A federal lawsuit claims inmates at two county lockups in Suffolk County are forced to contend with overflowing sewage, chronic overcrowding, rodent and insect infestations, pervasive mold and rust and other problems.
The New York Civil Liberties Union filed the suit against Suffolk County jail officials Thursday in U.S. District Court in Central Islip.
A spokeswoman for the county said officials were examining the lawsuit and had no comment.
Attorney Daniel Laguardia says 100 detainees had filed separate lawsuits complaining about conditions but Thursday’s action consolidates them.
Besides complaints about raw sewage, the suit cites decrepit showers covered in mold and plumbing covered in rust. It also claims there have been vermin infestations and unsanitary kitchens and dining areas.
The two jails are in Riverhead and Yaphank.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.