Butner Lawsuit

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA

WESTERN DIVISION
No. __:___-CV-___-__
CHARLES HALLINAN, JOSEAN )

KINARD, ARNOLD J. HILL, BENJAMIN )
D. MCRAE, JOHN DAILEY, LEE M. )
AYERS, GEORGE B. RIDDICK, JORGE )
LUIS MALDONADO, ANTWAN )
HARRIS, ANTHONY BUTLER, and )
TROY A. TITUS, on behalf of themselves ) Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
and similarly situated individuals, ) Under 28 U.S.C. § 2241 and Class Action
) Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory
Petitioners/Plaintiffs, ) Relief
)
v. ) Class Action
)
THOMAS SCARANTINO, Complex ) IMMEDIATE RELIEF SOUGHT
Warden, Federal Correctional Complex )
Butner; MICHAEL CARVAJAL, Federal )
Bureau of Prisons Director; and JEFFERY )
ALLEN, Federal Bureau of Prisons Medical )
Director, in their official capacities, )
Respondents/Defendants.
INTRODUCTION
An urgent crisis at Federal Correction Complex Butner (“Butner”) unreasonably threatens
the life, health, and safety of incarcerated people and staff because of inadequate measures
within the facility to control the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Even as North
Carolina takes tentative steps to reopen, the dangers posed to the medically vulnerable and
elderly, particularly in institutional settings, show no sign of abating.
Hundreds of incarcerated people and staff have been infected and eight people housed at
Butner have already died from COVID-19. SARS-nCoV-2 (“coronavirus” or “virus”)
Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 1 of 71

continues to spread actively through Butner’s population, endangering the lives of
incarcerated people and staff who work with them. 1
People housed at Butner—a complex that is well over capacity—are packed into crowded
dormitories, small cells, and narrow hallways. They cannot physically distance themselves
from others or self-quarantine. They cannot ensure that others are effectively quarantined if
they are infected. Instead, they must sleep within a few feet of one another—often in small
cubicles—use communal bath facilities, and line up close to one another several times a day
for food and medicine. Butner’s health care system is grossly inadequate to treat the growing
number of sick men. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) has inadequate infection
surveillance, testing, quarantine, and isolation practices, further exacerbating the crisis. What
is more, people with pre-existing medical conditions often do not receive the treatment
needed for their underlying conditions, presumably because the prison’s medical resources
are over-taxed.
BOP knows of these conditions, the extreme threat they pose, and the necessary measures
that must be implemented to protect prisoners, and yet has, with deliberate indifference, failed
to take critical steps to address the crisis.
COVID-19 is a highly contagious and deadly pandemic that has raced across the globe,
fundamentally altering life for everyone in just weeks. There is no cure and no vaccine.
With more than five million known infections worldwide and more than 345,000 people dead,
no one is unaffected. 2 In the United States, more than 1.5 million people have tested positive
1
SARS-nCoV-2 causes the disease COVID-19.
2
COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins,
Johns Hopkins Univ. & Med. Coronavirus Resource Center, https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html (last
visited May 25, 2020).
-2-

for the virus, and almost 100,000 have died. Our country’s prisons have been especially hard-
hit: more than 25,000 incarcerated people and nearly 7,000 prison staff have tested positive
for the virus, with at least 370 deaths among incarcerated people and 28 deaths among staff. 3
Under even the best of circumstances, with people following rigorous physical distancing
and good hygiene practices, the most our society can hope for is to limit the spread of
coronavirus and “flatten the curve” to keep from overwhelming hospital resources and allow
a better chance of survival for those who develop serious symptoms. But in Butner, where
physical distancing and good hygiene practices are impossible, the circumstances are much
worse.
Testing for COVID-19 in BOP and at Butner, specifically, is limited. Despite the active
outbreak at Butner, BOP has not tested all the men incarcerated there. The true number of
infected people at Butner is unknown.
Overcrowding worsens these dangerous conditions. At Butner, where 4,438 men are
crammed into a space meant for no more than 3,998, whatever chance these men have to limit
their exposure is even lower than it would be if the prison were even at maximum planned
capacity.
Moreover, Butner houses many of the most medically vulnerable people in BOP custody. It
includes a large Federal Medical Center (“FMC”), which houses those needing the most
intensive medical care the BOP provides. It also includes a large, low-security prison that
houses hundreds of men with serious chronic medical conditions. And others throughout the
complex also have serious chronic medical conditions.
3
The Marshall Project, https://www.themarshallproject.org/2020/05/01/a-state-by-state-look-at-
coronavirus-in-prisons (last visited May 22, 2020).
-3-

According to BOP, each of the deceased Butner residents had one or more preexisting
medical conditions that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) identified
as putting them at much higher risk of serious illness and death from the virus. These
conditions include chronic lung disease, heart conditions, severe obesity, and immune
deficiencies. People over 50 years old are at similarly heightened risk. 4
Respondents/Defendants (hereinafter, “Respondents”) Director Carvajal, Warden
Scarantino, and Medical Director Allen have shown deliberate indifference to the severe and
obvious risk of rampant infection and death that COVID-19 poses to people incarcerated at
Butner. They have done so in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment
prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
Respondents have not taken the necessary steps to address the risk faced by the people in
their custody. They have opposed motions for compassionate release, and they have failed
to order furloughs or transfers to home confinement with sufficient speed and in sufficient
numbers. They have failed to make other arrangements within the facility to allow for
adequate physical distancing. 5 And they have failed to implement effective isolation,
quarantine, testing, screening, hygiene, and disinfecting policies or meaningfully modify
movement protocols for staff and incarcerated people. 6
Respondents have made no meaningful attempt to physically distance the men housed at
Butner. People with COVID-19 symptoms are housed alongside those with no symptoms.
Men sleep in crowded cubicles, and in some instances, even in busy hallways. Staff move
4
See Declaration of Joe Goldenson, M.D. (“Goldenson Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 18) at 2; Declaration of
Dr. Chris Beyrer (“Beyrer Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 17) at 2–3, 28.
5
Beyrer Decl. at 7–14.
6
See, e.g., Beyrer Decl. 14–23.
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between the complex’s facilities, coming into contact with incarcerated people known to be
infected, incarcerated people who may be infected, and those ostensibly in quarantine before
release. Incarcerated people go to prison jobs where they interact with and prepare food trays
for people in different housing units.
Respondents’ failures not only endanger people incarcerated at Butner, they put Butner’s
staff, local health care workers, family members, and the broader community at serious risk. 7
Without the ability to physically distance from one another, people incarcerated at Butner
remain at extraordinary risk of infection, serious illness, and death from COVID-19. 8 It is
extremely difficult for Respondents to effectively distance people in the Butner complex
without reducing the overall number of people housed there. In other words, at current
population levels, people incarcerated at Butner cannot practice meaningful physical
distancing and are at continuing, increased risk of serious illness and death.
The situation is urgent. These conditions are well-known to Respondents and, to avoid
further extreme harm, they must take act immediately to prevent the further spread of
COVID-19 at Butner. The only effective option is to begin immediately releasing Butner
residents based on defined categories—including but not limited to those who are medically
vulnerable—and to develop and implement a plan to (1) provide for adequate social
distancing; (2) effectively test, quarantine, and isolate people at Butner and (3) effectively
clean and disinfect the areas used by the population housed at Butner. 9 Without immediate
action by this Court, more people will become infected and more people will die.
7
See, e.g., Goldenson Decl. at 3–4; Beyrer Decl. at 14–15, 33.
8
See, e.g., Beyrer Decl. at 12, 32.
9
See, e.g., Goldenson Decl. at 5, 7–8; Beyrer Decl. at 32–33. The term “release,” as used throughout this
Petition, refers to discharge of incarcerated persons from the physical confines of FCC Butner, not
necessarily release from custody. Release options may include, but are not limited to: enlargement of
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JURISDICTION AND VENUE
Petitioners/Plaintiffs (hereinafter, “Petitioners”) bring this class action pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
§ 2241 (habeas corpus) and 28 U.S.C. § 1331 (federal question jurisdiction) for relief from
detention that violates their Eighth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.
This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over these claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241
(habeas corpus), 28 U.S.C. § 1651 (All Writs Act), Article I, § 9, cl. 2 of the U.S. Constitution
(Suspension Clause), 28 U.S.C. § 1331 (federal question jurisdiction), 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201–02
(authority to provide declaratory and other necessary and proper relief), and based on the
Court’s inherent equitable powers.
This Court has jurisdiction over this Class-wide Writ of Habeas Corpus because Petitioners
are detained within its jurisdiction in the custody of Thomas Scarantino, Complex Warden of
Butner. Petitioners are therefore in custody for the purposes of the federal habeas corpus
statute, 28 U.S.C. § 2241.
Venue is proper in this judicial district and division pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241(d) because
the Petitioners and all other class members are in custody in this judicial district.
Venue is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(e)(1)(B) because a substantial part of the events
or omissions giving rise to Petitioners’ claims occurred in this district. 10
custody, release to parole or community supervision; transfer furlough (as to another medical facility,
hospital, or halfway house); or non-transfer furlough, which could entail a released person’s eventual
return to FCC Butner once the pandemic is over and the viral health threat is abated. Any releases would
include requirements for testing, care, and social distancing, as informed by a public health expert.
Incarcerated people should not be sent to another dangerous and crowded BOP facility to address the
concerns at FCC Butner.
10
“A civil action in which a defendant is an officer or employee of the United States or any agency thereof
acting in his official capacity or under color of legal authority . . . may, except as otherwise provided by
law, be brought in any judicial district in which . . . a substantial part of the events or omissions giving
rise to the claim occurred, or a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated.”
28 U.S.C. § 1391(e)(1)(B).
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PARTIES
PETITIONER Charles Hallinan—BOP Register No. 75107-066—is 79 years old. He suffers
from bladder cancer and prostate cancer. Both are in remission but require additional checks
or treatment that Mr. Hallinan is not currently receiving due to COVID-related lockdowns at
Butner. Mr. Hallinan also suffers from hypertension, cardiovascular disease (including a
bypass surgery), and celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder), resulting in anemia. Mr.
Hallinan is serving a 14-year sentence for RICO, money laundering, and wire fraud charges.
He is housed in FCI Butner Low (“Butner Low”), and his projected release date is July 3,
2030. 11
PETITIONER Josean Kinard—BOP Register No. 33603-058—is 34 years old and is in good
health. He has served about 25 months of a 70-month sentence for two counts of drug
possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a
felony. He is housed in Butner Low, and his projected release date is May 9, 2022. 12
PETITIONER Arnold Hill—BOP Register No. 09077-007—is 67 years old and in BOP
custody from a sentence under the D.C. Code. He suffers from hypertension and
cardiovascular disease (which required triple bypass surgery in 2019). Mr. Hill also has
diabetes. He uses a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury which required spinal fusion
surgery in 2005 and 2016. Mr. Hill has served almost 33 years of a 20-years-to-life sentence
for first-degree murder while armed under the D.C. Code. Mr. Hill was granted parole in
2012, but, before his release, his grant of parole was rescinded after the victim’s family
objected to his release. Mr. Hill is housed in Butner Low. 13
11
See generally, Declaration of Charles Hallinan (“Hallinan Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 4).
12
See generally, Declaration of Josean Kinard (“Kinard Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 9).
13
See generally, Declaration of Arnold Hill (“Hill Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 7).
-7-

PETITIONER Benjamin McRae—BOP Register No. 87682-007—is 43 years old and in
BOP custody from a sentence under the D.C. Code. He suffers from hypertension and has a
blood clot in his left leg. He has previously had clots in his right leg and lungs, and currently
has an inferior vena cava filter in his chest to trap large clots. He uses a wheelchair due to a
history of falls and his blood clot. In addition, he is approximately 5’ 10” and 380 pounds,
with a Body Mass Index (“BMI”) of approximately 54. Mr. McRae is serving a five-year
sentence for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance under the D.C. Code.
He is housed in Butner Low, and his projected release date is January 26, 2022. 14
PETITIONER John Dailey—BOP Register No. 39637-004—is 62 years old and suffers from
mycosis fungoides (a very rare, terminal form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma), which causes
lesions all over the body. He also has a congenital heart defect—which causes fainting—and
is immunocompromised due to chemotherapy. Mr. Dailey is housed in Butner Low and is
serving a 27-month sentence for Medicare fraud. Mr. Dailey’s projected release date is
August 20, 2021. 15
PETITIONER Lee Ayers—BOP Register No. 03882-007—is 37 years old and in BOP
custody from a sentence under the D.C. Code. He suffers from pernicious anemia (a severe
vitamin B deficiency), which has caused an abnormal spinal cord, severe stomach pain, and
muscle weakness. He also suffers from atrophic gastritis, a chronic autoimmune disorder
that compromises his immune system. Mr. Ayers is serving a reduced 72-month sentence for
unlawful distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base consecutive with a 108-month
14
See generally, Declaration of Benjamin McRae (“McRae Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 12).
15
See generally, Declaration of John Dailey (“Dailey Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 2).
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sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon, under an aider and abettor theory. Mr. Ayers
is housed in FCI Butner Medium II, and his projected release date is March 5, 2022. 16
PETITIONER George Riddick—BOP Register No. 72403-053—is 51 years old and in BOP
custody from a sentence under the D.C. Code. Mr. Riddick has lymphoma, which is in
remission. He is diabetic and suffers from asthma, sleep apnea, and childhood arthritis. Mr.
Riddick had a corneal transplant in February 2019 and takes an immunosuppressant to
prevent rejection of the graft. Mr. Riddick has served 15 years of a 15-years-to-life sentence
for second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during the commission of a
crime, and carrying a pistol without a license. Mr. Riddick is housed in FCI Butner Medium
II. 17
PETITIONER Jorge L. Maldonado—BOP Register No. 63756-018—is 52 years old. He has
kidney disease and has had two kidney transplants, which require that he remain on
immunosuppressant medication for the rest of his life. Mr. Maldonado is experiencing blood
in his urine, and based on recent tests, his kidney may be failing; however, due to the current
situation at Butner, he is unable to see a nephrologist. Mr. Maldonado also has malignant
hypertension due to his kidney disease, and he has tachycardia that may be a side effect of
his medication. Mr. Maldonado has served about 41 months of an 84-month sentence for
conspiracy, wire fraud, theft of government property, aggravated identity theft, and aiding
and abetting. Mr. Maldonado is housed at the minimum security camp adjacent to FCI Butner
Medium I. 18
16
See generally, Declaration of Lee Ayers (“Ayers Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 1).
17
See generally, Declaration of George Riddick (“Riddick Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 14).
18
See generally, Declaration of Jorge Maldonado (“Maldonado Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 11).
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PETITIONER Antwan Harris—BOP Register No. 55584-056—is 38 years old. He suffers
from hypertension and has been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Additionally, he is
approximately 5’8” tall and 233 pounds, with a BMI of approximately 35. Mr. Harris is
currently serving a 53-month reduced sentence for possession with intent to distribute
marijuana consecutive with a 120-month sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance
of a drug trafficking crime. Mr. Harris is housed in Butner Low, and his projected release
date is October 4, 2022. 19
PETITIONER Anthony Butler—BOP Register No. 65583-056—is 35 years old. He suffers
from diabetes, Hepatitis B, and a heart murmur that causes him shortness of breath. Mr.
Butler is currently serving a five-year sentence for one count of felon in possession of a
firearm and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Mr. Butler is housed in Butner Low, and his projected release date is November 1, 2025.
PETITIONER Troy A. Titus—BOP Register No. 58299-083—is 54 years old and in good
health. Mr. Titus has served about 10 years of a 30-year sentence for wire fraud. He is
housed in Butner Low, and his projected release date is January 8, 2035. 20
RESPONDENT Thomas Scarantino is the Warden of Butner and, in his official capacity, has
immediate custody of Petitioners and all proposed Class Members.
RESPONDENT Michael Carvajal is the Director of BOP and, in his official capacity, is
responsible for the safety and security of all persons—including Petitioners and all proposed
Class Members—serving federal and D.C. Code sentences at BOP facilities, including
Butner.
19
See generally, Declaration of Antwan Harris (“Harris Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 6).
20
See generally, Declaration of Troy Titus (“Titus Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 15).
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RESPONDENT Jeffery Allen, M.D. is the Medical Director of the BOP and, in his official
capacity, is the final BOP health care authority responsible for all health care delivered to
incarcerated people, including making an assessment of each individual’s risk factors for
severe COVID-19 illness, risks of COVID-19 at the individual’s prison facility, and risks of
COVID-19 at the location in which an incarcerated person seeks home confinement before
the BOP may grant discretionary release. 21 Respondent Allen also evaluates the suitability
for and reviews requests for compassionate release. 22
NOTICE OF RELATED CASE
Per Rule 40.3(b) of the local civil rules of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
North Carolina, Petitioners provide notice that this case arises from a common nucleus of
operative facts with, and therefore is a “related case” to the following:
a. United States v. Anthony Butler, No. 5:18-CR-00475-BO, Dkt. 56, Apr. 23, 2020. Mr.
Butler, a named Petitioner in this case, filed a Motion for Compassionate Release Due to
COVID-19 Outbreak with this Court on April 23, 2020. This Motion was denied on May
19. The bases for Mr. Butler’s motion and for the instant case arise from a common
nucleus of operative facts—in particular the conditions at Butner and BOP’s inadequate
response to the COVID-19 outbreak there—and the cases call for a determination of
similar questions of law and fact.
21
Attorney General William Barr, Memorandum for Director of Bureau Prisons, Office of the Attorney
General, 2 (Mar. 26, 2020), https://www.justice.gov/file/1262731/download [hereinafter Barr March 26
Memo]; Program Statement 6010.05, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Health Services Administration, 3
(June 26, 2014), https://www.bop.gov/policy/progstat/6010_005.pdf.
22
Program Statement 5050.50, Compassionate Release/Reduction in Sentence: Procedures for
Implementation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 3582 and 4205(g), Federal Bureau of Prisons, Health Services
Administration 6, 13–14 (Jan. 17, 2019), https://www.bop.gov/policy/progstat/5050_050_EN.pdf.
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FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS
I. COVID-19 Is a Dangerous, Contagious Illness that Poses a Significant Risk of Serious

