FAMILY OF HEROIN-ADDICTED INMATE WHO DIED IN JAIL SUES OVER CARE

RUTLAND, Vt. -- The family of a heroin addict who died in jail is
suing the state, claiming he wasn't properly treated for withdrawal
symptoms after being arrested.

The lawsuit was filed last week on behalf of the estate of Robert
Nichols, of Brandon, who died died Feb. 5, 2005, at the Chittenden
Regional Correctional Facility, in South Burlington. It names the
state and medical contractor Prison Health Services as defendants and
seeks unspecified damages, claiming proper procedures weren't
followed when Nichols went into withdrawal in jaul.

"Mr. Nichols reported that he was suffering from heroin withdrawal,
and that he had ingested eighty (80) bags of heroin within three days
of being incarcerated," the lawsuit said. "He was not given immediate
medical attention."

Assistant State Attorney General David Groff didn't have any specific comment.

"The lawsuit was just served recently and we're preparing our answer
at this time," Groff said.

Nichols' widow, Eva Nichols, is represented by attorney Devin McLaughlin.

Nichols was arrested Feb. 3, 2005, on federal firearms charges. The
next morning, he was brought to the South Burlington jail before
being taken to federal court, where he was too sick to go before a judge.

That night, he saw a nurse from Prison Health Services, the lawsuit said.

"This was approximately 16 hours after first arriving at the facility
with obvious withdrawal symptoms. Mr. Nichols was not seen by a
doctor or referred to an outside facility," according to the lawsuit.
"Rather, he was returned to his cell after apparent administration of
some medication. He was not sent to a medical bed or facility."

Nichols told the nurse that he had vomited three times and had a
fever and tremors. Fifteen-minute checks were ordered.

Nichols was found dead just before 6 a.m. the next morning.