ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A New Mexico inmate says he's been in solitary confinement for seven years and prison officials aren't giving him proper health care nor letting him shower enough. A lawyer for Justin Hinzo filed a federal lawsuit this week against the New Mexico Department of Corrections and claims the 39-year-old prisoner isn't being allowed to exercise or leave his cell. But corrections spokeswoman Alex Tomlin says logs show Hinzo often refuses to take showers and is given access to health care.
The lawsuit seeks attorney fees and $1.4 million in damages. Hinzo is serving 28 years in prison for 2004 second-degree murder and assault convictions.
The lawsuit comes at a time when the New Mexico Department of Corrections has adopted a number of reforms aimed at improving conditions for inmates.