Illness and Death
COVID-19 is a deadly and highly contagious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. 23
As of May 25, 2020, there have been more than 5.4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19,
and more than 345,000 related deaths. 24 More than 1.6 million of these cases and almost
100,000 deaths were in the United States. 25
The worldwide mortality rate for COVID-19 is 3.4 percent. 26 By comparison, seasonal
influenza “generally kills far fewer than 1 percent of those infected.” 27
The case fatality rate can be significantly higher depending on the presence of certain
demographic and health factors. The rate is higher in men, and varies significantly with
advancing age, rising after age 50, and is above 10 percent (1 in 10 cases) for those with pre-
existing medical conditions including cardio-vascular disease. 28
23
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) classified COVID-19 as a pandemic.
WHO Characterizes COVID-19 as a Pandemic, World Health Organization (Mar. 11, 2020),
https://bit.ly/2W8dwpS.
24
COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins
University (JHHU), Johns Hopkins Univ. & Med. Coronavirus Resource Center,
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html (last visited May 25, 2020).
25
Id.
26
WHO Director-General’s Opening Remarks at the Media Briefing on COVID-19 - 3 March 2020, World
Health Organization (Mar. 3, 2020), https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-
opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19---3-march-2020; cf. Beyrer Decl. at 2 (“The
overall case fatality rate [from COVID-19] has been estimated to range from 0.3 to 3.5% in most
countries, but over 7.0% in Italy. In the U.S., the case fatality rate is estimated to be 6.0%.”) (citing
Mortality Analysis, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/mortality
(last updated May 24, 2020)).
27
WHO Director-General’s Opening Remarks at the Media Briefing on COVID-19 - 3 March 2020.
28
See, e.g., Beyrer Decl. at 2–3, 28.
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Coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets, close personal contact, and contact with
contaminated surfaces and objects, where the virus can survive for up to three days. 29
People who are asymptomatic can unknowingly transmit the virus, making it particularly
difficult to slow its spread. 30
All people, regardless of their age or health, are at some risk of serious illness and death from
COVID-19. 31
Certain categories of people face especially high risks of serious illness or death from
COVID-19, including people aged 50 years or older. 32 If infected, people in this group are
more likely to require hospitalization, more likely to be admitted to intensive care units
(“ICUs”), and more likely to die. 33
People of all ages face higher risk of hospitalization and death if they have underlying
medical conditions, including diabetes, chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma,
serious heart conditions, severe obesity, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, liver
disease, epilepsy, or compromised immune systems (such as from cancer, HIV, or
autoimmune disease), blood disorders (including sickle cell disease), inherited metabolic
29
How COVID-19 Spreads, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Apr. 13, 2020),
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html (attached as
Ex. 26); see also Beyrer Decl. at 4, 9–10, 14.
30
How COVID-19 Spreads; see also Beyrer Decl. at 15, 18–19, 24.
31
Assessing Risk Factors, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Apr. 23, 2020),
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/investigations-discovery/assessing-risk-
factors.html (attached as Ex. 27).
32
See, e.g., Goldenson Decl. at 2; Xianxian Zhao, et al., Incidence, clinical characteristics and prognostic
factor of patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis (March 20, 2020),
https://cutt.ly/etRAkmt; Age, Sex, Existing Conditions of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths Chart,
https://cutt.ly/ytEimUQ (data analysis based on WHO China Joint Mission Report); Older Adults,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-
precautions/older-adults.html (attached as Ex. 28).
33
Xianxian Zhao, et al.; see also Beyrer Decl. at 2–3, 27.
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disorders, stroke, developmental delay, a history of smoking, or other immune deficiencies. 34
According to the WHO-China Joint Mission Report, the COVID-19 mortality rate increases
to 13.2 percent for those with cardiovascular disease, 9.2 percent for diabetes, 8.4 percent for
hypertension, 8.0 percent for chronic respiratory disease, and 7.6 percent for cancer. 35 The
WHO also reports that people with high blood pressure are more likely to develop serious
COVID-19 illness than others. 36
Among people who have more serious forms of the disease, some 30 percent will progress to
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, which has a 30 percent mortality rate overall and is
higher for those with other health conditions. Some 13 percent of these patients will require
mechanical ventilation. 37
People who survive COVID-19 can suffer severe damage to lung tissue, including permanent
loss of respiratory capacity, and damage to other vital organs, such as the heart, central
nervous system, and liver. 38 COVID-19 may also target the heart, causing a medical
condition called myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle. 39
34
Xianxian Zhao, et al.; see also Beyrer Decl. at 27.
35
Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), World Health
Organization 12 (Feb. 28, 2020), https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/who-china-
joint-mission-on-covid-19-final-report.pdf.; see also Beyrer Decl. at 29.
36
Q&A on Coronaviruses (COVID-19), World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/q-
a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses (last visited May 19, 2020).
37
See, e.g., Goldenson Decl. at 2; Beyrer Decl. at 3.
38
Panagis Galiatsatos, What Coronavirus Does to the Lungs, Johns Hopkins Medicine (Apr. 13, 2020),
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/what-coronavirus-does-
to-the-lungs. COVID-19 can trigger an over-response of the immune system, further damaging tissues
in a cytokine release syndrome that can result in widespread damage to other organs, including
permanent injury to the kidneys and neurologic injury. Id.; see also Beyrer Decl. at 3.
39
Beyrer Decl. at 3. Myocarditis can reduce the heart’s ability to pump. Id.
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Even young, healthy people who contract COVID-19 may require supportive care, which
includes supplemental oxygen, positive pressure ventilation, and in extreme cases,
extracorporeal mechanical oxygenation. 40
Serious complications from COVID-19 can develop rapidly. 41 Some individuals show the
first symptoms of infection within two days of exposure, and their conditions can seriously
deteriorate in less than five days. 42
People who develop serious illness often require advanced medical support, including
specialized equipment, such as ventilators, and large teams of highly trained care providers,
such as ICU doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists. The artificial ventilation process is
itself invasive and dangerous, and some patients must be placed in medically induced comas
for such treatment. 43
II. The Risk from COVID-19 Is Particularly High in Prisons
According to CDC guidelines, only three measures are known to effectively reduce the spread
of this fatal disease: (i) diligent “social or physical distancing” to avoid transmission of the
40
Kerry Kennedy Meltzer, I’m Treating Too Many Young People for the Coronavirus, The Atlantic
(March 26, 2020), https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/young-people-are-not-immune-
coronavirus/608794/; see also What is ECMO, 193 Am. J. Respir. Care Med 9–10 (2016),
https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/what-is-ecmo.pdf (describing function of
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine to replace function of heart and lungs).
41
See Sarah Jarvis, Coronavirus: How Quickly do COVID-19 Symptoms Develop and How Long do They
last?, Patient (Apr. 20, 2020), https://patient.info/news-and-features/coronavirus-how-quickly-do-
covid-19-symptoms-develop-and-how-long-do-they-last.
42
Id.; see also Beyrer Decl. at 4.
43
Kathryn Dreger, What You Should Know Before You Need a Ventilator, NY Times (Apr. 4, 2020),
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/04/opinion/coronavirus-ventilators.html.
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virus; 44 (ii) covering the mouth and nose with a mask or cloth; 45 and (iii) vigilant hygiene
practices, including frequently washing hands and disinfecting surfaces. 46
Physical distancing is a necessary predicate for hygiene practices, such as handwashing, to
have a meaningful impact. 47 Because asymptomatic people can transmit the virus, it is
critical to maintain physical distance, even among people who show no signs of illness. 48
But in prisons, incarcerated persons and staff interact at all times in close proximity and
cramped quarters designed to confine people rather than distance them. Incarcerated people,
by the fact of their incarceration, have little autonomy or control of their movements. As a
result, incarcerated people are highly susceptible to rapid transmission of the virus through
contact with other people, including asymptomatic carriers, and touching common surfaces. 49
Incarcerated people, correctional staff, and contractors regularly move in and out of
correctional facilities and across different housing units within prisons. Such movement
creates an ever-present risk that persons, including asymptomatic carriers, will carry the virus
in and out of those facilities, spreading infection and triggering outbreaks.
44
See, e.g., Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html (attached as
Ex. 24); Beyrer Decl. at 4; Goldenson Decl. at 2–3.
45
See, e.g., How to Protect Yourself & Others, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html (attached as Ex. 25);
Goldenson Decl. at 2–3.
46
See id.; see also COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities – United States, February-April
2020, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6919e1.htm (last visited May 22, 2020) [hereinafter
COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities] (attached as Ex. 29); Interim Guidance on
Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Correctional and Detention Facilities,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/community/correction-detention/guidance-correctional-detention.html (last visited May 22, 2020)
[hereinafter Interim Guidance] (attached as Ex. 30); Goldenson Decl. at 2–3; Beyrer Decl. at 20.
47
See COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities.
48
See Beyrer Decl. at 8, 15, 24.
49
See id. at 8, 15, 23.
- 16 -

In addition, prisons are at increased risk from the rapid spread of an infectious disease—like
COVID-19—because of the high number of people with chronic, often untreated, illnesses
housed in a setting with minimal levels of sanitation, limited access to personal hygiene,
limited access to medical care, and limitations on physical distancing. 50
As the chart below illustrates, health conditions that make COVID-19 particularly dangerous
are more prevalent in the incarcerated population than in the general public. 51
In addition to Drs. Joe Goldenson and Chris Beyrer (whose declarations are attached at
Exhibits 18 and 17, respectively) multiple public health experts, including Dr. Gregg
50
See generally I.A. Binswanger et al., Prevalence of Chronic Medical Conditions Among Jail and Prison
Inmates in the USA Compared With the General Population, 63 J. Epidemiology & Community Health
912 (2009) (concluding that incarcerated people in the U.S. had a higher burden of most chronic medical
conditions than the general population, even adjusting for sociodemographic differences and alcohol
consumption); see also Letter from Faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, School of Nursing,
and Bloomberg School of Public Health to Hon. Larry Hogan, Gov. of Maryland (Mar. 25, 2020),
https://cutt.ly/stERiXk; Beyrer Decl. at 29, 31.
51
Peter Wagner & Emily Widra, No Need to Wait for Pandemics: The Public Health Case for Criminal
Justice Reform, Prison Policy Initiative (Mar. 6, 2020), https://cutt.ly/7tJXmlC (color in chart adjusted);
see also Beyrer Decl. at 29 (“More than 38% of people in correctional custody nationally have a chronic
illness.”).
- 17 -

