TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Staff at a Florida men's jail failed to adequately monitor a transgender woman inmate there, says a lawsuit over her fentanyl-related death.
Marlene Toledo, as the personal representative of the estate of Ruben Zachary Toledo, on July 10 in Leon County Circuit Court brought a wrongful death claim against the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC).
The complaint alleges that FDC's negligence led to the death of Ruben (Rubie) Toledo, a transgender woman who was incarcerated at Suwannee Correctional Institution.
The suit claims that FDC failed to adequately monitor and ensure the safety of Mx. Toledo despite being aware of her medical and mental health issues and previous threats due to her transgender identity. The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for wrongful death under Florida law.
James Slater of Slater Legal represents the plaintiff.