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Former inmate files lawsuit

CLOVIS — A former Curry County jail inmate has filed a civil lawsuit against the county alleging he was beaten by other inmates without intervention from jail personnel.

Daniel Heil, 30, alleges in the lawsuit he was beaten into unconsciousness, hospitalized for two days and underwent surgery for facial fractures suffered in the attack.

The incident occurred on Aug. 2, 2020, while Heil was being held on charges of kidnapping and aggravated battery, according to the lawsuit.

A Clovis jury ultimately found Heil guilty of battery, but innocent of kidnapping and aggravated battery charges for which he was jailed in connection with an April 22, 2020, incident.

The lawsuit alleges three inmates participated in the attack against Heil, and that detention officers failed to follow policies and were negligent in their duties, which was the cause of Heil's injuries.

The lawsuit seeks multiple measures of relief, including medical expenses.

Curry County Manager Lance Pyle said the county had not been served with the lawsuit as of Friday and “it is county policy not to comment on pending litigation.”