Gonsalves, 52 Dr. Ross MacDonald, 53 Dr. Marc Stern, 54 Dr. Oluwadamilola T. Oladeru and
Dr. Adam Beckman, 55 Dr. Anne Spaulding, 56 Dr. Homer Venters, 57 the faculty at Johns
Hopkins schools of nursing, medicine, and public health, 58 and Dr. Josiah Rich 59 have
strongly cautioned that incarcerated people are likely to face serious, even grave, harm due
to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The CDC and WHO have also identified prisons as especially susceptible to rapid outbreaks
of infection due to close person-to-person contact among large, confined populations. 60
According to the CDC:
a. Environments like prisons “heighten[] the potential for COVID-19 to spread once
introduced”;
b. There are “many opportunities for COVID-19 to be introduced into a correctional or
detention facility, including daily staff ingress and egress”;
52
Kelan Lyons, Elderly Prison Population Vulnerable to Potential Coronavirus Outbreak, Connecticut
Mirror (Mar. 11, 2020), https://cutt.ly/BtRSxCF.
53
Craig McCarthy & Natalie Musumeci, Top Rikers Doctor: Coronavirus ‘Storm is Coming,’ New York
Post (Mar. 19, 2020), https://cutt.ly/ptRSnVo.
54
Marc F. Stern, MD, MPH, Washington State Jails Coronavirus Management Suggestions in 3
“Buckets,” Washington Assoc. of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (Mar. 5, 2020), https://cutt.ly/EtRSm4R.
55
Oluwadamilola T. Oladeru, et al., What COVID-19 Means for America’s Incarcerated Population – and
How to Ensure It’s Not Left Behind (Mar. 10, 2020), https://cutt.ly/QtRSYNA.
56
Anne C. Spaulding, MD MPDH, Coronavirus COVID-19 and the Correctional Facility, Emory Center
for the Health of Incarcerated Persons (Feb. 26, 2020), https://ccao.org/wp-content/uploads/COVID-
for-Corrections-vers.-2.26.20.pdf.
57
Madison Pauly, To Arrest the Spread of Coronavirus, Arrest Fewer People, Mother Jones (Mar. 12,
2020), https://cutt.ly/jtRSPnk.
58
Letter from Faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and Bloomberg School
of Public Health to Hon. Larry Hogan, Gov. of Maryland (Mar. 25, 2020), https://cutt.ly/stERiXk.
59
Amanda Holpuch, Calls Mount to Free Low-risk US Inmates to Curb Coronavirus Impact on Prisons,
The Guardian (March 13, 2020 3:00 p.m.), https://cutt.ly/itRSDNH.
60
See COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities; Interim Guidance; Preparedness, Prevention
and Control of COVID-19 in Prisons and Other Places of Detention: Interim Guidance (Mar. 15, 2020),
http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/434026/Preparedness-prevention-and-control-of-
COVID-19-in-prisons.pdf?ua=1.
- 18 -

c. “Options for medical isolation of COVID-19 cases are limited”;
d. Incarcerated persons and staff may have medical conditions that increase their risk of
severe disease from COVID-19; and
e. Incarcerated persons have limited ability to exercise disease prevention measures—such
as frequent handwashing—due to restrictions put in place by prison officials. 61
Among the specific recommendations from the CDC for mitigating the risk of COVID-19—
tailored to the realities of prison—is implementing physical distancing strategies—
“regardless of the presence of symptoms.” 62 This includes reassigning and/or rearranging
bunks to provide more space, enforcing distance requirements in common areas, staggering
recreation times, and staggering meals. 63
The CDC also recommends, among other things: (i) individually quarantining and medically
monitoring close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases—including testing for COVID-
19; 64 (ii) implementing daily temperature checks in housing units where COVID-19 cases
have been identified; 65 (iii) requiring face masks for all individuals showing symptoms of
COVID-19 and immediately placing them under individual medical isolation in single cells
61
COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities – United States, February-April 2020, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6919e1.htm.
62
Interim Guidance, at 11 (emphasis added).
63
Id. at 11; Beyrer Decl. at 24–25.
64
COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities – United States, February-April 2020 at 19.
65
Id. at 22.
- 19 -

with solid doors and walls; 66 (iv) actively encouraging staff to stay home when sick; 67 and
(v) frequent and thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, objects, and areas. 68
III. COVID-19 Is Spreading Rapidly at Butner
Butner is a complex of BOP facilities—FMC Butner, Butner Low, FCI Butner Medium I
(“Medium I”), and FCI Butner Medium II (“Medium II”)—collectively housing
approximately 4,438 men. 69
The complex was designed to hold no more than 3,998 people, meaning it is currently at
approximately 111 percent of its maximum designed capacity. 70 Thus, Butner is
overcrowded, making it impossible to adequately physically distance people and contain the
spread of COVID-19 without reducing the population of men incarcerated there. 71 Even if it
were at its maximum designed capacity, Butner could not enable the incarcerated people in
its custody to adequately physically distance.
Butner is experiencing of one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks of any BOP facility.
Eight people held at Butner have already died from COVID-19. 72
66
Id. at 15–16 (emphasis added). CDC defines “medical isolation” as “confining a confirmed or suspected
COVID-19 case (ideally to a single cell with solid walls and a solid door that closes), to prevent contact
with others and to reduce the risk of transmission.” Id. at 4.
67
Id.
68
Id. at 9.
69
See Population Statistics: Inmate Population Breakdown, Federal Bureau of Prisons,
https://www.bop.gov/mobile/about/population_statistics.jsp (last updated May 21, 2020) (showing
populations for Butner Low FCI (1,201), Butner Medium I FCI (656), Butner Medium II FCI (1,461),
and Butner FMC (909). FCI Butner Medium I also houses another 211 men in an adjacent, minimum
security satellite camp. Id.
70
See PREA Audit Report, National PREA Resource Center, Bureau of Justice Assistance 1 (Apr. 2, 2017),
https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/buh/PREA_butner.pdf.
71
Beyrer Decl. at 7–8, 32–33.
72
COVID-19 Coronavirus: COVID-19 Cases, Federal Bureau of Prisons,
https://www.bop.gov/coronavirus/ (last visited May 25, 2020) [hereinafter COVID-19 Cases].
- 20 -

Despite limited testing, at least 369 incarcerated people and 44 staff members at Butner have
tested positive for the virus. 73
Given the frequent asymptomatic transmission documented by the CDC and various
departments of public health, the lack of widespread testing by BOP, and the already large
number of people known by the BOP to be infected at Butner, it is likely that there are many
other infected and highly contagious—but untested—people among the incarcerated people
and staff at Butner. 74
IV. Respondents Are Aware that the Conditions at Butner Put People Incarcerated There
at a Very High Risk
Respondents are aware of the conditions at Butner including, as described above, the
overcrowding.
The increased risks due to overcrowding are exacerbated by the presence of a large number
of medically vulnerable people housed at the prison. 75
Despite the known high risk, Respondents have not conducted widespread testing of people
incarcerated at Butner. 76
Whether a person already at Butner will be quarantined appears to be determined solely by
whether the person has a high temperature. 77 Butner has occasionally checked the
73
Id.
74
In fact, recent testing of all 700 incarcerated people in a North Carolina state prison found that 444 were
infected—an 11-fold increase from the previously known 39 cases. Kevin Johnson, Mass Virus Testing
in State Prisons Reveals Hidden Asymptomatic Infections; Feds Join Effort, USA Today (Apr. 25,
2020), https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/25/coronavirus-testing-prisons-reveals-
hidden-asymptomatic-infections/3003307001/. Critically, 90 percent of the newly diagnosed cases
were asymptomatic. Id.
75
See, e.g., McRae Decl. at 3 (“At least half of the people in my housing unit are elderly and/or have
serious medical conditions.”).
76
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 5; Dailey Decl. at 4; Hill Decl. at 4; McRae Decl. at 3; Riddick Decl. at 5.
77
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 5; Hill Decl. at 4; See McRae Decl. at 3; Riddick Decl. at 5.
- 21 -

temperatures of all people in a housing unit, but people usually get their temperatures checked
only if they put in for sick call, which requires a $2.00 co-pay, or in some—but not all—
cases, if they are required to leave their unit for work assignments or outside-hospital visits.78
Rather than take well-known measures to stop the spread of the virus, around April 1, Butner
purported to “lock down” in response to the outbreak of the disease. 79 This had a number of
adverse effects—described in more detail in the sections that follow—such as:
a. People housed in facilities other than the FMC with serious known medical conditions
and who ordinarily receive treatment at the FMC could no longer go there and did not
receive their needed treatments as a result. 80
b. People housed in celled units were limited in the times they could come out of their
cells. 81 This means that large groups of people try to use the showers, phones, and
computers in a short period of time, concentrating the use of these facilities and ensuring
that people congregate in these confined areas. 82
c. At the Camp and the low security facilities, BOP started placing people believed to have
COVID-19 in solitary confinement cells called the Special Management Unit or Special
Housing Unit (“SHU”). 83 This is not medical isolation; rather, it is essentially punitive
solitary confinement, with some reporting that they were denied access to necessary
78
See, e.g., Titus Decl. at 3.
79
See e.g., Ayers Decl.at 3; Hallinan Decl. at 2; Riddick Decl. at 2.
80
See, e.g., Hill Decl. at 4; Riddick Decl. at 5.
81
See, e.g., Ayers Decl.at 3; Riddick Decl. at 2.
82
Id.
83
See, e.g., Riddick Decl. at 5; Ayers Decl. at 5; Hill Decl. at 4; McRae Decl. at 19.
- 22 -

medications, phone usage, and hot water. 84 In Medium II, BOP is also placing people in
the SHU for isolation.
d. Meals are now delivered to housing units. 85 As a result, people in dormitory-style
housing units have to line up in a confined space three times a day to receive their meals.86
In many facilities within the complex, pill call has not changed. 87 People in dormitories have
to line up to receive their medications. 88
All these conditions further increase the risk of infection, serious illness, and death for people
incarcerated in the complex. 89 These conditions and risks are known to Respondents.
A. FMC Butner
FMC Butner is an administrative security federal medical center housing men designated as
Care Level 4. 90 This is the highest level of healthcare need in the BOP. 91
84
Id.; Declaration of Roger Duane Goodwin (“Goodwin Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 3) at 5–6; Beyrer Decl.
at 22.
85
See, e.g., Hill Decl. at 3; Kinard Decl. at 2; McRae Decl. at 2.
86
See, e.g., Hill Decl. at 3; Kinard Decl. at 2; McRae Decl. at 2.
87
See, e.g., Declaration of Lewis Donnell Huntley (“Huntley Decl.”) (attached as Exhibit 8) at 2;
Government’s Response to Motion for Compassionate Release, United States v. El-Hanafi, S7 10-cr-
162 (KMW), Dkt. No. 247 (filed May 13, 2020) (reporting that, as of May 8, 2020, approximately 459
coronavirus tests have been administered to inmates at the Butner complex, out of a total of
approximately 4,550 total inmates, and that 318 tested positive and 141 tested negative).
88
See, e.g., Huntley Decl. at 2; Hill Decl. at 3; McRae Decl. at 2.
89
See e.g., Hallinan Decl. (describing lack of physical distancing, limited hygiene and sanitation efforts,
lack of access to necessary medical care, and limited or ineffectual efforts to mitigate the spread of
COVID-19); see generally Beyrer Decl.
90
See Bureau of Prisons: Better Planning and Evaluation Needed to Understand and Control Rising
Inmate Health Care Costs, United States Government Accountability Office, 64 (June 2017),
https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/685686.pdf; PREA Audit Report at 2. The FMC houses people at Care
Level 4 for medical and mental health reasons.
91
Care Level Classification for Medical and Mental Health Conditions or Disabilities, Federal Bureau of
Prisons, 2–3 (May 2019), https://www.bop.gov/resources/pdfs/care_level_classification_guide.pdf.
- 23 -

Patients at Care Level 4 “require services available only at a BOP Medical Referral Center,
which provides significantly enhanced medical services and limited inpatient care.” 92
Examples of conditions that result in a Care Level 4 are: “Cancer on active treatment,
dialysis, quadriplegia, stroke or head injury patients, major surgical treatment, and high-risk
pregnancy.” 93
FMC Butner provides specialized services in all areas of medicine and is BOP’s primary
referral center for oncology, providing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 94
FMC Butner also manages a broad range of subacute and chronically ill incarcerated men. 95
FMC Butner is not, however, equipped to provide advanced support in an ICU setting with
ventilators, as serious COVID-19 cases often require. 96
Instead, based on BOP press releases about the eight people who have already died at Butner,
BOP leaves people in their Butner facility—without ICU-level care—until they are already
experiencing respiratory failure. 97 It is only at that point that they may be transferred to a
local hospital. 98
92
Id. at 3.
93
Id.
94
Id.
95
Bureau of Prisons: Better Planning and Evaluation Needed to Understand and Control Rising Inmate
Health Care Costs, United States Government Accountability Office, 64 (June 2017)
https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/685544.pdf.
96
See id.
97
See, e.g., Press Release, Inmate Death at FCI Butner I, U.S. Dep’t of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons
(Apr. 13, 2020), https://www.bop.gov/resources/news/pdfs/20200413_3_press_release_butner.pdf
(“John Doe, went into respiratory failure at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Butner I . . . . He
was evaluated by institutional medical staff and transported to a local hospital for further treatment and
evaluation.”) (attached at Ex. 20).
98
See id.
- 24 -

Even if FMC Butner were equipped to provide the requisite level of care to treat serious
coronavirus infections, it is already well over its maximum capacity. 99 The facility was
designed to hold 513 people for inpatient treatment and another 250 people to work in the
facility. 100 BOP reports that 909 men are currently housed there, 101 exceeding the facility’s
maximum capacity of 743 people by approximately 22 percent. 102
The fifth floor of FMC Butner houses patients who are extremely ill, including those on
hospice care. 103 The fourth floor houses patients undergoing treatment for cancer. 104 The
third floor houses patients who are having ambulatory surgeries. 105
Each of these floors house about 240 people, mostly in two-person cells. 106
The fourth floor, which houses patients receiving treatment for cancer, is divided into four
units of roughly 60 people each. 107 While each cell has its own sink, shower, and toilet, the
residents of each unit must all share two phones. 108
At least some cells on the fourth floor of the FMC share ventilation systems such that
individuals in one cell can hear those in the cell next to them when they speak or cough. 109
99
See Population Statistics: Inmate Population Breakdown,
https://www.bop.gov/mobile/about/population_statistics.jsp.
100
PREA Audit Report, at 2.
101
102
See PREA Audit Report, at 1.
103
See, e.g., Declaration of Randy Flores Ortiz (“Ortiz Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 13) at 2.
104
Id.; see also Declaration of Michael Harrington (“Harrington Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 5) at 2.
105
See, e.g., Ortiz Decl. at 2.
106
See, e.g., id. at 1–2.
107
See, e.g., Harrington Decl. at 2.
108
Id.
109
See, e.g., id. at 3.
- 25 -

Since the lockdown began at the beginning of April, Respondents have been quarantining
some people who transfer into Butner on the fourth floor of the FMC—the floor where the
residents are immunocompromised due to cancer treatment. 110 According to Randy Ortiz, a
cancer patient housed on the fourth floor, as of May 21, there were two individuals
quarantined in his 32-cell section of the fourth floor. 111
People who work on the fourth floor of FMC bring food and medicine to the patients and
those in quarantine. 112
Movement of patients within the FMC has continued during the lockdown, despite the
presence of coronavirus within the facility. 113
Further, testing of the patients within the FMC has been sporadic and inconsistent. According
to Michael Harrington, a terminal cancer patient also housed on the fourth floor, he tested
negative for the virus on or about April 29 after reporting shortness of breath and pain in his
chest – weeks after being moved into a new cell with a new cell mate, who was not tested for
COVID-19 at any point. 114
Importantly, the serious risks from COVID-19 to Petitioners and others in Butner with
existing chronic illnesses does not come solely from the infection itself. As part of Butner’s
response to COVID-19, medical visits and treatments at FMC Butner for existing serious
chronic illnesses have been severely curbed or halted for people residing in other parts of
110
See, e.g., Ortiz Decl. at 1.
111
Id.
112
Id.
113
See, e.g., Harrington Decl. at 3−4 (noting that Harrington was moved to a new cell with a new cellmate
in mid-April, despite the presence of coronavirus within his unit).
114
Id.
- 26 -

