FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A judge denies a temporary restraining order filed by inmates at Coalinga State Hospital.
Patients have been protesting new restrictions on all their personal electronic devices from computers to MP-3 players.
In January 16th, Coalinga State Hospital was locked down and visits cancelled after a protest by patients over the loss of devices that officials say are being used to view child pronography.
Patient Michael Saint-Martin and another unnamed inmate filed a federal lawsuit against Brandon Price, the hospital’s Executive Director, and hospital staff for violating their civil rights.
KMJ News spoke to an upset patient who called the station but did not want to be identified, warning of the repercussions.
He said; “It’s going to implode,” speaking of the tension there, and how the judge’s decision will affect other patients
On Friday, District Judge Dale A. Drozd heard the motion for a temporary restraining order.
According to court minutes, the motion was “DENIED without prejudice; court finds at this time plaintiffs have failed to make the showing required to establish they are entitled to a temporary restraining order in this matter.”
Plaintiffs’ Counsel Janice Bellucci was said to be upset by the patient KMJ News spoke to, and her voicemail was full, when KMJ called for a comment.
The psychiatric hospital houses nearly one thousand patients who are considered “sexually violent predators.”
Department officials have asserted there is a “porn epidemic” to justify the crackdown.
