Pending Lawsuits Against Delaware County: An Overview
With a proposed 23 percent tax increase looming over Delaware County, the county’s legal fees are a contributing factor. Broad + Liberty has compiled a summary of the multiple legal cases involving the county, offering a broad look at the ongoing legal challenges.
In the case of Estate of Elliot Funkhouser, Sr., v. Delaware County, allegations suggest that Funkhouser Sr. met a tragic end in his cell, purportedly murdered by another inmate in April 2024. The estate is pursuing legal action against the county and the jail oversight board, citing negligence that led to Funkhouser’s harm.
Moreover, Owens v. Delaware County involves Janet Owens seeking justice after her son’s untimely death at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in June 2022. Following known issues with the operation of her son’s cell door, precious response time was lost during the emergency.
Abdel Anderson-Myles, in Anderson-Myles v. Delaware County, recounts being assaulted and stabbed by another inmate while under the authority of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. Anderson-Myles recounts claims that some guards incited the attack and turned a blind eye to the violence.
Maille Bonsall brought a suit against Delaware County for sex discrimination in the aftermath of the Timothy Boyce incident, where alleged inappropriate conduct transpired over several years. Similar accusations are made in the Kahler v. Delaware County complaint.
The transition of prison management from private companies to governmental oversight is at the heart of Delaware County Prison Employees Independent Union v. Delaware County. The union asserts unfair termination of 68 individuals without due process.
Additional cases involve employees Darick Easterling and Komla Amouzou, who faced challenges post-management change at the county prison. Easterling claims accommodation disparities, and Amouzou alleges racial bias in employment decision-making.
Furthermore, class action lawsuits like Johnson v. Delaware County and individual cases such as Hampton v. Delaware County and Baldini v. Delaware County shed light on various grievances within the county’s legal landscape.
The array of pending lawsuits affirms the complexity and gravity of the legal matters surrounding Delaware County. Each case brings to light different challenges and claims, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues and ensuring fairness and justice.
