Opinion ID: 147330
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Complaint’s Allegations

Text: Jemison’s complaint alleges that on April 7, 2009, D-block dormitory where Jemison was housed flooded. Correctional officer Michael Mitchell, the “cubical operator” on duty, suspected Jemison was responsible. Mitchell ordered Jemison placed in a “stripped cell” for one week without any possessions or a working toilet and sink. In response, on April 14, 2009, Jemison filed a lawsuit against Mitchell alleging an Eighth Amendment claim of cruel and unusual punishment. Jemison’s current complaint alleges Mitchell “was quickly notified of plaintiff[’]s civil action against him by summons service of this court and vowed to retaliate.” On April 21, 2009, an inmate in D-block dormitory caused another flood. 2 Mitchell placed the blame on Jemison and took disciplinary action, charging Jemison with “creating a security[,] safety, or health hazard.” On May 10, 2009, correctional officer Takeka Keyes presided over the hearing on Mitchell’s disciplinary charge. Keyes heard testimony from Mitchell and Jemison and two of Jemison’s witnesses, who were also inmates in D-block dormitory. Jemison and his two witnesses testified that another inmate, not Jemison, was responsible for the flood. Keyes did not permit Jemison’s third witness to testify. Keyes credited Mitchell’s testimony over the inmates’ testimony and found Jemison guilty. Jemison was placed in “punitive segregation” for 21 days.