COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - HIV-positive inmates have sued Ohio claiming their medical records were released to the general population at a central Ohio prison, subjecting them to ridicule and threats.
The attorney representing Mansfield Correctional Institution inmates being treated for the virus that causes AIDS said Thursday that six lawsuits were filed in September and October in the Ohio Court of Claims and that more are expected. He says the lawsuits stem from a June incident at the prison.
The lawsuits claim prison officials negligently placed a record of inmates being treated for HIV where other prisoners could see it.
The suits seek at least $25,000 per inmate. The state has filed initial responses denying the allegations.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is investigating.