St. Clair County
“I need to see my dad in-person. If I could visit my dad, I would give him a big hug.”
– M.M., twelve year old plaintiff whose dad is jailed in St. Clair County
In St. Clair County, our lawsuit alleges that government officials and private telecom company Securus Technologies teamed up to separate families, force them onto expensive phone and video calls, and turn a profit.
In M.M. v. King, children and parents separated from their jailed family are fighting for their right to hug their incarcerated loved one. The landmark case raises novel and vital constitutional questions, including can the government ban children and parents from visiting each other if one of them is jailed even though the policy serves no compelling government interest other than making money?
The children are suing for an immediate end to the visitation ban and the reinstatement of their ability to visit their parents in prison. The children are also suing for a permanent recognition of their right to visit and hug jailed loved ones.
“Well that is a nice increase in revenues!” said one St. Clair County employee. “Heck yes it is!” responded another. “Keeps getting bigger every month too ☺.”
The lawsuit is brought in state court in Michigan against Sheriff Mat King, St. Clair County, and the multi-billion dollar private interests behind the alleged conspiracy to violate plaintiffs' fundamental constitutional rights. These private interests include for-profit telecom company Securus; Platinum Equity, the private equity firm whose funds own Securus; Tom Gores, the billionaire owner of Platinum Equity; and several other corporate executives.
The families are represented by Civil Rights Corps, Public Justice, and Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonnani & Rivers. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan entered an appearance for purposes of litigating the preliminary injunctions.