Prison is tough on gums: Mich. ex-inmate can sue after having no toothpaste for nearly a year
By Ed White, APFriday, May 7, 2010
Ex-inmate with bad gums can sue over no toothpaste
DETROIT — A dispute over toothpaste in prison is going back to court.
A former Michigan inmate who says he was denied toothpaste for nearly a year while behind bars can sue, citing his right against cruel and unusual punishment.
Jerry Flanory says he developed gum disease as a result and had a tooth removed in 2006. A federal appeals court reinstated his lawsuit Thursday against officials at the Newberry prison.
The court says Flanory’s problems amounted to “more than a mere inconvenience.”
The Flint man says he got into a dispute with officials over education classes. As a result, he was disciplined and had to pay for his own toothpaste, which he couldn’t afford.
Prisons spokesman John Cordell said Friday he wasn’t familiar with the case.
Eds: APNewsNow; CORRECTS that tooth was removed in 2006, not 2005; ADDS photo.
