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LAS CRUCES - An inmate who says jail personnel allowed an abscess on his face to heal over his gauze packing may sue the county.
Steven E. Valenzuela, 30, was booked into jail early the morning of Dec. 22 on charges of residential burglary, conspiracy and criminal property damage, according to Do-a Ana County Detention Center records.
The jail initially refused to take him, according to Valenzuela's attorney, Michael Lilley, because the abscess on his right cheek needed to be treated.
"He was taken to the hospital, where the abscess was drained and packed with some sort of gauze," Lilley wrote jail director Chris Barela in a tort claim notice warning of possible legal action, which was presented to the Do-a Ana County Commission on Friday. "The abscess required follow-up treatment, including changing and removal of the packing. Despite pleas from Valenzuela, the abscess was not treated by DACDC medical personnel. In fact, the personnel refused to believe Valenzuela that the abscess was packed. The skin apparently grew over the packing, sealing it underneath his skin. He requires immediate treatment to remove the packing and treat the abscess."
Since 2008, the jail's medical wing has been operated by Tennessee-based Prison Health Services Inc., which receives about $2.5 million annually through their contract.
Lilley writes that failing to provide adequate medical care at the jail "continues to be a serious problem" and that he receives at least one call a week on
Valenzuela remains in custody with a $7,500 secured bond. A trial on the criminal charges will be scheduled Feb. 8.
The county has a policy of not commenting on pending or threatened litigation. This week's tort claim notice warns that the county will be sued if Valenzuela's condition is not "treated promptly and adequately."
Ashley Meeks can be reached at (575) 541-5462.
