More Inmates At Blair Co., Prison Join Class Action Suit

Two additional inmates, have filed petitions to join a federal class-action lawsuit against Blair County Prison officials, bringing the total number of plaintiffs to 10.  According to this morning’s Altoona Mirror, the suit alleges unconstitutional conditions at the facility, including severe overcrowding, mouse and rat infestations, unsanitary living spaces, and inadequate medical care.  The class action has been assigned to U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Brown in Pittsburgh. Two weeks ago, Judge Brown paused the class-action lawsuit. He ruled that the case cannot move forward until the $400 filing fee is paid.  If the person filing can’t afford it, they must apply for IFP status. This involves submitting a sworn statement listing their assets to prove they truly cannot pay.  Once the fee issue is settled, Brown will review the claims to ensure they are legitimate and not “frivolous or malicious” before allowing the case to proceed.