Corizon Health agreed to pay $350,000 in a lawsuit that alleged it failed to provide mental health care to a pretrial detainee who committed suicide at Florida’s Charlotte County Jail.

Victor H. Ackers was arrested on May 21, 2013, for domestic violence and violation of probation for a 2012 conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. Prior to his arrest, Ackers had a history of mental health disorders, major depression, anxiety, hospitalization for mental illness, recent treatment for mental illness, and was prescribed medication for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. He informed officers of these conditions at booking.

While incarcerated, Backers informed guards and Corizon staff that he could not sleep, was depressed and needed his medications and to see a doctor, and that he was going to commit suicide if he didn’t get help. At no time during his imprisonment did Ackers receive medical care, see a doctor, or undergo suicide observation or watch.

Moments after Ackers told a guard and Corizon employee on May 29, 2013, that he was going to commit suicide, Ackers was returned to his cell and committed suicide.

Represented by Sarasota, Florida attorneys H. Roger Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz, and Charles W. Telfair, IV, Ackers’ estate sued Corizon on May 20, 2015, alleging negligence. The $350,000 settlement was reached on November 2, 2016. See: Akers v. Prummell, et al., Florida Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court, Case No. 15001267CA.

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