A lawsuit has been filed against several individuals associated with the Caddo Correctional Center, alleging severe misconduct and violations of constitutional rights. The complaint was lodged by Dewanna Battle in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on November 4, 2025, naming Justin Harvey and others as defendants.
The case revolves around allegations of false imprisonment, sexual assault, simple battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress experienced by Dewanna Battle while detained at the Caddo Correctional Center. The complaint accuses Justin Harvey, a former Deputy Sheriff/Jailer, of making inappropriate comments and engaging in unwanted physical contact with Battle. It further alleges that other deputies—referred to as Jane Doe I & II and John Doe I—failed to intervene or report these actions despite being aware of them. The lawsuit claims these actions violated Battle’s Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution, along with specific provisions of the Louisiana Constitution and Civil Code.
According to the filing, on September 26, 2024, Harvey made flirtatious remarks towards Battle while escorting her within the facility. His behavior allegedly escalated over time, culminating in an incident where he forcibly kissed her against her will. Despite reporting these incidents through appropriate channels like the Prison Rape Elimination Act hotline and directly to other deputies present during some encounters, no immediate action was taken to address her complaints.
The complaint also implicates Disha Darby, Commander of Caddo Correctional Center, for inadequate training of staff regarding detainee safety and welfare protocols. It suggests that this lack of proper training contributed to the continuation of harassment without intervention from other officers. Furthermore, Henry L. Whitehorn Sr., Sheriff of Caddo Parish and Chief Operating Officer of the correctional center is accused of maintaining policies that allowed such misconduct to persist unchecked.
Battle seeks compensatory damages for emotional trauma and mental anguish resulting from these events. She also requests punitive damages against those involved individually to deter future misconduct within law enforcement agencies.
Representing Dewanna Battle is attorney Washington Law Firm from Shreveport, Louisiana. The case is overseen by Magistrate Judge Hornsby under Case ID: 5:25-cv-01687-SMH-MLH.
Source: 525cv1687_Weanna_Battle_Justin_Harvey_Western_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
