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Rheaume’s lawsuit followed a scathing report by Ontario ombudsman André Marin about cover-ups and abuse in Ontario jails. At the time, Marin said the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre “exemplifies everything that is wrong in a correctional institution” and was where he found “the worst example of coverup and the excessive use of force.”

In the latest lawsuit, the five prisoners allege they were denied showers, weren’t provided with any toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, personal items or clean sheets and were not allowed to use the telephone, even to call a lawyer. Two of the prisoners allege they were later transferred to another jail wearing nothing more than a T-shirt and boxer shorts.

Taylor, who was found guilty of manslaughter in the stabbing death of Scott Ledoux, alleges he was assaulted after kneeling to face the wall. Taylor alleges a guard repeatedly “slammed” his head off the floor after handcuffing him. He was later punched two or three times in the face. A guard asked him if he thought he was cool because of what he was charged with, he alleged.

Chamoun, who was convicted of arson in a $5-million fire that destroyed a shopping plaza in Britannia and is currently facing drug charges, alleged that guards called him a “bitch” and a “goof” while punching and kneeing him after he was handcuffed.

Ransdell, who was declared a dangerous offender after carjacking the widow of Ottawa police Const. Eric Czapnik, complained his face was smashed against a wall with a riot shield. Grainger, who at the time was facing dozens of charges related to break-and-enters, alleges it took four hours before he was taken to hospital were he was diagnosed as having suffered a broken rib after he was kicked and kneed.

Chaput, who was in jail for driving while disqualified, alleges that he corrected a guard who mispronounced his name and was hit in the face. The blow broke his nose and a tooth.

aseymour@ottawacitizen.com

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