Butner. 115 People in other Butner facilities who need treatment at the FMC Butner can no
longer go there until the lockdown is lifted. 116 This policy creates an additional, substantial
medical risk for those medically vulnerable people housed at all facilities in the complex.
In addition to patients, there are also people incarcerated at FMC Butner who work jobs
maintaining the facility. Upon information and belief, there are approximately 120 such
people housed in the Cadre Unit, a dormitory-style unit with cubicles roughly 6’ x 9’. The
cubicles are separated by walls about six feet high and house two or three people each.
Upon information and belief, the Cadre Unit has communal phones and computers, which
people are required to wait in lines to use, and a shared TV room and restroom facilities in
which it is not possible for people to maintain distance from each other.
Upon information and belief, some men in the Cadre Unit work jobs that require them to
travel to other units within the FMC, such as those who work in the Inmate Companion
Program (through which they assist FMC nurses with incarcerated or committed patients who
cannot care for themselves).
Upon information and belief, people who leave the unit for work have their temperatures
taken regularly, but others only have their temperatures taken during sick calls.
Upon information and belief, no one within the Cadre Unit has been tested for the
coronavirus.
115
See Hallinan Decl. at 1 (“I am supposed to continue to receive periodic [cancer] treatments . . . because
my cancer was a type of cancer that frequently recurs . . . . I was supposed to have another treatment at
the end of April 2020, but I was not taken for treatment because of the lockdown due to COVID-19.”);
Riddick Decl. at 5 (“People who need treatment at the FMC Butner can no longer go there until the
lockdown is lifted.”); Hill Decl. at 4 (“Since the lockdown . . . the men in facilities other than the FMC
who would ordinarily receive treatment for their medical conditions in the FMC can no longer go there
and cannot receive their treatments as a result at the FMC.”).
116
See Hallinan Decl. at 1; Riddick Decl. at 5; Hill Decl. at 4
- 27 -

As of May 24, 2020, at least five people incarcerated at FMC Butner and nine staff members
have tested positive for coronavirus. 117
B. Butner Low
Butner Low 118 is a low security federal correctional institution.
A primary function of Butner Low is to house individuals designated as Care Level 3. 119
These are men “who have complex, and usually chronic, medical or mental health conditions
and who require frequent clinical contacts to maintain control or stability of their condition,
or to prevent hospitalization or complications, . . . [such as] [c]ancer in partial remission,
advanced HIV disease, severe mental illness in remission on medication, severe congestive
heart failure, and end-stage liver disease.” 120 In other words, Butner Low houses a large
number of medically vulnerable people, including several Petitioners. 121
Butner Low contains eight dormitory-style housing units, each holding about 140–160
men. 122
The housing units are large, open rooms divided into cubicles. 123 Estimates of cubicle sizes
range from about 9’ x 7’ to about 11’ x 7’, with walls about 5’ to 6’ high. 124 The photo below,
published by the Associated Press, purports to show a dorm at Butner.
117
COVID-19 Cases. BOP reports that one incarcerated person and seven staff members have recovered.
Id.
118
Butner Low is sometimes referred to as LSCI Butner.
119
120
Care Level Classification for Medical and Mental Health Conditions or Disabilities,
https://www.bop.gov/resources/pdfs/care_level_classification_guide.pdf., at 5.
121
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 1–2; Hill Decl. at 1–2; McRae Decl. at 1.
122
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 2 (“I am housed in a dormitory-style housing unit of 162 men. We live in
cubicles that are about 11’ x 7’. There are 3 people in my cubicle.”).
123
Id.
124
See, e.g., id. at 2 (housed in 11’ x 7’ cubicle); Hallinan Decl. at 2 (housed in 9’ x 7’ cubicle); Kinard
Decl. at 1 (housed in 8’ x 10’ cubicle).
- 28 -

Most cubicles house two or three people, though a small number house only one, often due
to that person using a wheelchair. 125 All or nearly all cubicles are occupied. 126 There is only
about a 4’ x 5’ space to move around in those cubicles, if that. 127
Because of the cubicle arrangement, most people housed in Butner Low sleep within six feet
of several other people. 128 In other words, the hundreds of men in Butner Low—many of
them elderly or medically vulnerable—spend several hours every night within the CDC’s
suggested minimum physical distancing zone.
Like all facilities in the complex, Butner Low is currently on “lockdown” due to the COVID-
19 outbreak, meaning certain normal activities are curtailed.
125
See, e.g., Hill Decl. at 2 (“Because I use a wheelchair, I am housed in my own cubicle.”); McRae Decl.
at 1–2.
126
See, e.g., McRae Decl. at 1–2 (describing about 150 men housed in about 50 cubicles, most with three
people per cubicle).
127
See, e.g., id.; Titus Decl. at 4.
128
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 3 (sleeps within six feet of seven or eight people); Hallinan Decl. at 2 (sleeps
within six feet of five people); Kinard Decl. at 1 (sleeps within three feet of nearest person).
- 29 -

People requiring medication must line-up at one or more of three daily “pill calls.”129
William Whyte, for instance, must wait in the pill line for refills of his blood thinner. 130 He
reports that people are not physically distanced in the pill line. 131 Sometimes these lines have
60 people in them.132 Thus, every day—and sometimes more than once per day—medically
vulnerable people are forced to stand in very close proximity to each other for extended
periods of time to get their medications. The same medical staff conduct multiple pill calls
per shift across multiple housing units, and they do not change protective gear, disinfect
equipment, or otherwise decontaminate themselves as they move amongst units. 133
The situation is similarly grim at meal time. Petitioners housed in Butner Low uniformly
report that, although they are no longer taken to the cafeteria for meals, they are instead forced
to line up in their housing units to receive their meals. 134 People in line are about one to two
feet apart, 135 and, upon information and belief, it takes at least ten minutes to get through the
line. And, in at least one case, men from one unit were made to line up with men from another
unit, substantially defeating any intended purpose behind the current meal-time process. 136
129
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 3 (reporting that people “line up [during pill call] with little space between
them”).
130
Declaration of William Robert Whyte (“Whyte Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 16) at 2.
131
Id.; see also Hill Decl. at 3; McRae Decl. at 2.
132
See, e.g., Declaration of John Krokos (“Krokos Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 10) at 3.
133
134
See, e.g., Kinard Decl. at 2 (“We are no longer allowed to go to the cafeteria for meals, and have been
getting our meals by lining up as a unit just outside of the unit door. It is not possible to maintain
distance from others when lining up for meals.”).
135
See, e.g., Hallinan Decl. at 3 (“People in the lines are right on top of each other, with only 1’–2’ between
them.”).
136
See Kinard Decl. at 2.
- 30 -

Likewise, access to phones and computers is problematic, with people densely packed in lines
for extended periods of time. 137 Petitioners report that the six to eight phones shared in each
unit—which are in regular use—are about two feet apart, and they are not disinfected in
between uses. 138 People wait about 30 to 60 minutes in line to use the phone. 139 Computers
are also within a few feet of one another, in regular use, and rarely, if ever, cleaned. 140
TV rooms are closed, but according to some Petitioners, the TVs are on and visible from an
area just outside the computer room. 141 These people “are all very close to each other in the
area just outside the computer room.” 142 Because the TV rooms are closed, people use the
common area for other purposes, like as a makeshift seating area for playing games. 143
Notably, because the lockdown allows for limited opportunities to exercise, people also
exercise in the common area, leading to more close contact with others. 144
137
See, e.g., Hallinan Decl. at 3 (“There is no social distancing in the phone lines . . . . People mill around,
close to each other, outside the computer room while they wait to get on the computer.”); McRae Decl.
at 2 (“There is no social distancing in the phone lines.”); Hill Decl. at 3 (“There is no social distancing
in the phone lines.”).
138
See, e.g., Kinard Decl. at 1 (“The phones are cleaned once in the morning by an orderly, but I am not
aware of them being cleaned at any other point by BOP staff.”); Hill Decl. at 3; McRae Decl. at 2.
139
See, e.g., Titus Decl,. at 2; Hill Decl. at 3.
140
See, e.g., Hallinan Decl. at 3 (“There are five computers in a computer room . . . Four of them are on
one side of the room, with one to two feet between them . . . . The[ ] computers are pretty much always
in use . . . . I haven’t seen the computers get cleaned or disinfected.”); Hill Decl. at 3; McRae Decl. at
2.
141
See e.g., Dailey Decl. at 4 (“There are also chairs in the area outside the computer room where people
sit so that they can watch the television in the TV room. The TV room itself is closed, so this is where
people sit if they want to watch it.”).
142
Id.
143
See, e.g., Krokos Decl. at 3.
144
Id.
- 31 -

People housed in Butner Low share a small number of toilets, showers, and sinks across the
entire housing unit. 145 The fixtures are all within three feet of each other, meaning, people
“are in very close contact in the bathrooms.” 146
There is little fresh air in the housing units. 147 Windows are not opened, and “the only chance
[one Butner Low resident] had for a breath of fresh air was if a [staff member] would
distribute meals at the open entry door of the unit.” 148
Some Petitioners report being given cloth masks. 149 Some do not fit. 150 Some are made of
thin, translucent material. 151 People housed at Butner Low are responsible for cleaning their
own masks, 152 but at points during the lockdown, laundry access has been limited. 153 If
masks are damaged or lost, there is no means to repair or replace them. 154 Petitioners are not
given gloves. 155
145
See, e.g., Krokos Decl.at 4 (162 people in the unit share 16 toilets, 12–14 showers, and 10 sinks);
Hallinan Decl. at 2 (“All 140 or 150 people in the housing unit share about 16 toilets, 12 showers, and
10 sinks.”); Hill Decl. at 2–3 ; McRae Decl. at 2.
146
See, e.g., Hallinan Decl. at 2; Hill Decl. at 2–3; McRae Decl. at 2.
147
148
Id.
149
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 4 (“We were given cloth masks.”); Hill Decl. at 3; Kinard Decl. at 2 (“Everyone
in my unit was given 2 fabric masks that we were told were made at UNICOR.”); McRae Decl. at 3.
150
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 4.
151
152
153
154
155
Id.
- 32 -

Critically, BOP’s enforcement of the requirement to wear masks is also inconsistent. 156 Not
all staff wear their masks. 157 Some incarcerated people also do not wear their masks. As
explained by Petitioner Kinard, “[W]hether to wear a mask seems to be up to the discretion
of the individual.” 158
Many people have frequent contact with people from other housing units. 159 For example,
Butner Low has a UNICOR operation where many people from different housing units
work. 160 Petitioner Hallinan reports that at least two dozen people in his housing unit have
jobs with UNICOR where they “work with people from other housing units.” 161 Petitioners
Hill and McRae report the same. 162 Similarly, people work in the kitchen with incarcerated
people from other housing units. 163
Petitioner Dailey reports that one person in his housing unit is an orderly assigned to clean
the SHU, where some people who have COVID-19 are housed. 164
156
See Kinard Decl. at 3.
157
See, e.g., Hill Decl. at 4 (“Most staff wear their masks.”) (emphasis added); Dailey Decl. at 4 (“Most
but not all staff wear masks.”); McRae Decl. at 3 (“Most staff wear their masks.”); Krokos Decl. at 5
(estimating that 40 percent of guards wore masks only when higher ranking BOP staff entered the units).
158
Kinard Decl. at 3.
159
See, e.g., Hill Decl. at 4 (describing people in his unit who work with others at UNICOR); Krokos Decl.
at 6 (describing guards working in different housing units and people in his unit going to various jobs
in different units); McRae Decl. at 3 (describing people in his unit who leave his unit to go to work and
come back).
160
See Hallinan Decl. at 5 (“About two dozen people in my housing unit have jobs with UNICOR.”).
161
Id.
162
Hill Decl. at 4; McRae Decl. at 3.
163
See, e.g., Hallinan Decl. at 4; Whyte Decl. at 8.
164
Dailey Decl. at 5.
- 33 -

According to Declarant Whyte, a man in his housing unit “has a job cleaning personal
protective equipment used by sick people in other housing units,” which means that person
comes into frequent contact with items used by people with COVID-19. 165
Similarly, correctional officers and other staff move between housing units. For example,
during count, the officers in one housing unit help the officers in another, and vice versa. 166
There is at least one staff member who works in the kitchen and in the SHU, where sick
people are held for isolation. 167
There is no widespread testing for coronavirus in Butner Low. 168 Almost all Petitioners from
Butner Low report that they do not know a single person tested in their respective housing
units. 169 Moreover, temperature checks are sporadic, ineffectual, and inconsistent across
units. For example, Petitioner Hallinan states that “[s]hortly after the lockdown started on
April 1, medical staff was taking the temperature of [everyone] in the housing unit every
day,” but that practice lasted only a week. 170 After that, a person had to request a sick call in
order to get a temperature check. 171 Notably, a sick call costs $2.00. 172 On one day during
the second week in May, everyone in his unit again had their temperature checked. Petitioner
Harris reports that his unit had a single temperature check around May 7 but has not had any
165
Whyte Decl. at 8.
166
167
See Krokos Decl. at 7.
168
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 4 (“There has been no widespread testing for coronavirus in my housing unit.”);
Hill Decl. at 4 (same); McRae Decl. at 3 (“I don’t know of a single person in my housing unit who has
been tested for the coronavirus.”).
169
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 4; Hill Decl. at 4.
170
Hallinan Decl. at 4.
171
E.g., Hallinan Decl. at 4; Hill Decl. at 4; McRae Decl. at 3.
172
Hallinan Decl. at 4; Hill Decl. at 4; McRae Decl. at 3.
- 34 -

since. 173 Petitioner Titus reports that “men working limited work details were checked
sporadically for a fever,” and daily checks for those going to work are not being enforced. 174
Making all these issues worse, Butner Low is overcrowded. The facility was designed to
hold 992 people, but as of May 22, 2020, BOP reports that 1,201 men are housed there, 175
exceeding the facility’s maximum capacity of 992 people by approximately 21 percent. 176
All these conditions—overcrowding of already tight quarters; shared use of limited facilities
with frequent close contact; lengthy, daily line-up requirements; inconsistent mask use
amongst staff and incarcerated people; and limited testing and screening—create the
extraordinarily dangerous conditions that sustain the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak at Butner.
As of May 24, 2020, at least 141 people incarcerated at Butner Low and nine staff members
have tested positive for coronavirus. 177
C. FCI Butner Medium I and Camp
FCI Butner Medium I is made up of a medium security federal correctional institution and a
minimum security camp (“Camp”).
Like Butner Low, Medium I also houses men whose health care needs are classified as Care
Level 3. 178
173
Harris Decl. at 4. Mr. Harris believes that men in another housing unit received daily temperature
checks, indicating that any BOP policy on temperature checks is inconsistently applied. See id.
174
Titus Decl. at 3.
175
176
177
COVID-19 Cases. BOP reports that 39 incarcerated people and 6 staff members have recovered. Id.
178
See FCC Butner Doctoral Psychology Internship 2019–2020 Brochure, Federal Bureau of Prisons, 11
(July 15, 2018), https://www.bop.gov/jobs/docs/BUX%20Brochure%202019-2020.pdf (“Additionally,
Care Level Three inmates (chronically mentally ill persons) who can function adequately on an
outpatient basis are housed throughout the complex.”).
- 35 -

