Inmate's Excessive Force Lawsuit vs. Officer Heads to Trial

A lawsuit alleging excessive force by a correctional officer at Martin Correctional Institution will proceed to trial. The inmate, currently housed at the South Florida Reception Center in Doral, claims Officer J. Picton used unwarranted force on Aug. 12, 2024. The complaint, filed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, states the inmate was sprayed with a chemical agent in the prison dining hall after requesting food he believed was spoiled. A judge allowed the excessive force claim to move forward, dismissing the officer's motion for summary judgment. The case, Henry, John v. J. Picton (25-CV-14016-Rodney Smith), is now scheduled for trial, with further schedule details expected.