A New York resident has filed a civil rights lawsuit alleging severe misconduct and violations of privacy laws by a mental health facility and its staff. Dane Brown, the plaintiff, submitted the complaint on December 1, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Interborough Developmental & Consultation Center (IDCC) and three of its employees: Derek Upright, Hann Lim, and Javonnie Miller.
The lawsuit details multiple allegations against IDCC and its staff members, accusing them of violating Brown's rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and engaging in activities that breach the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). According to Brown, he was a client at IDCC where he received mental health services. The issues began when Derek Upright, a Peer Specialist at IDCC, allegedly created confidential notes about Brown without his consent. These notes reportedly contained false information that misrepresented Brown's character and were accessible to other staff members without his permission. "These actions have caused me significant emotional distress," stated Brown in his complaint.
Further accusations involve Hann Lim, a social worker at IDCC who is said to have mishandled Brown's case by sharing sensitive information with other staff members without consent. This alleged breach led to delays in necessary support for Brown, exacerbating his mental health struggles. The complaint highlights an episode where these delays contributed to self-harm and suicidal ideation on Brown's part.
Javonnie Miller, a licensed marriage and family therapist at IDCC who supervised both Upright and Lim, is accused of condoning their behavior. The lawsuit claims that Miller conspired with them to manipulate patient outcomes by withholding essential documentation from Brown. As a result of these collective actions by the defendants, Brown alleges significant deterioration in his mental health.
Brown seeks several forms of relief from the court. He requests that all notes written about him be produced in printed form and marked as fabrications by related agencies. Additionally, he demands the termination of Derek Upright along with revocation of his Peer Specialist certification; similar consequences are sought for Hann Lim and Javonnie Miller regarding their respective licenses. Furthermore, Brown is seeking one million dollars in damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering caused by what he describes as fraudulent activities conducted by IDCC’s staff.
Representing himself pro se in this matter is Dane Brown. The case has been assigned Civil Action No. 25CV10021 under Judge RML in the Southern District Court of New York.