judge Jane Hustead will hear the case.

Cabell Circuit Court case number 14-C-573