RJD Strip Search Settlement: Compensation up to $3,500

If you were required to submit to an unclothed search without reasonable suspicion as a condition of visiting an inmate at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility between May 5, 2018, and November 3, 2022, you may be eligible to claim between $720.00 to $3,500.00 from a class action settlement.

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility has agreed to pay $3,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged unconstitutional unclothed searches conducted without reasonable suspicion.

Who can submit a claim?

To be eligible to submit a claim, you must have been subjected to an unclothed body search as a condition of visiting an inmate at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility between May 5, 2018, and November 3, 2022.

Class Members are divided into three groups based on the intrusiveness of the search:

• Group 1: Those who were asked to remove all their clothing and were completely naked for inspection.
• Group 2: Those who were asked to remove either their pants, including underwear, or their top, including their bra, exposing their breast or lower body for inspection.
• Group 3: Those who were asked to move an article of clothing to allow inspection of a specific area of their body, such as pulling down pants or moving a top to view a scar.

How much can class members get?

The settlement provides a total of $3,500,000 to be distributed among eligible Class Members. The amount each Class Member can receive depends on the number of valid claims submitted, the number of searches they were subjected to, and the intrusiveness of those searches.

Compensation for class group:

• Group 1: Class Members in this group will receive 5 points for each search. If the estimated point value is $700, each search could result in approximately $3,500.
• Group 2: Class Members in this group will receive 3 points for each search. With an estimated point value of $700, each search could result in approximately $2,100.
• Group 3: Class Members in this group will receive 1 point for each search. With an estimated point value of $700, each search could result in approximately $700.

The final amount each Class Member receives will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted and the total number of points allocated.

Is proof required to submit a claim?

Yes, claimants need to provide proof they were subjected to an unclothed search. They must fill out a Proof of Claim and Release Form detailing the number of searches and the intrusiveness of each search.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, you must submit a valid Proof of Claim and Release Form by September 14, 2024. You can file a claim online using the online claim form or mail your completed form to:

Fitzgerald v. Pollard

c/o Settlement Administrator

P.O. Box 25226

Santa Ana, CA 92799

What is the payment method?

Approved claims will be paid by check.

$3.5 million settlement fund

• Settlement Administration Expenses: Estimated not to exceed $30,000.
• Class Counsel Fees Payment: Up to $1,400,000.
• Class Counsel Litigation Expenses Payment: Up to $55,000.
• Class Representative Service Payments: Up to $25,000.
• Net Settlement Amount: Estimated to be at least $1,990,000, which will be distributed to Class Members.

Important dates

• Claim Deadline: September 14, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: October 7, 2024

When is the RJD Strip Search Settlement payout date?

The awards will be paid after the Court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved.