Maryland Correctional Officers File Discrimination Lawsuit Against Alleged Racist Gang
A group of Maryland correctional officers has brought forward a major discrimination suit, accusing a gang of white guards known as 40 West of fostering a culture of racism within the Maryland Correctional Training Center located in Hagerstown. The lawsuit alleges that Black and immigrant employees have been subjected to racial slurs, denied promotions, and excluded from overtime shifts as a result of coordinated efforts by the white officers.
The complaint encompasses civil claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in addition to discrimination claims. It identifies several classes of officers who were purportedly harmed by the collective actions of the white officers.
According to one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, Edith Thomas, Upon information and belief, a group of Caucasian COs organized to engage in illegal behavior and to take administrative control of MCTC by creating a race-based gang called ’40 West,’ ’40 West boys,’ and/or ’40 West gang’ decades prior to the present. The complaint alleges that gang members colluded to secure promotions, receive favorable training, and gain priority for overtime shifts, all at the expense of their Black and immigrant colleagues.
The lawsuit further claims that people of color were disproportionately disciplined for minor infractions while instances of misconduct by white officers were sometimes overlooked by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in Maryland. The plaintiffs accuse the department of disregarding their complaints of racism and subjecting them to retaliation for speaking up.
The complaint indicates that high-ranking officers at the Maryland Correctional Training Center have been associated with the 40 West gang, and that members use masonic symbols as a means of identification. The complaint goes on to allege that one officer even bears a swastika tattoo.
The plaintiffs describe enduring frequent and severe racial harassment, including the use of racial slurs like the N-word, being told to go back to your country, and hearing monkey noises transmitted over the prison’s intercom system.
A spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, in an email statement, acknowledged the complaints raised in the lawsuit, noting that they are being investigated and preventing further comment on pending litigation.
The lawsuit was initially filed in Baltimore City Circuit Court in July but has since been moved to federal court in Baltimore.
Legal representatives for the plaintiffs from the employment law firm Zipin, Amster & Greenberg LLC expressed their anticipation for justice to be served to their clients. Their aim is not only to secure justice for the victims but also to push for reform within the department to prevent similar instances from occurring in the future.
Attorney Thomas Eiler, another representative for the plaintiffs, stated that the name 40 West for the gang likely stems from U.S. Route 40, which traverses the top of Maryland and runs through Hagerstown.
The Maryland Correctional Training Center serves as the reception center for male inmates from Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, and Montgomery counties. It predominantly accommodates medium- and minimum-security male prisoners for relatively short periods.
This lawsuit highlights a critical issue within the correctional system and sheds light on the alleged discriminatory practices endured by correctional officers of color and immigrants. The case will undoubtedly draw attention as it unfolds, potentially leading to broader discussions and reforms concerning racism within correctional institutions.
As the case progresses, it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective, taking into account different viewpoints and ensuring a fair and thorough examination of the allegations. The outcome of this lawsuit may have significant implications for the Maryland Correctional Training Center and the larger discourse surrounding racial discrimination in the criminal justice system.
