Update
Settlement checks were mailed to eligible Class Members on September 18, 2019. On March 3, 2021, the remaining funds from uncashed checks will be re-distributed to eligible Class Members who cashed their initial payment.
What is this lawsuit about?
The United States District Court, Central District of California, granted final approval of the amended Settlement on July 30, 2019. The class action lawsuit, filed in 2014, challenged the treatment of gay, bisexual and transgender inmates who were housed in the Alternative Lifestyle Tank (or "ALT") of the West Valley Detention Center (a San Bernardino County jail). A settlement has been reached that calls for both modifying what Plaintiffs alleged was discriminatory treatment, and providing a compensation fund.
Who is included?
If you were housed in the ALT between October 22, 2012 and March 31, 2018, you may be a Damages Class Member entitled to receive money. The extent of your compensation is based on a formula that weighs various conditions that applied to ALT residents. It is described further on the FAQs page. Whether you are a class member is determined solely from the records of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The average recovery exceeds $1,000 even if all class members file claims (but varies greatly based on time in custody and other factors addressing the degree of discriminatory treatment). In order to receive any money in this Settlement, you must have filled out and mailed a Claim Form.