Advocates and records reveal that an inmate at Rikers Island, who was suspected of having scarlet fever, tragically passed away as jail staff continually prevented medical workers from providing her with treatment.
According to a letter obtained by The Post from attorneys with The Legal Aid Society, Charizma Jones, who was 23 years old, passed away last week. She was rushed from the troubled jail to a Queens hospital by EMS personnel over two months ago.
In a letter sent Monday addressed to the Board of Correction on Monday, concerns were raised about whether the jail staff’s failure to provide treatment to Jones for two days while she was suffering from a fever and rash could have led to her untimely death. This question was also raised by MK Kaishian, the attorney representing Jones’ family.
Kashian, speaking to The Post, expressed their concern over the death of Ms. Jones and the many unanswered questions surrounding it. They added that they stand with the Legal Aid Society in urging the Board of Correction to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Meanwhile, they are working tirelessly to gather crucial information on behalf of the bereaved family.
“It’s clear that the Department of Correction failed to provide proper medical care to someone who was seriously ill. There’s no justification for this cruel and inhumane behavior,” stated the speaker.
According to medical records acquired by The Post, city Correctional Medical Services staff made several attempts to provide treatment to Jones in the jail’s infirmary on May 5 and May 6. Jones was experiencing a number of symptoms including a rash all over her body, a fever of 102 degrees, a sore throat, chills, and vomiting.
According to the Legal Aid letter, the medical workers were not allowed to enter Jones’ infirmary cell to check her vital signs by the DOC staff. This was because they considered her a security risk due to an alleged assault on a correction officer.
According to medical records, there were multiple attempts made to check the vital signs of the individual in question. However, the officer on duty in charge of the cell refused to open it.
According to the Legal Aid letter, Jones was administered antibiotics and a steroid to treat what was suspected to be scarlet fever. However, jail staff repeatedly denied medical workers access to Jones in order to check her vital signs. It wasn’t until May 6th, when Jones was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital within an hour of staff once again refusing medical attention.
According to additional medical records obtained by The Post, her condition deteriorated beyond the initial suspicion of scarlet fever by medical professionals, resulting in her hospitalization for several months.
According to a source, medical professionals suspected that Jones may have been suffering from scarlet fever, but the diagnosis has not been verified.
According to Mount Sinai, Scarlet fever is caused by a bacterial infection that results in a rash which feels like sandpaper and covers the entire body. Jones showed many symptoms of this disease. While Scarlet fever was once considered a severe childhood illness, it can now be easily treated with antibiotics.
According to records, Jones had a history of liver failure and developed a rash that may have been an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, the antibiotic prescribed for her potential scarlet fever.
Records show that on July 10th, a doctor at New York-Presbyterian’s Weill Cornell burn center noted that Jones’ skin condition was deteriorating and that she was experiencing multiple organ failure, making her chances of survival unlikely.
July 14 marked her passing.
According to records obtained by the New York Daily News, Jones, who comes from the Bronx, was sentenced to one year in prison for assault. The Legal Aid letter and records were first reported by the newspaper.
The representatives of DOC and Correctional Medical Services have not responded to comment requests made by The Post.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences to the family of Jones when he was asked about her untimely death. He shared that his heart goes out to them during this difficult time.
“It’s always a terrible experience to lose someone, whether they’re incarcerated or not,” he expressed.
He emphasized the need for a review, stating that blocking someone’s medical treatment is never justifiable. He clarified that the individual in question did not pass away while in Rikers Island.
