Federal courthouse in Tuscon, AZ, where DRS Law has filed a prison assault case
DRS Law is proud to announce the filing of a high-profile federal lawsuit on behalf of Ismaela Reyes and her children, J.R. (a minor) and Aliyah Reyes, against the United States of America under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The complaint arises from extraordinary negligence at the United States Penitentiary Satellite Prison Camp in Tucson, Arizona.
Case Summary
On November 13, 2022, during a routine family visitation, inmate Jaime Reyes Jacobo bypassed mandatory federal search procedures and entered the visitation room armed with a loaded firearm. Jacobo attempted to murder Ismaela Reyes in the presence of her children. The weapon repeatedly misfired, scattering bullets into Ms. Reyess hair, and Jacobo physically assaulted her. Notably, a prison guard who witnessed the attack failed to intervene and abandoned the victims. The children, J.R. and Aliyah, endured direct traumaJ.R. was threatened with the firearm and subsequently suffered a severe medical episode, while Aliyah witnessed the violent assault on her family.
After the attack, instead of providing care, prison staff handcuffed and detained Ms. Reyes and Aliyah outside in the heat and attempted to handcuff J.R., a minor experiencing a medical emergency. The victims were accused of smuggling the firearm despite clear evidence of staff negligence as the sole cause of Jacobos access to the weapon.
Legal Allegations
The lawsuit alleges multiple violations and failures by Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff:
- Negligence: Failure to conduct the mandatory visual search and require a change into prison-issued clothing, as required by BOP policy and federal regulations, directly enabled Jacobo to conceal and use the firearm
- Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress: All three plaintiffs experienced severe psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and physical symptoms, as a result of being threatened and witnessing the attempted murder
- False Imprisonment: Ismaela and Aliyah were unlawfully detained, handcuffed, and interrogated for hours without probable cause following their victimization
Additional Information
This case underscores the responsibility of prison authorities to enforce strict security protocols and protect visitors. The gravity of this failure led directly to life-threatening violence and the profound violation of victims rights.
If you are a member of the media seeking comment, or if you have information pertaining to this incident or similar cases, please contact DRS Law at (615) 742-1775.
This post reflects allegations contained in a publicly filed federal complaint. All parties are presumed innocent of wrongdoing until the legal process is complete.
