Genesee County
“When I got to see him in person during the one visit, I was so happy. My stomach hurt when we had to leave because I wanted to see him again. I want to see him because he’s the best dad ever…I don’t understand why they won’t let [dad] see us.”
– J.L., seven year old son of jailed dad Troy
In Genesee County, our lawsuit alleges that the Sheriff and private telecom company Global Tel*Link (GTL) teamed up to separate families, force them onto expensive phone and video calls, and turn a profit.
In S.L. v. Swanson, 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.
“This has got to be a revenue generating machine.”
– Sheriff Christopher Swanson on the commissary system, another way that jails profit from family separation.
The lawsuit is brought in state court in Michigan against Sheriff Chris Swanson, Genesee County, the multi-billion dollar for-profit telecom company GTL, and the company’s CEO Deb Anderson, alleging a conspiracy to violate the plaintiffs’ fundamental constitutional rights.
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.