Many of the conditions at the Camp are substantially similar to those at Butner Low. 179 For
instance, the Camp has dormitory-style housing divided into shared cubicles that do not allow
for physical distance from bunkmates. 180 However, some units in the Camp are so
overcrowded that they have an area known as the “beach,” where people new to the unit are
forced to sleep in two rows of three bunk beds less than four feet apart. 181 Residents must
walk through the “beach” in order to go to the restroom, meaning the men in those bunks are
subjected to a constant stream of close-proximity traffic. 182
People in each Camp housing unit share a single bathroom with about five stalls, five
showers, and five sinks. 183 People line up within two feet of each other to use the phones,
and they are responsible for cleaning them between uses. 184
Petitioner Maldonado reports that several men are housed in the chapel behind his housing
unit. 185 These men have tested positive for the virus and were sent to the SHU for some time
to be isolated before being sent to the chapel. 186 Some of the men housed in the chapel use
the same bathroom as the men in Petitioner Maldonado’s unit. 187 The only safeguards against
infection from these men are a “make-shift wall” installed by BOP staff in the bathroom to
separate the people in the chapel from the others and an orderly from the same housing unit
179
See generally Huntley Decl.; Maldonado Decl.; Goodwin Decl.
180
See, e.g., Huntley Decl. at 1.
181
Id.; see also Goodwin Decl. at 3 (describing “beach” in Hatteras West unit).
182
183
184
See, e.g., id. Unlike in Butner Low, however, it appears that spray disinfectant is sometimes provided
for cleaning the phones in the Camp. See, e.g., id.
185
Maldonado Decl. at 5.
186
Id.
187
Id.
- 36 -

as Petitioner Maldonado who cleans the bathroom after the men who have tested positive for
coronavirus leave. 188
People in the housing units at the Camp share three computers—all right next to each other
on a shared desk—and the unit’s TVs are in the same room. 189 The room is always crowded,
making social distancing impossible. 190
Meals are handled inconsistently. 191 Some staff bring meals directly to cubicles, but others
make entire housing units line up at the unit door for meals. 192 Like in Butner Low, people
lining up for meals are no more than two feet from one another. 193
Much like at meal time, people line up three times per day for pill call. 194 And, much like at
meal time, people in line are no more than two feet apart the entire time. 195
People housed in the Camp have been given cloth masks made at UNICOR, but there appears
to be no mandatory use policy. 196 According to Petitioner Maldonado, BOP staff in the Camp
did not start wearing masks until his unit manager was out sick for two weeks. 197
In March, the Camp Administrator held a town hall meeting with at least one housing unit,
Hatteras East, during which she told people housed in that unit that they should not worry
188
Id. The orderly does not change his clothes after cleaning the bathroom and before returning to Mr.
Maldonado’s unit. See id.
189
190
See, e.g., id.
191
See, e.g., id.
192
See, e.g., id.
193
See, e.g., id.
194
See, e.g., id.
195
See, e.g., id.
196
197
Maldonado Decl. at 7. Mr. Maldonado reports that several BOP staff members, including those who
hand out meals, have been out sick. Id.
- 37 -

about the virus or masks. 198 The Assistant Warden told men in that unit that wearing a mask
would result in a disciplinary write-up commonly referred to as a “shot.” 199
Some people housed at the Camp continue to go to work at the UNICOR operation at Medium
I or elsewhere, alongside people from other housing units. 200
Staff also move freely between units. 201
Upon information and belief, when people housed in the Camp report symptoms to BOP
staff, they are ignored, and people with COVID-19 symptoms but no fever receive no medical
treatment. For example, Roger Goodwin, who suffers from a rare autoimmune disease,
passed out in his unit and was taken to medical only to be told that he should drink more
water before being returned to his unit in the Camp. It was only after he passed out in his
unit for a second time the following day that medical staff tested Declarant Goodwin and
discovered that he was COVID-19 positive. 202
Given the conditions at the Camp and inconsistent adherence to whatever policies BOP
purports to have put in place to address COVID-19, it is unsurprising that the disease spread
rapidly through the Camp. 203 As one person housed in the Camp explained:
198
Id.
199
See, e.g., Declaration of Roger Duane Goodwin (“Goodwin Decl.”) (attached as Ex. 3) at 2.
200
201
See, e.g., id.
202
Goodwin Decl. at 4–5.
203
See, e.g., Huntley Decl. at 3–4 (describing rapid spread in Catawba West housing unit).
- 38 -

“I first heard of someone in my unit becoming sick and having to be
removed in early April, after which it felt like a chain reaction within the
camp. . . . [S]uddenly it seemed as if everyone in my unit was ill. . . . At
night, I would hear coughing all throughout the unit. . . . My entire unit was
tested for coronavirus on or around April 23, 2020. We were not isolated
or separated from one another in any way while we waited for results. On
or around April 30, 2020, Dr. Beyer gathered our unit together and told us
that the entire unit had tested positive for coronavirus. She also told us that
as many as 80% of the entire camp population tested positive for
coronavirus, and that a large number of people testing positive for the virus
had only mild or no symptoms. 204
And, like Butner Low, FCI Medium I also has a UNICOR operation where people from
within the facility work. 205
BOP reports that 867 men are housed in FCI Butner Medium I. 206
As of May 24, at least 259 people incarcerated at FCI Butner Medium I and 26 staff members
have tested positive for coronavirus. 207 Eight people incarcerated in Medium I have died so
far from the disease. 208
D. FCI Butner Medium II
Medium II is another medium security federal correctional institution.
Like the other facilities at Butner, many people in Medium II are at high risk of serious illness
or death from COVID-19. 209
204
Id.
205
206
207
COVID-19 Cases. On May 24, BOP reported that, in Medium I, 178 incarcerated people and 22 staff
members had recovered, and 8 incarcerated people had died. Id. There is reason to be cautious of
BOP’s reporting. For instance, on May 24, BOP reported a total of 45 incarcerated people were infected
and 178 incarcerated people had recovered (a total of 223 people infected at some point), but on May
11, BOP reported that 207 incarcerated people were infected and 52 had recovered (a total of 259 people
infected at some point). It is not clear why BOP now reports fewer total infections.
208
Id.
209
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 5 (“There are quite a few people on my unit that are elderly or have serious
medical conditions.”); Riddick Decl. at 4 (“At least half of the people in my housing unit are elderly
- 39 -

People incarcerated in Medium II are housed in celled units of about 120 people, with one to
four people per cell. 210 Cells range from 8’ x 6’ to 8’ x 8’, depending on the number of people
housed in them. 211 People housed in these cells sleep on bunk beds, and in four-person cells,
the beds are about two feet apart in an L shape. 212
Medium II is also home to a SHU where some people with COVID-19 symptoms have been
placed. 213 The SHU is not a medical isolation unit; 214 it is typically used for administrative
detention (such as inmate transfers) or disciplinary segregation. 215
Medium II has a UNICOR operation at which numerous people housed in Medium II work. 216
Many people in general population in Medium II have jobs with either UNICOR or a private
contractor. 217 And, like those men who work in the other UNICOR operations, they work
side-by-side with men from other housing units. 218
Staff move between housing units. 219 They also move into the community. One staff
member informed Petitioner Riddick that he had recently been responsible for watching three
incarcerated people with COVID-19 in their rooms at Duke University hospital. 220
and/or have serious medical conditions. . . . I believe all 12 units at FCI Butner Medium II also house
people who are elderly and/or have serious medical or mental health conditions.”); Beyrer Decl. at 31.
210
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 2; Riddick Decl. at 2.
211
212
See, e.g., Riddick Decl. at 2–3.
213
See Ayers Decl. at 5; Riddick Decl. at 5.
214
Riddick Decl. at 5; Beyrer Decl. at 22–23.
215
Low Security Correctional Institution Butner, North Carolina, Inmate Handbook, Federal Bureau of
Prisons, 60 (Jan. 22, 2009), https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/buf/BUF_aohandbook.pdf.
216
217
Ayers Decl. at 6. Those who work under private contract, including Mr. Ayers, are not currently going
to work, but those who work at UNICOR are still working. See id.
218
See id.
219
Id. at 6.
220
Riddick Decl. at 6.
- 40 -

Medium II is overcrowded. BOP reports that 1,461 men are housed there, 221 exceeding the
facility’s maximum capacity of 1,152 people by approximately 27 percent. 222
Each cell has a shared toilet and sink, and people in each 120-person housing unit share about
12 showers spaced about three feet apart. 223
As in other facilities, there are communal phones spaced a few feet apart; people stand in
close proximity to each other in long lines waiting for the phones. 224 There is no physical
distancing in these lines. 225 Incarcerated people can use rags or socks to wipe the phones
between uses, but they do not have supplies readily available to disinfect the phones. 226
The situation in the computer rooms is similar to that in other facilities: a common room
where people work shoulder to shoulder at computers that are constantly in use and groups
of people waiting in close proximity for their turn to use the computers. 227
People housed in Medium II have been provided cloth masks that are very thin and ill-
fitting. 228 And, as in other facilities, they report that not all staff wear masks. 229
As in Butner Low, Petitioners report no widespread testing for the virus. 230
221
222
See PREA Audit Report, at 1.
223
224
225
226
227
Ayers Decl. at 5; see also Riddick Decl. at 4.
228
229
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 5; Riddick Decl. at 4 (“Most staff wear their masks.”) (emphasis added).
230
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 5.
- 41 -

And, if a person in the unit is sick, they must request a $2.00 sick call to get a temperature
check. 231 Those with high enough temperatures are taken to the SHU. 232
V. BOP’s Prevention and Mitigation Measures Are Inadequate to Address the Risk of
Harm to Petitioners
A. BOP Is Aware of the Risks to Petitioners
Respondents have a “profound obligation to protect the health and safety of all [incarcerated
people].” 233 Despite this obligation, BOP as a whole—and Butner in particular—have failed
for nearly two months to adequately protect the incarcerated people under their charge.
Based on confirmed cases, COVID-19 has entered approximately 72 of the 193 facilities run
by BOP, including at least three out of the four facilities at Butner (FMC Butner, Medium I,
and Butner Low). 234
As of May 24, 2020, BOP houses 136,956 people and has a staff of approximately 36,000,
for a total on-site population of approximately 173,000. 235 As of the same date, at least 4,761
incarcerated people and 589 BOP staff had tested positive for coronavirus, for a total of 5,350
known positive individuals—an increase of 3,723 known positive cases since April 27,
2020. 236
231
See, e.g., Riddick Decl. at 5; Ayers Decl. at 5.
232
See, e.g., Riddick Decl. at 5; Ayers Decl. at 5.
233
Attorney General William Barr, Memorandum for Director of Bureau Prisons, Office of the Attorney
General, (Apr. 3, 2020), https://www.justice.gov/file/1266661/download (“Barr April 3 Memo”)
(attached as Ex. 22), at 1.
234
COVID-19 Cases.
235
Id.
236
Id. The significant week-to-week jump in positive cases may be a result of increased testing within
BOP, but the point remains.
- 42 -

Based on these numbers, the BOP infection rate as a percent of the total on-site population is
approximately 3.1 percent. That rate is more than six times the current infection rate in the
rest of the United States. 237
So far, 59 people held in BOP facilities have died from COVID-19. 238 Eight of those people
died while incarcerated at Butner. 239
In a March 26, 2020 memorandum to Respondent Carvajal regarding the COVID-19 “crisis”
(the “March 26 Memo”), Attorney General William Barr identified home confinement as
“[o]ne of BOP’s tools to manage the prison population and keep [incarcerated people] safe”
from COVID-19. 240
The Attorney General directed Respondent Carvajal “to prioritize the use of [the BOP’s]
various statutory authorities to grant home confinement for [incarcerated people] seeking
transfer in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” because “for some eligible
[people], home confinement might be more effective in protecting their health.” 241
Attorney General Barr further identified “[t]he age and vulnerability of the [incarcerated
person] to COVID-19, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) guidelines,” as one of the critical, discretionary factors for consideration. 242
237
As of May 22, 2020, the total U.S. population was approximately 329,684,572. U.S. and World
Population Clock, United States Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/popclock/ (last visited May
22, 2020, 2:51 p.m.). As of May 22, 2020, there were approximately 1,588,322 confirmed COVID-19
infections in the United States. COVID-19 Dashboard by the Centers for Systems Science and
Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Johns Hopkins University: Coronavirus
Resource Center, https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html (last visited May 22, 2020, 2:52 p.m.). Total
infections divided by total population yields approximately 0.0048 or approximately 0.48 percent.
238
COVID-19 Cases.
239
Id.
240
Barr March 26 Memo at 2.
241
Id.
242
Id.
- 43 -

Eight days later, following dramatic increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases at BOP
facilities, Attorney General Barr issued a second memorandum underscoring the BOP’s
“profound obligation to protect the health and safety of all [incarcerated people]” and found
that “emergency conditions are materially affecting the functioning” of the BOP. 243
The Attorney General recognized that BOP efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within
BOP “have not been perfectly successful.” 244 He ordered Respondent Carvajal to take more
aggressive steps—immediately—to transfer incarcerated people to home confinement where
possible, even if electronic monitoring will be not be available, explaining that “time is of the
essence.” 245
Additionally, in an acknowledgment of the risk posed by COVID-19, BOP issued a COVID-
19 Action Plan and implemented modified operations. 246 The Action Plan requires
quarantine for all new admissions, all close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases, and all
incarcerated people set for release. 247
Finally, as noted above, on April 1, Respondents issued an order to lock down Butner because
of COVID-19. 248 This, too, is an acknowledgment of the risk posed by the virus.
Despite knowing full well the urgency of the situation and the need to reduce prison
populations, BOP is not releasing enough incarcerated people to have a meaningful impact
243
See Barr April 3 Memo at 1.
244
Id. at 2.
245
Id.
246
BOP Implementing Modified Operations, Federal Bureau of Prisons,
https://www.bop.gov/coronavirus/covid19_status.jsp (last visited May 22, 2020).
247
See Memorandum for All Chief Executive Officers: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase Six Action Plan,
Federal Bureau of Prisons (Apr. 13, 2020), https://prisonology.com/wp-
content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Phase-6-Plan-2020-04-13.pdf (“Phase Six Action Plan”)
(attached as Ex. 23).
248
See, e.g., Hallinan Decl. at 4.
- 44 -

on both those most in need of release and those whose safety while in continued custody in a
BOP facility depends on the ability to practice physical distancing.
B. Respondents Have Failed to Meaningfully Respond to the Grave Risk Facing

