Inmate: I have mental injuries | News, Sports, Jobs

Keith Charles Christian, 45, filed a federal petition on Monday against the health care provider at the county prison, PrimeCare Medical Inc. of Harrisburg, complaining that despite his pleas for help, he has received nothing but medication.

The medications, he stated, “cloud my judgment.”

He contended he is suffering from sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety attacks and delusions that are caused by what he called his “hyper-vigilance” against possible attack.

“My injuries,” he stated, “are mental.” He said he suffers from post-traumatic stress.

Christian stated he has been told multiple times that the county prison through PrimeCare does not provide the type of help he is seeking.

He stated in his petition filed in the U.S. District Court in Johnstown that he wants money damages “for every day that I was not treated for my mental illness.”

U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith A. Pesto, who reviews many of the inmate-petitions filed with the federal court, on Wednesday recommended that Christian’s complaint be dismissed, pointing out he had failed to state a valid legal claim.

Christian has until later this month to challenge Pesto’s recommendation.

The magistrate judge also recommended against allowing Christian to amend his complaint.

Christian’s Altoona attorney, Douglas Keating, said he could not discuss any medical problems Christian mentioned in his federal petition, but noted his client is awaiting sentencing on drug offenses.

In January, Christian went on trial in Blair County Judge Timothy M. Sullivan’s courtroom on charges of possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The trial was in its second day when Christian decided to enter guilty pleas to the offenses.

At that time, the defense attorney stated, “I think he was ready to accept responsibility for his actions.”

He was charged with distributing fentanyl-laced heroin at convenience stores in Tyrone and Altoona, from a residence on 12th Street and in an alley on the 2600 block of Beale Avenue.

Christian was to be sentenced Thursday, but it was continued at the request of the defense.

No new date has been set for the sentencing hearing.

The assistant district attorney who tried the case, Derek Elensky, claimed after Chirstian’s guilty plea, “We believed him to be a significant dealer.”