Attorney says Psych Ward 'Cruel'
An attorney for a Markham man found guilty of trying to kill a Harvey police officer charged Friday that her client is the victim of retaliation by corrections officers who are keeping him in the Cook County Jail's psychiatric ward.
Attorney Debra Seaton said Corey Safford, 32, found guilty April 11 of shooting Officer John Marcano in the shoulder and face eight years ago, was placed in the ward the day after his conviction. She said that is a violation of the 8th Amendment prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment for post-trial detainees awaiting sentencing. I guess she wants her client to receive the country club treatment for attempted murder.
The move, after Safford spent years in the jail's regular hospital unit for an unspecified illness while awaiting trial, is preventing attorneys from involving him in preparing a motion for a new trial, Seaton said. He's also denied books, paper and pens, acoording to the outspoken attorney.
"He is not being treated for a psychiatric problem," Cunningham said. "He is being treated for a medical problem."
Seaton said she was told Safford was classified as a psychiatric patient.
Attorney Debra Seaton said Corey Safford, 32, found guilty April 11 of shooting Officer John Marcano in the shoulder and face eight years ago, was placed in the ward the day after his conviction. She said that is a violation of the 8th Amendment prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment for post-trial detainees awaiting sentencing. I guess she wants her client to receive the country club treatment for attempted murder.
The move, after Safford spent years in the jail's regular hospital unit for an unspecified illness while awaiting trial, is preventing attorneys from involving him in preparing a motion for a new trial, Seaton said. He's also denied books, paper and pens, acoording to the outspoken attorney.
"He is not being treated for a psychiatric problem," Cunningham said. "He is being treated for a medical problem."
Seaton said she was told Safford was classified as a psychiatric patient.
Maybe the lawyer needs to find a new profession?
(source Chicago Tribune)
