57-Year-Old Man Dies in Allegheny County Jail Due to Alleged Substandard Care

In a tragic turn of events, 57-year-old Anthony Talotta lost his life in Pennsylvania's Allegheny County Jail after allegedly receiving substandard medical care. Talotta, who had autism and developmental disabilities, was brought to the jail following a fight with a staff member at his group home. However, his family claims that his death could have been prevented if he had received proper treatment for a treatable foot wound infection.

According to a federal lawsuit filed by Talotta's family, the medical staff and doctors at the Allegheny County Jail provided inadequate care, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit argues that the jail's policies, which prohibit prisoners with mental illness or developmental disabilities from being housed in the medical unit, create a system that makes it difficult for them to access the necessary medical attention. Shockingly, the lawsuit also highlights that at least 17 individuals, the majority of whom had mental health or chronic medical needs, died at the understaffed jail between March 2020 and September 2022.

"This lawsuit is not only seeking justice for Anthony but also for those who came before him and tragically lost their lives at the Allegheny County Jail. It aims to protect individuals with similar care needs who may enter the jail in the future," stated Alec Wright, one of the attorneys representing Talotta's family, alongside the Abolitionist Law Center.

The lawsuit names several defendants, including the Allegheny Health Network, the contracted medical care provider for the jail, Allegheny County, and Medical Director Donald W. Stechschulte. It also identifies Wilson Bernales, a doctor who allegedly dismissed or disregarded hospital recommendations in Talotta's treatment. Bernales had his medical license revoked or suspended in eight states prior to his employment with the Allegheny Health Network. Furthermore, the lawsuit includes an unknown staffing agency responsible for Bernales' hiring, accusing negligence in their failure to thoroughly research his license issues.

When approached for comment, the Allegheny Health Network declined, while a spokesperson for Allegheny County refrained from commenting on an ongoing lawsuit. Bernales, who currently resides in Nevada, denied any malpractice issues and dismissed his license problems as "administrative concerns."

According to Talotta's family, the jail's medical staff was aware of his injuries, which included fractures, a torn ligament, and blistering from burns. However, due to his autism and intellectual disabilities, he was unable to communicate his medical needs or take care of himself. Talotta's cousin, Jeff Lagrotteria, revealed that Anthony had called him from jail but never mentioned his injury. "He just said he was scared and asked how he was going to get out of that place... so that's what we were working on," Lagrotteria shared. He also mentioned that neither the group home nor the jail informed him about the injuries sustained during the fight. "For years, he was taken care of by the group homes, and there were no issues. As soon as he gets into the jail, he got treated so horribly, he died within days," Lagrotteria added.

Luciana Randall, the president of Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, pointed out that there are no comprehensive statistics on the number of incarcerated individuals in the state with autism or developmental disabilities since jails do not screen for these conditions. Randall emphasized that jails, designed primarily for punishment, lack the willingness and capability to support individuals with disabilities.

According to the lawsuit, Talotta was taken to the hospital twice as his injuries worsened. The hospital instructed him not to put weight on his foot, but jail staff confiscated his walking boot and crutches since they were not allowed in the mental health unit. The hospital also prescribed antibiotics and daily dressing changes, but the lawsuit alleges that the antibiotics were never provided, and jail staff seized the medical supplies given to Talotta by the hospital. The lawsuit further claims that the jail's medical staff failed to perform any wound care.

On September 20, Talotta was found clutching his chest and unable to speak, allegedly suffering from sepsis. Bernales reportedly administered Benadryl for allergies and sent him back to his cell. However, a few hours later, Talotta was discovered frothing at the mouth and unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital but sadly passed away the following day.

Bernales disputed the claims made in the lawsuit, asserting that Talotta was allowed to keep the wound care supplies. He argued that the boot and crutches were taken away due to security concerns since they could potentially be used as weapons. Bernales explained the limitations of providing care within a jail setting, stating, "It's not like a hospital. I can't just go to the patient's cell and provide care. If the corrections officers say we don't have enough staff to bring him out of his cell to get care, then I have to listen."

Talotta, who did not have any siblings, had his parents arrange a trust to ensure his needs were met after their passing. He had a close bond with his cousins in their large Italian family, often assisting in stuffing homemade sausages. Talotta also enjoyed outings to the zoo and movies, with popcorn being a particular favorite. Reflecting on her cousin's death, Tina Talotta expressed, "Nothing can bring Anthony back, but I just feel that if my aunt Lena was still here, she would want other people taken care of, that this never happens to anyone else."

The case of Anthony Talotta sheds light on the lack of appropriate care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities in the criminal justice system. Advocates are calling for the implementation of diversionary programs specifically designed for those with disabilities to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.