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Judge denies claims by prisoners

Friday, Oct. 1, 1999 | 10:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A federal judge in Las Vegas has rejected the claims of two American Indian prison inmates who sought more than $100,000 each, alleging their civil rights were violated during a tussle with guards in May 1995.

After a three-day trial, U.S. District Judge Philip Pro ruled against inmates Dennie Jaso Jr. and George Dunckhurst III, who said there was excessive force used in removing them from an Indian seat lodge.

Senior Deputy Attorney Bridget Branigan said the lodge is used as a place of worship by American Indians at the Desert Correctional Center at Indian Springs. But the hours of use are limited.

The two inmates refused to leave when the time was up, and that touched off a confrontation that involved about 15 prisoners and several correctional officers. The convicts were sprayed with mace, and the two who sued said they were manhandled while officers tried to handcuff them.

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