Federal Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss in Lewiston Jail Death Lawsuit

A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed on behalf of a Lewiston mother whose son died while in custody at the Androscoggin County Jail, allowing the case to move forward in federal court.

The lawsuit alleges corrections officers failed to provide adequate medical care despite signs of a serious medical emergency. According to the complaint, the young man’s condition visibly deteriorated over several days while he remained in custody. The filing alleges he became too weak to move independently, repeatedly lost control of his bladder, and showed obvious signs of severe illness before his death.

The defendants sought dismissal of the claims before the case could proceed. In denying the motion, the court ruled that the allegations, if proven, could support claims against the officers involved. The judge also found the complaint plausibly alleged that the need for emergency medical care could have been apparent even to non-medical staff.

The court’s order allows the case to move into discovery, where evidence, records, and testimony may be obtained. No findings of liability have been made, and the allegations remain subject to proof in court.

Link to the official court order denying the motion to dismiss here.