A class-action lawsuit filed by former District of Columbia inmates has received preapproval from a federal judge.
The suit was filed in 2006 citing a violation of inmate’s rights when they were detained past their court-ordered release dates and subjected to unnecessary strip searches.
The settlement was confirmed by the D.C. Attorney General’s office Thursday.
The proposed settlement will total $6.2 million. Two million dollars will go to attorney fees and up to $2.9 million will be paid in restitution to former inmates based on how long they were improperly detained and whether or not they were subjected to a strip search.
A formal hearing will take place March 17.