Incarcerated People at Butner
Respondents know the risk to incarcerated people at Butner but have not taken well-known
and essential measures to address the risk.
Instead, Respondents have taken only minimal measures. The failure to adequately respond
to the deadly virus ravaging Butner constitutes deliberate indifference to Petitioners’ health
and safety in violation of the Eighth Amendment. Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 104 (1976);
see also Scinto v. Stansberry, 841 F.3d 219, 225 (4th Cir. 2016).
1. Respondents have failed to use the tools available to them to reduce the
population at Butner
Because of the severity of the threat posed by COVID-19, and its proven ability to rapidly
spread through a correctional setting, public health experts recommend the rapid release from
custody of people most vulnerable to COVID-19. 249 Release protects the people with the
greatest vulnerability to COVID-19 from transmission of the virus, and also allows for greater
risk mitigation for people held or working in a prison and the broader community. 250 Release
of the most vulnerable people from custody also reduces the burden on the region’s health
care infrastructure by reducing the likelihood that an overwhelming number of people will
become seriously ill from COVID-19 at the same time. 251
249
See, e.g., Josiah Rich, Scott Allen, and Mavis Nimoh, We Must Release Prisoners to Lessen the Spread
of Coronavirus, Washington Post (March 17, 2020), https://wapo.st/2JDVq7Y; Beyrer Decl. at 32–33.
250
Goldenson Decl. at 7–8; Beyrer Decl. at 32–33.
251
Goldenson Decl. at 7; see also Beyrer Decl. at 17, 32–33.
- 45 -

Internationally, governments and jail staff have recognized the threat posed by COVID-19
and released large numbers of detained persons. For example, France released approximately
one-seventh of its total prison population. 252 In Iran, more than 85,000 people were released
from jails to curb the spread of coronavirus. 253
Domestically, jail administrators in Washington County, Oregon; 254 Cuyahoga County,
Ohio; 255 Los Angeles, California; 256 San Francisco, California; 257 Jefferson County,
Colorado; 258 and the State of New Jersey, 259 among others, have concluded that widespread
jail release is a necessary and appropriate public health intervention.
On March 26, Attorney General Barr instructed Respondent Carvajal to prioritize transferring
people from BOP facilities to home confinement because of the risk from COVID-19. 260 On
March 27, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(“CARES”) Act, giving the Attorney General expanded power to immediately release
252
Benjamin Dodman, As France Releases Thousands, Can Covid-19 End Chronic Prison Overcrowding?,
FRANCE24.COM (April 27, 2020), https://www.france24.com/en/20200427-as-france-releases-
thousands-can-covid-19-end-chronic-prison-overcrowding.
253
Morning Edition, Iran Releases 85,000 Prisoners But Not Siamak Namazi, NPR (March 18, 2020),
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/18/817606513/iran-releases-85-000-political-prisoners-but-not-siamak-
namazi.
254
KATU, Washington Co. Jail Releases Inmates to Meet Social Distancing Guidelines, KCBY (April 28,
2020), https://kcby.com/news/local/washington-co-jail-releases-inmates-to-meet-social-distancing-
guidelines.
255
Scott Noll, Cuyahoga County Jail Releases Hundreds of Low-Level Offenders to Prepare for
Coronavirus Pandemic, (March 20, 2020 6:04 p.m.), https://cutt.ly/CtRSHkZ.
256
Alene Tchekmedyian, More L.A. County Jail Inmates Released Over Fears of Coronavirus Outbreak,
L.A. Times, (March 19, 2020 6:55 p.m.), https://cutt.ly/ltRSCs6.
257
Megan Cassidy, Alameda County Releases 250 Jail Inmates Amid Coronavirus Concerns, SF to Release
26, San Francisco Chronicle (March 20, 2020), https://cutt.ly/0tRSVmG.
258
Jenna Carroll, Inmates Being Released Early from JeffCo Detention Facility Amid Coronavirus
Concerns, KDVR Colorado (March 19, 2020 2:29 pm.), https://cutt.ly/UtRS8LE.
259
Erin Vogt, Here’s NJ’s Plan for Releasing Up to 1,000 Inmates as COVID-19 Spreads (March 23, 2020),
https://cutt.ly/QtRS53w.
260
See Barr March 26 Memo.
- 46 -

prisoners on account of COVID-19. On April 3, Attorney General Barr instructed
Respondent Carvajal to take aggressive steps—immediately—to transfer people in BOP
custody to home confinement where possible, explaining that “time is of the essence.” 261
Nevertheless, since March 26 (the date of Attorney General Barr’s first memo), BOP has
placed only two percent of the approximately 153,000 people then in BOP custody into home
confinement (3,179 incarcerated people nationwide, which is a nationwide average of
approximately 61 total per day across all BOP facilities; in other words, an average of only
one person per BOP facility every other day). 262
Many people at Butner should have been transferred to home confinement pursuant to these
instructions from Attorney General Barr. As discussed above, Butner houses a large number
of people who are very medically vulnerable. Further, nearly 1,500 people in the facility,
including many of the medically vulnerable population, are considered either minimum or
low security prisoners.
However, Respondents have transferred very few of the people incarcerated at Butner to
home confinement due to their vulnerability to COVID-19. 263
261
See Barr April 3 Memo at 2.
262
Director M.D. Carvajal Addresses All Staff: COVID-19 Video Update Number 5: April 22, 2020,
Federal Bureau of Prisons (April 22, 2020),
https://www.bop.gov/resources/news/20200422_dir_message.jsp; COVID-19 Cases. BOP has not
disclosed the number of incarcerated people it typically released per day prior to Attorney General
Barr’s memos, nor has it disclosed how many new incarcerated people have entered BOP custody during
the same time period, so there is some uncertainty as to whether any BOP efforts since the March 26
memo have had any real impact on the size of the population at BOP.
263
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 4; Hallinan Decl. at 5; Hill Decl. at 5; McRae Decl. at 4; Riddick Decl. at 6;
Titus Decl. at 5; Beyrer Decl. at 32. In fact, while Attorney General Barr directed BOP to release more
vulnerable incarcerated people, BOP paradoxically heightened the standard for eligibility, decreasing
the number of people eligible for home confinement. Ian MacDougall, Bill Barr Promised to Release
Prisoners Threatened by Coronavirus—Even as the Feds Secretly Made It Harder for Them to Get Out,
ProPublica (May 26, 2020), https://www.propublica.org/article/bill-barr-promised-to-release-prisoners-
threatened-by-coronavirus-even-as-the-feds-secretly-made-it-harder-for-them-to-get-out.
- 47 -

Respondents could also support the people in their custody in their efforts to obtain
compassionate release. They have chosen not to. For example, Declarant Huntley filed a
motion for compassionate release based on, among other things, hypertension that made him
especially vulnerable to COVID-19. 264 Respondents opposed Declarant Huntley’s motion.265
The court granted the motion on May 7. 266 Similarly, Respondents opposed Declarant
Krokos’s motion for compassionate release over the course of nine months, before a court
granted the motion and he was released on May 12. 267 On May 19, another court ordered the
release of a person whose motion for compassionate release Respondents had opposed. 268
In spite of the spread of COVID-19 at Butner, infecting hundreds and killing eight men
already, Respondents have chosen not to use the tools available to them to move the most
vulnerable people out of Butner. This failure to release people is deliberate indifference
because the incarcerated people must expose themselves to a deadly infectious disease that
constitutes a certain risk to health, particularly for the Medically-Vulnerable Subclass as
defined herein.
264
Huntley Decl. at 4.
265
Id.
266
Id.
267
Krokos Decl. at 1, 7.
268
Opinion and Order Granting Defendant Wesam El-Hanafi’s Motion for Compassionate Release, United
States v. El-Hanafi, No. 1:10-cr-00162-KMW (S.D.N.Y. May 19, 2020), ECF No. 252 (attached as Ex.
33); see also Ayers Decl. at 1–2, 4 (noting BOP opposition to request for compassionate release of 37-
year-old pernicious anemic with atrophic gastritis); Goodwin Decl. at 1–3 (noting BOP opposition to
request for compassionate release of 61-year-old with immunodeficiency disorder, diabetes,
hypertension and heart disease); Harrington Decl. at 1, 4 (noting government opposition to motion for
sentence reduction of terminal cancer patient with roughly 13-month life expectancy); Hill Decl. at 1–
2, 4–5 (noting opposition to request for compassionate because he is a Washington D.C. Code Offender
and delay in responding to second request); Maldonado Decl. at 1, 3–4, 7–8 (noting BOP opposition of
request for compassionate release of 51-year-old kidney transplant recipient with hypertension and
tachycardia experiencing symptoms of kidney failure).
- 48 -

Moreover, Respondents have opposed the incarcerated people’s efforts to avail themselves
of the possibility of release from the facility. Releasing people from Butner is essential to
control the spread of this deadly virus, but Respondents have chosen not to release people.
2. Respondents have not created conditions to allow for social distancing at

Butner
To prevent the spread of the virus, the CDC recommends that people should maintain a
distance of at least 6 feet between themselves and other people.
CDC recommends rearranging bunks in prisons so that people have more space between them
when they sleep. 269 In Butner, because Respondents have failed to release people or transfer
them to home confinement, no such rearrangement has occurred. People sleep within a few
feet of multiple other people. 270 Nearly every cubicle and cell is full. 271
Further, the crowding in dormitories results in people being forced to wait in close-packed
lines multiple times a day while meals and medicines are distributed. 272 Respondents have
chosen not to reduce the population to a level where meal and medication distribution can be
accomplished in a manner that does not require scores of men to line up close to each other
multiple times a day. Respondents have also chosen to distribute meals and medications by
making the men line up, rather than staggering meals, or delivering meals and medications
to the men in their living spaces.
Similarly, Respondents have not taken steps to ensure social distancing with regard to the use
of phones and computers. 273 The people incarcerated at Butner are in close proximity to
269
Interim Guidance at 11–12 (emphasis added).
270
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 2; Hallinan Decl. at 2; McRae Decl. at 2; Hill Decl. at 2; Dailey Decl. at 3.
271
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 3; Hallinan Decl. at 2.
272
See, e.g., Krokos Decl. at 5; Hallinan Decl. at 3; Hill Decl. at 3. Dailey Decl. at 3; McCrae Decl. at 2.
273
See, e.g., Hallinan Decl. at 3; Dailey Decl. at 3; Hill Decl. at 3; Riddick Decl. at 4.
- 49 -

each other when they use the phones and computers. Because there are so many people at
Butner, the phones and computers are in constant use during the hours people are allowed to
use them. Further, people wait for the phones and computers in areas that do not provide for
social distancing. Respondents have failed to take any measures to enable people to use the
equipment without being in close proximity to other people.
3. Respondents have chosen not to find out who in Butner has COVID-19, a
crucial step for addressing the risk from the virus.
Despite the deaths of at least eight men from COVID-19 at Butner, Respondents have not
conducted widespread testing. As of May 8, 2020, just 459 coronavirus tests had been
administered to incarcerated people at the Butner complex, out of a total of approximately
4,550 people. Of these 459 tests, approximately 318 tested positive and 141 tested
negative. 274
Respondents do not test Butner’s staff. 275 Instead, they rely on “self-reporting and
temperature checks.” 276 As of May 22, BOP reported that 44 staff members at Butner had
reported to BOP that they had tested positive. 277
274
Gov’t Opp. to Mtn. Compassionate Release, El-Hanafi S7 10-cr-162 (KMW) at 16. As noted above,
there is some reason to be skeptical of BOP’s reported statistics. For instance, as of May 12, 2020,
BOP’s data showed 358 people (including staff) at FCC Butner had tested positive at some point,
including those who had tested positive and recovered. However, as of May 17, 2020, BOP’s reported
data showed only 341 people having tested positive at some point at FCC Butner—17 people fewer than
five days earlier. While there may be legitimate reasons for the disparity, it appears that BOP data on
COVID-19 infections in its facilities do not present the full picture.
275
Gov’t Opp. to Mtn. Compassionate Release, El-Hanafi S7 10-cr-162 (KMW) at 16.
276
See BOP Implementing Modified Operations, Federal Bureau of Prisons
https://www.bop.gov/coronavirus/covid19_status.jsp (last visited May 22, 2020).
277
COVID-19 Cases.
- 50 -

Even when they do conduct tests, Respondents fail to conduct them in a manner designed to
help limit the spread of the virus. 278 On information and belief, Respondents tested one entire
housing unit of FCI Butner Medium I around April 18, and eventually moved those people
who tested positive to a different unit, Catawba East. However, Respondents did not move
some people who tested positive out of the unit until about five days after it learned they had
tested positive. 279 Thus, with full knowledge of the danger, Respondents kept known
COVID-positive people in close quarters with uninfected people for five days. In all that
time, the people who tested positive were not quarantined or isolated, and they shared the
same common bathrooms and other resources with those who had tested negative. 280
Instead of proactively testing for the virus, Respondents sporadically conduct temperature
checks. 281 Between the days that temperature checks are taken, an incarcerated person who
is symptomatic has to request sick call even to get his temperature taken. 282 And Respondents
have not waived the requirement of paying for sick call. 283
Respondents have chosen to remain willfully ignorant as to who at Butner has COVID-19
until they are forced to acknowledge that some individual or another has it. In so doing, they
limit the numbers of people who are deemed to require quarantine or isolation, leaving an
278
Beyrer Decl. at 19 (“Without widespread testing and tracing of all prisoners and staff, it will be
impossible to know how COVID-19 is moving through FCC Butner to help mitigate the continued
spread and to properly isolate and care for those that have contracted the virus.”); id. at 18–19.
279
280
See id.
281
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 4; Hallinan Decl. at 4; Krokos Decl, at 6; Goodwin Decl. at 7; Beyrer Decl. at
18.
282
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 4; Krokos Decl, at 5; Hallinan Decl. at 4–5.
283
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 4; Krokos Decl, at 5; Hallinan Decl. at 4–5; Hill Decl. at 4; McRae Decl. at 3;
Riddick Decl. at 5.
- 51 -

untold number of people infected with the virus in the general population where they can
infect others.
4. Respondents have failed to establish safe and effective quarantine and

isolation practices at Butner
BOP has issued a COVID-19 Action Plan that requires quarantine for all new admissions, all
close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases, and all incarcerated people set for release. 284
Those with symptoms are required to be placed in single-cell medical isolation until seven
days after the onset of symptoms and 72 hours after symptoms have improved. 285 Neither of
these policies is being followed. 286
According to the Action Plan, quarantine is supposed to last for 14 days, but it automatically
resets if the quarantined person or someone quarantined with him becomes symptomatic. 287
Respondents reset the quarantine, but take few precautions to prevent people from becoming
infected while in quarantine.
The quarantine practices at Butner are ineffective and dangerous. 288 For example, some
people transferring into Butner are quarantined on a floor with cancer patients who are
immunocompromised. 289 The same people distribute food and medicine to the people in
quarantine and to the rest of the people on the floor. 290 The use of the cancer treatment floor
for quarantine puts the cancer patients at extreme risk. 291
284
See Phase Six Action Plan at 3–4.
285
Id. at 3–4.
286
See, e.g., Huntley Decl. at 3–4; Goodwin Decl. at 6–7.
287
Phase Six Action Plan at 4.
288
See Beyrer Decl. at 23; Goldenson Decl. at 7.
289
Ortiz Decl. at 1.
290
Id.
291
Goldenson Decl. at 7.
- 52 -

