Jacob Harvey. Photo from Arizona Department of Corrections
A young member of the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona wants to defend himself in a civil lawsuit filed by the woman he was convicted of raping. In a handwritten letter sent from prison, Jacob Harvey, 22, asked for assistance in responding to the lawsuit. He acknowledges he participated in a prior "hearing" in the case but said he didn't know how to handle the proceeding. “I have never been sued before in my life and have no knowledge in due process in this field.’ Harvey wrote in the note, the contents of which were first reported by the Associated Press.. “Therefore I seek counsel because ever since I have been informed of this case against me I have had no idea how to go about defending myself.” Harvey was already serving a 30-year sentence for rape when he brutally assaulted a teacher at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Eyman in January 2014, according to Courthouse News Service. He pleaded guilty in August 2015 and was sentenced to life in prison, the AP reported at the time.
Jacob Harvey's August 5, 2016, letter to the court.
The victim subsequently sued Harvey and numerous state officials for damages. The state agreed to a $3 million settlement in December 2015, according to federal court records. With Harvey as the only defendant remaining, the victim moved for judgement. A federal magistrate said he refused to participate in a damages hearing in April despite given the opportunity to do so, according to a report dated August 3. As a result, the magistrate recommended a $10 million default judgment against Harvey. It would be up to Judge Susan R. Bolton whether to accept the recommendation. Even if the victim wins the case, it's unlikely Harvey can pay the judgement because he will most likely be spending the rest of his life behind bars. Read More on the Story:
Teacher’s rapist is requesting an attorney (AP 8/19)
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