A lawsuit has been filed against Nassau County and several associated entities, accusing officials of severe civil rights violations during pre-trial detention. The complaint was submitted on January 22, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York by plaintiff Sandy Sanchez.
The lawsuit targets the County of Nassau, Nassau County Correctional Center, Nassau County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Anthony J. LaRocco in his official capacity, and unnamed corrections officers.
The complaint alleges that on December 31, 2023, Sanchez was assaulted by fellow inmates while at the Nassau County Correctional Center. Sanchez claims that correctional officers failed to intervene and later subjected him to an assault even after he complied with orders to lock in his cell.
The assault allegedly continued after additional officers arrived on the scene.
Sanchez asserts that the defendants violated his constitutional rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, including excessive use of force and deliberate indifference to his medical needs.
Sanchez claims that despite visible injuries, including broken ribs, he was denied medical care following the incident.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. Sanchez’s legal team is also requesting an injunction to address systemic issues within the correctional facility.
Representing Sandy Sanchez is attorney Pablo A. Fernandez from Horn Wright LLP based in Garden City, New York. The case is filed under Case ID 2:25-cv-00372.