The Hatteras East unit of the FCI Butner Medium I was emptied to serve as a quarantine area
for about 43 people slated for release. 292 But this arrangement meant that the people
incarcerated in the housing unit were transferred to other units, which led to significant
overcrowding, thereby reducing further the space between people. 293 Declarant Goodwin,
who was moved out of Hatteras East into the adjacent Camp unit Hatteras West, reported
having to sleep in a makeshift sleeping area of bunk beds set up in the unit’s TV room for
several days before being moved to a cubicle. 294
Butner set up a quarantine area in the chapel in the Camp; however, men in the quarantine
unit used the bathroom in the Catawba West unit and were separated from the men not in
quarantine only by a “make-shift wall.” 295 And an orderly from the Catawba West unit cleans
the bathroom after men in the chapel quarantine use it. 296
Even amongst those in “quarantine,” physical distancing is impossible. In some units,
quarantined people are not kept in individual cells, but in close quarters with dozens of others.
Like the rest of Butner, use of masks appears to be optional in the quarantine area.
Even in the rare instance when a sick individual is placed in isolation following a positive
test, isolation procedures are more akin to punishment than treatment.
Declarant Goodwin, who was moved to the SHU after testing positive for coronavirus,
reported being confined to a cell with dirty floors and no hot water, without toiletries,
necessary medications, or even a cup to drink from for the first few days. 297 He was not given
292
Goodwin Decl. at 3.
293
See id. at 3–4.
294
Id. at 4.
295
296
Id.
297
Goodwin Decl. at 5–6.
- 53 -

any specific instructions or treatment for COVID-19. 298 Despite feeling better after only a
few days of isolation, he was confined in the SHU for 17 days. 299 He was not re-tested, and
states that he does not know how the officials at Butner determined when he should be
released back to his housing unit. 300
5. Respondents have failed to prevent people from having contact with

people in other housing units, thereby facilitating the spread of the virus
from housing unit to housing unit.
Respondents have not eliminated contact between people in different housing units.
Staff move between housing units, often not wearing masks.
Incarcerated people go to work in their jobs at UNICOR, where they interact with people
from other housing units. 301
Incarcerated people go to work in their jobs in the kitchen, where they interact with people
from other housing units and prepare food for people in all the housing units. On or about
May 13, two people working in the kitchen had a fever and were taken from the kitchen to
the isolation units.302
Some incarcerated people have jobs requiring them to clean the areas used by people believed
to have COVID-19. 303 They then return to their own housing units.
Respondents’ decision to require staff and incarcerated people to move between housing units
or interact with people from other housing units increases the likelihood that the virus will
spread from housing unit to housing unit.
298
Id. at 6.
299
Id. at 6–7.
300
Id. at 7.
301
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 4; Hill Decl. at 4; Krokos Decl. at 6; McRae Decl. at 3.
302
Hallinan Decl. at 4.
303
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 5; Maldonado Decl. at 5; Whyte Decl. at 8.
- 54 -

6. Respondents have failed to take even the most basic measures to prevent
the spread of the virus.
Respondents have not undertaken to adequately clean and disinfect living spaces and
common-use equipment, such as bathroom facilities, phones, and computers. 304 Bathrooms
that are used by more than 100 people are cleaned only once a day. Phones and computers,
if they are cleaned, are cleaned once a day. In the meantime, scores of men in a housing unit
touch the surfaces in the bathrooms, and on the phones and computers—one after another.
Further, Respondents are not enforcing mask use by staff, thereby increasing the likelihood
that staff will spread the virus. 305
7. Respondents have made it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for

incarcerated people at Butner to access any assistance in mitigating the
risk from COVID-19.
Respondents have created obstacles preventing people incarcerated at Butner from seeking
assistance in mitigating their risk themselves.
The Administrative Remedies Process (“ARP”) is unavailable as a mechanism for seeking to
address the risks faced by the men at Butner.
If the ARP were functioning, it would not be capable of use for the purpose of reducing the
risk from COVID-19. COVID-19 has devastated Butner—and the world—over the course
of the last two months. A person who contracts the virus usually begins to show symptoms
within 14 days, and can seriously deteriorate within just five days of becoming infected. The
ability to respond quickly to reduce the risk is necessary for relief to be available. But the
ARP is not a quick process. The ARP is a five-step process that begins with presenting the
issue informally to staff within 20 days of the date of the occurrence giving rise to the request,
304
See, e.g., Dailey Decl. at 3; Ayers Decl. at 3; Hill Decl. at 3; McRae Decl. at 2–3; Riddick Decl. at 4.
305
Goodwin Decl. at 7; Kinard Decl. at 2; Krokos Decl. at 5.
- 55 -

though the staff have no deadline to respond. 306 If the informal request is unsuccessful, the
prisoner must submit up to four more requests or appeals, a process that can take at least 110
days, assuming BOP does not grant itself up to 60 days’ worth of extensions. 307 If a person
incarcerated at Butner had begun the ARP on the day the first case of COVID-19 appeared
at Butner, the process would only be only about half complete today. Eight people have died
in the meantime. The ARP, even if it were functioning, is not capable of use for the pertinent
purpose; it is thus unavailable as a manner of administrative exhaustion. Ross v. Blake, 136
S. Ct. 1850, 1859 (2016).
But the ARP is not functioning. Respondents have informed the people incarcerated at
Butner that the ARP was backlogged and requests were not being processed normally. 308
Moreover, there are other obstacles to accessing even this time-consuming and delayed
process. Incarcerated people are supposed to request the packet of forms from their
counselors. 309 But individuals housed within Butner have had periods recently without
knowledge of an assigned counselor. 310 Additionally, they are often given packets missing
306
28 C.F.R. § 542.13(a)–(b).
307
After the informal request, prisoners must submit a Request for Administrative Remedy to the warden
on a BP-9 form within 20 calendar days from the date of the occurrence giving rise to the request. 28
C.F.R. § 542.14(a). The Warden then has 20 calendar days to respond. 28 C.F.R. § 542.18. When that
fails, the prisoner must file an appeal on a BP-10 form with the appropriate BOP Regional Director
within 20 calendar days from the date of the Warden’s signed response (or within 20 days after the
Warden’s response deadline, if the Warden fails to respond). 28 C.F.R. § 542.15(a). The Regional
Director then has 30 calendar days to respond. 28 C.F.R. § 542.18. And when that fails, the prisoner
must then file an appeal on a BP-11 form to the BOP’s General Counsel within 30 calendar days from
the date of the Regional Director signed the response (or within 30 days after the Regional Director’s
response deadline, if the Regional Director fails to respond). Id. The General Counsel has 40 calendar
days to respond. 28 C.F.R. § 542.18. In addition, the ARP includes extensions of at least 20 days at the
institution, regional, and Central Office levels. Id.
308
See, e.g., Hallinan Decl. at 5; Dailey Decl. at 5; Krokos Decl. at 7; Titus Decl. at 5.
309
Krokos Decl. at 7.
310
See e.g. Kinard Decl. at 3–4.
- 56 -

the requisite forms if they do manage to obtain a packet. Declarant Krokos explains that an
ARP submission must include four copies, but the packets sometimes have only three
copies. 311 If a person submits the ARP form with just three copies, it is denied on that
ground. 312
Finally, the ARP process is simply a dead end. Petitioner John Dailey has submitted
approximately 60 ARP requests at Butner. 313 He has received written responses to just six
of them. 314
Nonetheless, several of the petitioners have attempted to use the ARP to seek assistance
mitigating the risks of COVID-19. 315
Another avenue for seeking assistance with mitigating the risk is through the assistance of
legal counsel. However, upon information and belief, access to legal calls has been limited
and sporadic. Calls from lawyers to schedule calls to communicate with people incarcerated
at Butner about the situation there lead to dead ends in the form of lines that are never
answered and transfers to voicemail boxes to leave messages that are never returned.
Respondents have failed to mitigate the risk to the people in their custody at Butner from
COVID-19. At the same time, they have cut off the already limited ability of the people in
Butner to seek assistance with mitigating the risk.
8. Respondents are failing to follow the lead set by other courts
Respondents are also failing to follow the precedent set by other courts for release. Just this
week, in U.S. v. El-Hanafi, the Southern District of New York recognized that “the pace of
311
Krokos Decl. at 7.
312
Id.
313
Dailey Decl. at 5.
314
Id.
315
See, e.g., Ayers Decl. at 4; Hallinan Decl. at 5; Hill Decl. at 4–5.
- 57 -

infection shows no sign of abating” at Butner. Pointing to housing conditions, the lack of
disinfectants, and failure to provide personal protective equipment, the court went so far as
to say that it was “difficult to conceive of an environment more conducive to the rapid spread
of infection than the type of prison dormitory” at Butner. No. 1:10-cr-00162-KMW, Dkt.
252 (S.D.N.Y. May 19, 2020); see also Miller v. United States, No. CR 16-20222-1, 2020
WL 1814084 (E.D. Mich. Apr. 9, 2020) (compassionate release granted involving prisoner
at Butner due to COVID-19 concerns); United States v. Dunlap, 2020 WL 2062311
(M.D.N.C. Apr. 29, 2020) (same); United States v. Krokos, No. 12-cr-00527, Dkt. 1016 (C.D.
Cal. May 1, 2020) (same); United States v. Thompson, No. 15 CR 00448, Dkt. 80 (N.D. Ill.
Apr. 17, 2020) (same); United States v. Scparta, 2020 WL 1910481 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 20, 2020)
(expressing particular concern about quarantine because “many inmates who are on the cusp
of relief to home confinement to protect them from COVID-19, which is spreading rampantly
at FCI Butner, are housed together in closed quarters for at least 14 days”).
VI. BOP’s Lack of Adequate Prevention and Mitigation Measures at Butner also Poses a
Serious Risk to Public Safety
Conditions at Butner have an impact on the broader community as well as on those
incarcerated.
Prison staff interact routinely and frequently with the people incarcerated at Butner. As stated
above, at least 44 staff at Butner have at some time reported to BOP that they tested positive
for the virus. But because Respondents do not test staff, the real number of infected staff is
unknown.
Respondents’ failure to implement meaningful precautionary and mitigating efforts put the
health and lives of Butner staff at just as grave a risk as the incarcerated people.
- 58 -

More than 1,400 people work at Butner. 316 Some of the employees may themselves be
medically vulnerable. And every one of them presumably returns home to the Granville
County area after their shift ends.
Doubtless many of the Butner employees live with one or more family members or
roommates, some of whom may be medically vulnerable. And, unless the Butner employees
have managed to completely isolate themselves from contact with any person outside of the
prison, they come into contact with other members of their communities. 317
Moreover, every single person incarcerated at Butner who has died from COVID-19 did so
at a nearby hospital. 318 People at Butner will continue to need to go to outside hospitals for
care as long as COVID-19 spreads through the prison.
VII. Immediate Release of Eligible People Is Necessary to Save Lives
Hundreds of people at Butner have already been infected with coronavirus. Eight people
have already died.
The population is medically vulnerable. The complex is overcrowded, exacerbating the
already inherent difficulty in practicing effective physical distancing.
BOP’s failures in screening, testing, quarantining, and isolating people—as well its failures
in providing regular, adequate access to hygiene and disinfecting products, enabling effective
physical distancing, and enforcing mask use policies—will certainly lead to even more
316
See PREA Audit Report (indicating 1,475 staff at FCC Butner).
317
See Beyrer Decl. at 14–17.
318
See, e.g., Press Release, Inmate Death at FCI Butner I, U.S. Dep’t of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons
(Apr. 13, 2020), https://www.bop.gov/resources/news/pdfs/20200413_3_press_release_butner.pdf
(“John Doe, went into respiratory failure at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Butner I . . . . He
was evaluated by institutional medical staff and transported to a local hospital for further treatment and
evaluation.”).
- 59 -

infections and deaths. This is especially true of those who are over 50 and/or medically
vulnerable. 319
The immediate release of medically vulnerable people incarcerated at Butner will
undoubtedly save lives. 320 It is the sole effective remedy for the ongoing Constitutional
violations described herein.
Reducing the population at Butner will give other mitigation strategies the greatest chance of
success by allowing for more effective physical distancing and by allowing BOP to more
closely focus its health and safety resources and planning on those remaining in custody.
CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
Petitioners bring this class action, pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
on behalf of themselves and a class of similarly situated individuals.
Petitioners seek to represent a class of all current and future incarcerated persons at Butner
(the “Class”) during the outbreak of COVID-19.
The class includes a subclass of all current and future persons who are:
a. Over the age of 50, or
b. Of any age who experience (a) lung disease, including asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (e.g., bronchitis or emphysema), or other chronic conditions
associated with impaired lung function; (b) heart disease, such as congenital heart
disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease; (c) chronic liver or kidney
disease (including hepatitis and dialysis patients); (d) diabetes or other endocrine
disorders; (e) epilepsy; (f) hypertension; (g) compromised immune systems (such as from
319
Beyrer Decl. at 2–3, 6–7, 28.
320
See, e.g., Beyrer Decl. at 32–33.
- 60 -

cancer or cancer treatment, HIV, receipt of an organ or bone marrow transplant, as a side
effect of medication, or other autoimmune disease); (h) blood disorders (including sickle
cell disease); (i) inherited metabolic disorders; (j) history of stroke; and/or (k) a
developmental disability (the “Medically Vulnerable Subclass”).
Petitioners Hallinan, Hill, McRae, Dailey, Ayers, Riddick, Maldonado, Harris, and Butler are
also representatives of this Medically Vulnerable Subclass.
This action has been brought and may properly be maintained as a class action under federal
law. It satisfies the numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy requirements for
maintaining a class action under Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(a).
Joinder is impracticable because (i) the Class and Medically Vulnerable Subclass are
numerous; (ii) the Class and Medically Vulnerable Subclass include future members, and (iii)
the Class and Medically Vulnerable Subclass members are incarcerated, limiting their ability
to institute individual lawsuits.
Based on available information, there are currently approximately 4,438 people in the
proposed Class. Everyone in Butner is a proposed class member. 321
There are significantly more than 50 people in the proposed Medically Vulnerable Subclass.
On the fourth floor of FMC Butner alone, there are more than 200 people who are
immunocompromised due to cancer treatment.
Common questions of law and fact exist as to all members of the proposed Class, namely
whether:
a. All are at unreasonable risk of serious harm, including death, from contracting
coronavirus due to the conditions in Butner;
321
See Population Statistics: Inmate Population Breakdown.
- 61 -

b. All are at unreasonable risk of serious harm, including death, from Respondents’ failure
to take reasonable and proactive measures to ensure their safety from the disease;
c. All have a right to adequate COVID-19 prevention, testing, and treatment;
d. Respondents have been deliberately indifferent to the risk of harm to the Class from
COVID-19; and
e. The conditions in Butner expose them to heightened risk of contracting COVID-19.
Common questions for all members of the Medically Vulnerable Subclass include whether
the conditions in Butner expose them to heightened risk of serious illness, injury, or death,
whether Respondents have taken adequate steps to protect them from that risk, and whether
Respondents have been deliberately indifferent to the risk of harm to the Subclass from
COVID-19.
Petitioners’ claims are typical of the Class and the Medically Vulnerable Subclass members’
claims. Respondents have placed Petitioners at significant risk of harm by failing to take
appropriate steps to address the risk of contracting, and being rendered seriously ill or injured
by, COVID-19 in Butner. Petitioners, like every person in Butner, face heightened risk of
contracting the virus if they are not adequately protected by Respondents.
Petitioners have the requisite personal interest in the outcome of this action and will fairly
and adequately protect the interests of the class. Petitioners have no interests adverse to the
interests of the proposed class. Petitioners retained pro bono counsel with experience and
success in the prosecution of civil rights litigation and specifically in the prosecution of
prisoners’ civil rights litigation. Counsel for Petitioners know of no conflicts among
proposed class members or between counsel and proposed class members.
- 62 -

