Former guard gets $51,000 in prison riot lawsuit

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Nov 3, 2009 at 2:57 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 3, 2009 at 2:57 PM MST

ANACONDA - A District Court jury in Anaconda has awarded a former Montana State Prison guard $51,763 for emotional distress suffered during a 2006 prison riot.

John T. Guindon filed a lawsuit against the state in 2007 alleging he suffered severe mental and emotional distress while working in a locked housing cell unit for dangerous inmates.

On Oct. 27, 2006, an electronics failure left officers unable to control the cell doors. At the time, prison officials said the inmates figured that out and took advantage of the situation, breaking televisions, starting fires and threatening to kill guards.

Court records said it took over 90 minutes for help to arrive. After a four-day trial before District Judge Ray Dayton, the jury determined Friday that the state was negligent and caused injury to Guindon. He was awarded compensation based on lost wages, future lost wages, future psychological treatment and emotional stress.

An attorney for the state prison did not immediately return a phone message Tuesday seeking comment.

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