A lawsuit has been filed against the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) alleging that staff at a men’s jail failed to properly monitor a transgender woman inmate, leading to her death from a fentanyl overdose.
Marlene Toledo, representing the estate of Ruben Zachary Toledo, filed the wrongful death claim in Leon County Circuit Court on July 10th.
The lawsuit contends that FDC’s negligence resulted in the death of Ruben (Rubie) Toledo, who was incarcerated at Suwannee Correctional Institution.
Read :Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Sounds Alarm On Increased Fentanyl Dangers
The complaint states that FDC was aware of Toledo’s medical and mental health needs, as well as previous threats she faced due to her transgender identity.
Despite this, the suit alleges that the FDC failed to provide adequate monitoring and ensure her safety. The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for wrongful death under Florida law.
James Slater of Slater Legal is representing the plaintiff in this case.
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