Case highlights need for greater accountability in Georgia correctional facilities as state considers future reforms
MARIETTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / June 23, 2025 / Watson Law LLC has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of a former pretrial detainee, alleging sexual assault, abuse, and violations of constitutional rights during her incarceration at Douglas County Jail between March and August 2024. The case is filed in the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division (Case No. 1:25-cv-03464-SDG).
According to the legal filing, the individual-who was held at the facility while experiencing a mental health crisis-was subjected to multiple instances of forced nudity, denial of basic hygiene, sexual harassment, and assault by jail staff. The most serious allegations involve former officer Jayavierre Johnson, whose case remains pending following his arrest in December 2024 in connection with alleged sexual misconduct involving the plaintiff. Johnson was terminated from the Douglas County Jail that same month.
The former detainee, a graduate of Life University's Doctor of Chiropractic program, had been arrested on a single charge of aggravated stalking and remained in jail for five months awaiting trial. During that period, the alleged abuse occurred. The charge was ultimately dismissed on the first day of trial. While under suicide watch, the plaintiff raised numerous complaints regarding her treatment. The suit alleges that those complaints were disregarded by facility staff and administrators.
Watson Law LLC is seeking $2.5 million in damages, citing medical trauma, impacts on the individual's professional future, and institutional negligence. The firm is also calling for increased oversight of correctional facilities across Georgia.
Attorney A. Zakiya Watson-Caffe commented that improved protections are essential to preventing similar cases in the future. "Without proper enforcement of oversight, the risks extend beyond individual harm and can impact community trust and public resources," said Watson-Caffe.
Federal legislation addressing such concerns is currently under consideration. Georgia U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff introduced the Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025 earlier this year to strengthen oversight of correctional leadership. Watson Law LLC believes this case may inform ongoing discussions at the state level as Georgia prepares for its 2026 legislative session.
For more information, visit https://georgiapiattorney.com
Media Contact:
Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq.
Watson Law LLC
(404) 600-1771
zak@zwatsonlaw.com
SOURCE: Watson Law LLC
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
