Hogan Lovells announces proposed $7M settlement in federal class action alleging systemic abuse at Massachusetts correctional facility

The class action lawsuit, filed in 2022, was brought on behalf of approximately 150 current and former incarcerated individuals who suffered physical and psychological abuse by SBCC correction officers during a concentrated period of violence at the prison from January 10 to February 6, 2020. The lawsuit alleges that DOC officers used excessive and unjustified force, including beatings, pepper spray, chemical agents, impact projectiles, dog bites, and forced stress positions. It further alleges that Black and Latino prisoners were subject to especially degrading treatment and that high-ranking DOC officials condoned this violence. The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts certified the class in September 2024.

"This settlement represents a meaningful step toward justice for those who endured unlawful violence and racial abuse at SBCC,” said partner Tony Fuller, Hogan Lovells partner in Boston who led the team in this pro bono matter. “It sends a clear message that systemic misconduct in correctional institutions must be addressed through both accountability and reform."

In addition to providing nearly $7 million in monetary relief to class members, the proposed settlement also requires SBCC to implement significant policy reforms to address the facility's history of excessive force and racially discriminatory practices.

"As a society, we are judged by how we treat the least advantaged and privileged amongst us," said Kayla Ghantous, attorney at Hogan Lovells. "This proposed settlement helps ensure that the Department of Corrections lives up to that expectation and will bring much needed relief to our clients."

The Hogan Lovells team also includes partner Greg Noonan, counsel Alex Bailey, senior associate Courtney Caruso, associates Jason Perez (all Boston) and Fleming Farrell (Washington, D.C.), and senior paralegal Melissa Cieszkowski (Boston).