SOCORRO, N.M. – A man was awarded a $2 million settlement in federal court because of how he was treated inside the Socorro County Detention Center.

Jessie Chavez suffers from severe mental illness. Since he was 14-years-old, he’s been in and out of jail for property crimes and drug charges.

As a 40-year-old man, he was thrown into solitary confinement without a toilet. He was also forced to live in his own filth for days as his mental health deteriorated.

His attorney with the New Mexico Prison and Jails Projects says the size of this settlement sends a message.

“An award this large, it sends a particularly impactful message to these facilities that they need to change,” said Steve Allen with New Mexico Prison and Jails Project. 

Allen says it’s one of their largest settlements, taxpayers ultimately foot the bill in Socorro County.

KOB 4 reached out to Socorro County officials. Andrew Lotrich, the county manager, sent this statement:

“The County of Socorro is proud of its caring and attentive detention staff. Our staff provides quality care to all detainees, as the detainees are members of our community. Although we do not comment on litigation, the County disagrees with statements made by Plaintiff’s Counsel and the allegations in the complaint. The County continues to implement additional standards in the facility to improve the quality of care. The County is also continuing to effectuate positive change through the implementation of our welding program and other educational opportunities for our detainees. We, like every other entity in New Mexico and especially rural New Mexico, strive to address our community’s need for mental healthcare in an environment of extremely limited resources.”