He went into a New Mexico jail on charges that were later dropped. He came out 22 months later having lost a third of his body weight, after pulling his own tooth and living for nearly two years in a solitary cell.
The Arrest
In 2005, Stephen Slevin, around 50 years old, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center in New Mexico on charges of driving while intoxicated and possessing a stolen vehicle — charges that were later dismissed. He arrived at the jail physically healthy but dealing with depression.
22 Months in Solitary
Slevin spent most of his time in custody — 22 months — in a padded solitary confinement cell, a practice the jail reportedly applied routinely to inmates with mental illness. Over this period, he developed fungal infections and pressure sores from prolonged isolation, his mental state deteriorated significantly, and he was reduced to pulling out his own infected tooth due to lack of care. He ultimately lost roughly a third of his body weight and was found legally unfit to stand trial as a result of his deterioration.
The Lawsuit
Attorney Matthew Coyte took on Slevin's case after seeing the dramatic change in his condition, filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against Doña Ana County, the jail, and staff members. The county offered a $25,000 settlement, which Slevin and his legal team rejected in favor of trial. During the proceedings, Slevin was also diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer.
The Verdict
A jury awarded Slevin $22 million — one of the largest verdicts ever in a federal jail civil rights case at the time. The parties later agreed to a reduced settlement of $15.5 million. Slevin has since died.
Lasting Impact
The case, along with advocacy from the ACLU, contributed to New Mexico passing a 2019 law reforming solitary confinement practices statewide, requiring reporting on its use and banning it for children, pregnant women, and people with mental illness. Advocates have pointed to the financial pressure created by lawsuits like Slevin's — through rising insurance costs for counties — as an effective driver of policy change.
FAQ
How long was Stephen Slevin held in solitary confinement?
22 months, out of the roughly two years he spent in jail on charges that were ultimately dismissed.
How much was Slevin awarded in his lawsuit?
A jury awarded $22 million, later reduced to a $15.5 million settlement.
Did this case lead to policy change?
Yes. It contributed to a 2019 New Mexico law reforming solitary confinement practices statewide.