ACLU of Delaware files abuse lawsuit against Del. DOC, James T. Vaughn Correctional Center

SMYRNA, Del. – The ACLU of Delaware filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday on behalf of six incarcerated individuals at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.

This lawsuit is in response to multiple reported constitutional violations during a coordinated, unprovoked raid by prison officials in September 2024. The alleged misconduct includes but is not limited to physical violence, dangerous close-range use of pepper spray, unwarranted and illegally invasive strip searches, sexual abuse and humiliation, verbal and psychological abuse including derogatory language and threats of further violence, and denial of proper medical care and decontamination procedures.

Plaintiffs shared graphic first-hand accounts depicting the attack and the prison’s failure to provide adequate care in the aftermath of the raid. One person reportedly recalled multiple CERT members abruptly entering his cell, stripping him, beating him, and pepper spraying him at close range while handcuffed and face down on his cell floor. One CERT member allegedly punched so forcefully that his teeth pierced through his lip. This individual continues experiencing physical pain and suffers from anxiety and PTSD.

Another plaintiff was reportedly face down with his hands behind his back when a pepper grenade was thrown into his cell. He was then beaten and pepper sprayed at close range, and was not allowed to shower for approximately two days. Despite needing to use a wheelchair for several days due to back, neck, and wrist injuries, he reportedly did not see a doctor for at least two weeks following the attack.

The plaintiffs also reported multiple instances of sexual abuse during the attacks and emphasized their compliance with all orders, lack of physical or verbal resistance, and refusal to fight back, even when intentionally provoked by CERT members. All of the plaintiffs say they endured fears of future attacks and retaliation, with some even fearing for their lives.

WMDT reached out to the Delaware Department of Correction, who told us, “The Department of Correction cannot comment on pending litigation.”