Respondents have acted on grounds generally applicable to all proposed class members, and
this action seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. Petitioners therefore seek class
certification under Rule 23(b)(2).
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
Unconstitutional Confinement in Violation of

the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Petitioners Hallinan, Kinard, Hill, McRae, Dailey, Ayers, Riddick, Maldonado,
Harris, Butler, and Titus versus Respondents Scarantino and Carvajal
28 U.S.C. § 2241 (Habeas Corpus)
Petitioners incorporate by reference each and every allegation contained in the preceding
paragraphs as if set forth fully herein.
Petitioners bring this claim on their own behalf and on behalf of the Class.
The Eighth Amendment guarantees incarcerated persons who have been sentenced the right
to necessary and adequate medical care, and to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.
See U.S. Const., amend. VIII. As part of the right, the government cannot subject
incarcerated persons to a substantial risk of serious harm to their health and safety. See, e.g.,
Farmer, 511 U.S. at 828; Estelle, 429 U.S. at 104.
Petitioners at Butner are under the custody and control of Respondents and are not able to
take steps to protect themselves—such as physical distancing and avoiding high-touch
surfaces—and the government has not provided adequate protections from the risk of harm
from COVID-19. As COVID-19 continues to rapidly spread at Butner, the incarcerated men
have no ability to protect themselves from this disease.
Respondents are aware that the Petitioners are confined at Butner and cannot avoid the spread
of COVID-19 due to their confinement.
Respondents know of and have disregarded excessive risks to Petitioners’ health and safety.
- 63 -

Respondents have failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate these significant risks, which
continuously subject Petitioners to a grave and serious risk of harm from serious illness,
permanent injury, and death.
Respondents’ failure to take reasonable steps to protect Petitioners from these conditions by
releasing them from the conditions altogether constitutes deliberate indifference to the health,
safety, and serious medical needs of Petitioners and all members of the Class, thereby
establishing a violation of the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
Unconstitutional Conditions of Confinement in Violation of

Petitioners Hallinan, Kinard, Hill, McRae, Dailey, Ayers, Riddick,
Maldonado, Harris, Butler, and Titus versus All Respondents
28 U.S.C. § 1331
The Eighth Amendment guarantees incarcerated persons who have been sentenced the right
to necessary and adequate medical care, and to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.
See U.S. Const., amend. VIII. As part of the right, the government cannot subject
incarcerated persons to a substantial risk of serious harm to their health and safety. See, e.g.,
Farmer, 511 U.S. at 828; Estelle, 429 U.S. at 104.
Petitioners at Butner are under the custody and control of Respondents and are not able to
take steps to protect themselves from the spread of the virus. The government has not
provided adequate protections. As COVID-19 continues to spread at Butner, the already
deplorable conditions at Butner are only exacerbated further.
- 64 -

Respondents are aware of these conditions, which were and are obvious throughout Butner.
Respondents know of and have disregarded an excessive risk to health and safety.
Respondents have failed to take reasonable steps, including the release of medically
vulnerable persons, to mitigate these significant risks, which continuously subject Petitioners
to a grave and serious risk of harm from serious illness, permanent injury, or death.
Respondents’ failure to protect Petitioners from these conditions by releasing prisoners and
otherwise remedying the conditions of confinement constitutes deliberate indifference to the
health, safety, and serious medical needs of Petitioners and all members of the Class, thereby
establishing a violation of the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Federal courts have inherent equitable authority to order injunctive and declaratory relief to
remedy violations of the Constitution by federal actors. Armstrong v. Exceptional Child Ctr.,
Inc., 575 U.S. 320, 327 (2015).
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
Unconstitutional Conditions of Confinement in Violation of

Petitioners Hallinan, Kinard, Hill, McRae, Dailey, Ayers, Riddick,
Maldonado, Harris, Butler, and Titus versus All Respondents
The Eighth Amendment guarantees incarcerated persons the right to reasonable safety.
Respondents’ failure to provide a safe environment during a widespread outbreak of a
contagious disease constitutes deliberate indifference to the health and safety of persons at
Butner, thereby establishing a violation of the Eighth Amendment.
- 65 -

Respondents have failed to provide adequate protections at Butner, where Petitioners are not
able to take steps to protect themselves through physical distancing and adequate hygiene,
cleaning, and disinfection. As COVID-19 rapidly spreads throughout the facility, the already
unsafe conditions at Butner will be intensified, and the risks to the people incarcerated there
will grow.
Respondents’ failure to protect Petitioners constitutes a violation of their Eighth Amendment
rights.
Federal courts have inherent equitable authority to order injunctive and declaratory relief to
remedy violations of the Constitution by federal actors. Armstrong v. Exceptional Child Ctr.,
Inc., 575 U.S. 320, 327 (2015).
REQUEST FOR RELIEF
Wherefore, Petitioners and the Class members respectfully request that the Court order the
following relief:
A. Certify this action as a class action, for the reasons stated in this Petition and
Complaint, and appoint the undersigned as class counsel pursuant to Fed. R. Civ.
P. 23(g);
B. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 2243, 1331, and 2201–02, immediately:
a. Enter a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction ordering
respondents to identify, within one day, all people incarcerated at Butner who
fit within the Medically Vulnerable Subclass;
- 66 -

b. Enter a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction appointing an
expert to determine appropriate categories of release for each within 48 hours
of entrance of the order or injunction (the “Expert List”);
c. Enter a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, and/or writ of
habeas corpus requiring Respondents to release, within twenty-four (24) hours
of the creation of the Expert List, and without quarantining at Butner, all
persons identified by the court-appointed expert as appropriate for release;
C. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 2201–02 and the Court’s inherent authority to
fashion injunctive relief for constitutional violations, immediately:
a. Enter a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction requiring
Respondents to prepare and implement a COVID-19 mitigation plan to be
submitted to the Court within 48 hours and overseen by a qualified public health
expert pursuant to Fed. R. Evid. 706, which outlines:
i. Immediate screening of all people incarcerated at Butner for COVID-19
symptoms.
ii. Immediate testing for all people incarcerated at Butner showing any
symptoms or known to have been in close proximity with anyone showing
any symptoms or having tested positive for coronavirus, including the
waiver of any sick call fees.
iii. Regular retesting of people incarcerated at Butner who meet the criteria set
forth in the preceding paragraph, including the waiver of any sick call fees.
- 67 -

iv. Immediate implementation of daily screening of BOP staff for COVID-19
symptoms.
v. Immediate, effective quarantine in accordance with community standards
of care—including keeping quarantined people individually isolated—for
all people incarcerated at Butner known to have been in close contact with
anyone showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or known or suspected to
have COVID-19.
vi. Immediate medical isolation for all people incarcerated at Butner who show
any symptoms—as soon as they develop symptoms of COVID-19—or who
have tested positive for COVID-19, in compliance with CDC guidelines for
medical isolation, including in a location that allows for timely notification
and management of clinical symptoms, should they arise.
vii. Additional specific mitigation efforts, in line with CDC guidelines, to
prevent exposure to COVID-19 by every Class Member not immediately
released, including: (1) appropriate social distancing and hygiene practices
across all units at Butner; (2) limitations on travel between units by Butner
staff and Class Members; (3) limitations on the mixing of Class Members
from different housing units in their work assignments; (4) mandatory mask
usage by all staff at Butner; (5) appropriate medical treatment for
incarcerated people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19; and (6) appropriate
medical treatment for incarcerated people not exhibiting symptoms of
COVID-19 but who have other medical needs.
- 68 -

viii. Additional specific efforts to ensure that there is no spread of COVID-19
from outside the quarantine or isolation areas to the quarantine or isolation
areas, or vice versa, including: (1) requiring staff and Class Members who
enter the quarantine area from the non-quarantine area to wear masks;
(2) ensuring proper access to products/materials for proper hygiene;
(3) ensuring individuals in the quarantine or isolation area are able to
comply with physical distancing guidelines; and (4) frequently disinfecting
and cleaning the quarantine or isolation area.
b. Require a change to the policy of “restarting” the clock during the quarantine
area every time someone exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 while in quarantine;
and
c. Require a housing or support plan for any released Class or Subclass Members
for whom testing confirms exposure to or infection with COVID-19 and who
do not readily have a place to self-isolate for the CDC-recommended period of
time (currently 14 days).
d. Appoint an expert monitor to ensure BOP’s adequate compliance with the
above requirements.
D. All further actions required to release Class Members outside the Medically
Vulnerable Subclass to ensure that all remaining persons incarcerated at Butner are
incarcerated under conditions consistent with CDC guidance to prevent the spread
of COVID-19, including requiring that all persons be able to maintain six feet or
more of space between them;
- 69 -

E. If immediate release is not granted on the basis of this Petition alone, expedited
review of this Petition, including oral argument, via telephonic or videoconference
if necessary;
F. If immediate release is not granted on the basis of this Petition alone, use of
enlargement to alter Petitioners’ place of custody to home confinement or other
appropriate placement pending the outcome of this habeas action;
G. A declaration that Butner’s policies and practices violate the Eighth Amendment
right against cruel and unusual punishment with respect to the Class and Subclass;
H. Award Petitioners costs, expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees pursuant to the
Equal Access to Justice Act and any other applicable laws; and
I. Any further relief that this Court deems just, necessary, or appropriate.
- 70 -

Respectfully submitted this 26th day of May, 2020.
/s/ Jeffrey S. Wilkerson

Jeffrey S. Wilkerson [N.C. State Bar No. 51209] Maria V. Morris†
Gretchen Scavo [N.C. State Bar No. 48589]* [N.Y. State Bar No. 4091435]
Elizabeth Ireland [N.C. State Bar No. 47059]* AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
Patrick Doerr [N.C. State Bar No. 50673]* 915 15th Street N.W., 7th Floor
Ashley R. Anderson [N.C. State Bar No. 51741]† Washington, DC 20005
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP Tel.: (202) 548-6607
300 South Tryon Street, 16th Floor mmorris@aclu.org
Charlotte, NC 28202
Tel: (704) 350-7700 Sarah Hinger†
Fax: (704) 350-7800 [N.Y. State Bar No. 4823878]†
jwilkerson@winston.com AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
gscavo@winston.com 125 Broad St.
eireland@winston.com New York, NY 10004
pdoerr@winston.com Tel.: (212) 519-7882
aanderson@winston.com shinger@aclu.org
Jonathan M. Smith [D.C. Bar No. 396578]† Emily Seawell [N.C. Bar No. 50207]
Emily Gunston [D.C. Bar No. 1032056]† Jaclyn Maffetore [N.C. Bar No. 50849]
Lyndsay A. Niles [D.C. Bar No. 1003427]† Kristi Graunke [N.C. Bar No. 51216]
WASHINGTON LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
FOR CIVIL RIGHTS & URBAN AFFAIRS OF NORTH CAROLINA
700 14th Street NW, Suite 400 LEGAL FOUNDATION
Washington, DC 20005 Post Office Box 28004
Tel: (202) 319-1000 Raleigh, NC 27611
Fax: (202) 319-1010 Tel.: (919) 834-3466
jonathan_smith@washlaw.org Fax: (866) 511-1344
emily_gunston@washlaw.org eseawell@acluofnc.org
lyndsay_niles@washlaw.org jmaffetore@acluofnc.org
kgraunke@acluofnc.org
* Admission Forthcoming
† Special Appearance Forthcoming
Counsel for Petitioners/Plaintiffs
- 71 -

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA

CHARLES HALLINAN, JOSEAN )

An urgent crisis at Federal Correction Complex Butner (“Butner”) unreasonably threatens

elderly, particularly in institutional settings, show no sign of abating.

Butner have already died from COVID-19. SARS-nCoV-2 (“coronavirus” or “virus”)

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 1 of 71

incarcerated people and staff who work with them. 1

to take critical steps to address the crisis.

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 2 of 71

infected people at Butner is unknown.

complex also have serious chronic medical conditions.

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 3 of 71

deficiencies. People over 50 years old are at similarly heightened risk. 4

Respondents/Defendants (hereinafter, “Respondents”) Director Carvajal, Warden

prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

quarantine, testing, screening, hygiene, and disinfecting policies or meaningfully modify

movement protocols for staff and incarcerated people. 6

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 4 of 71

for people in different housing units.

population levels, people incarcerated at Butner cannot practice meaningful physical

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 5 of 71

Petitioners/Plaintiffs (hereinafter, “Petitioners”) bring this class action pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

(Suspension Clause), 28 U.S.C. § 1331 (federal question jurisdiction), 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201–02

Court’s inherent equitable powers.

statute, 28 U.S.C. § 2241.

or omissions giving rise to Petitioners’ claims occurred in this district. 10

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 6 of 71

PETITIONER Charles Hallinan—BOP Register No. 75107-066—is 79 years old. He suffers

possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a

objected to his release. Mr. Hill is housed in Butner Low. 13

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 7 of 71

is immunocompromised due to chemotherapy. Mr. Dailey is housed in Butner Low and is

August 20, 2021. 15

unlawful distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base consecutive with a 108-month

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 8 of 71

Riddick had a corneal transplant in February 2019 and takes an immunosuppressant to

PETITIONER Jorge L. Maldonado—BOP Register No. 63756-018—is 52 years old. He has

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 9 of 71

from hypertension and has been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Additionally, he is

marijuana consecutive with a 120-month sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance

date is October 4, 2022. 19

PETITIONER Anthony Butler—BOP Register No. 65583-056—is 35 years old. He suffers

immediate custody of Petitioners and all proposed Class Members.

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 10 of 71

for and reviews requests for compassionate release. 22

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE

operative facts with, and therefore is a “related case” to the following:

similar questions of law and fact.

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 11 of 71

I. COVID-19 Is a Dangerous, Contagious Illness that Poses a Significant Risk of Serious

COVID-19 is a deadly and highly contagious disease caused by a novel coronavirus. 23

100,000 deaths were in the United States. 25

influenza “generally kills far fewer than 1 percent of those infected.” 27

existing medical conditions including cardio-vascular disease. 28

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 12 of 71

difficult to slow its spread. 30

(“ICUs”), and more likely to die. 33

disease, epilepsy, or compromised immune systems (such as from cancer, HIV, or

Case 5:20-hc-02088-FL Document 1 Filed 05/26/20 Page 13 of 71