Kenneth J. Houck Jr., an openly gay federal inmate who was brutally assaulted five years ago, says authorities are withholding an essential medication in retaliation for filing suit against the prison system.
In 2011, Houck was assaulted by two other inmates at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. Houck’s right leg was broken in multiple places, and he continues to walk with a limp.
Last year, Houck filed suit against the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, seeking $1.8 million in damages.
Houck contends prison authorities failed to provide him with adequate medical care, thus violating his constitutional right to be free from “cruel and unusual punishment.”
In a letter to PGN, Houck claims prison authorities are withholding pramipexole from him because of his federal lawsuit.
Prior to filing his suit, prison authorities administered the medication to treat his restless-leg syndrome and periodic leg movement disorder, Houck said.
“They [prison authorities] are attacking me,” Houck wrote. “They have removed my medication for a serious, chronic medical condition. They are in effect trying to punish me for defending myself.”
In June, he sought an emergency order in federal court, seeking resumption of the medication. “Without the medication [Houck] requires, he is suffering needlessly from his severe symptoms,” he stated in the filing.
According to Houck’s filing, his symptoms include spasms, muscular tension, jolts of uncontrolled movements and sleeplessness.
“The frequency and severity of the symptoms are intense and only seconds apart, between one spasm to the next, not allowing for relief of any kind,” the filing states. “Houck can only stand upright or pace to offer less jolting and painful spasms.”
On June 21, in a five-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Michael J. Reagan denied Houck’s request for an emergency order for the resumption of the medication.
In his denial, Reagan said he takes Houck’s claims seriously. However, Reagan said Houck’s request wasn’t filed in a proper format.
Reagan gave Houck until July 28 to file a new request. On July 27, Houck sought a 30-day extension, claiming he’s been denied access to a prison law library.
On Aug. 1, Reagan granted Houck’s extension request.
Houck, 41, is convicted of transporting child pornography. He’s incarcerated at a federal prison in Marion, Ill. His scheduled release date is June 23, 2018, according to court records.
A prison-system spokesperson had no comment for this story.