Help Tamara Fight Unjust Treatment by Police Dept.
Tamara Barnicoat is a 62-year old grandmother from Globe, AZ. She has a history of treatable mental illness stemming from abuses suffered throughout her life, including the loss of her teen daughter in a tragic car accident. Tamara is able to live on her own and manages her life when she is properly medicated.
However, on October 10, 2019, the Globe Police Department arrived at a local carwash and arrested Tamara for allegedly refusing to leave the car wash and throwing a cup of water on the attendant. Instead of taking Tamara, who was clearly harmless and suffering from a bout of mental illness, to a hospital, the police booked her into the jail.
At Tamara's first court hearing, the judge saw that Tamara needed a mental health evaluation and treatment. The judge ordered Tamara to be immediately evaluated by mental health professionals. The jail supervisor ignored the judge's orders. Instead, Tamara was placed in a filthy, cold cell. Tamara was kept naked, except for a flimsy top. As punishment for Tamara's mental health crisis, the jail staff cut off all of Tamara's water in her cell. She had nothing to drink for approximately four days.
Tamara was so thirsty that she resorted to defecating on the floor and drinking water from her toilet bowl. Tamara was not given the most basic necessities like a mattress, soap, feminine hygiene products, a towel, blanket, or even the dignity of a shower. The Sheriff of Gila County was interviewed by ABC News Channel 15 and he admitted that Tamara suffered "cruel and unusual punishment" and that her civil rights were clearly violated. (See ABC News Channel 15 Report )
Silently, Tamara suffered terrible tortuous-like conditions in a cold and filthy cage, not fit for an animal. Unable to advocate for herself, Tamara was forgotten by a harsh and indifferent criminal justice system. She found herself alone in jail, in the small mining town of Globe, Arizona. She was voiceless. All because she had a treatable mental health crisis.
Tamara was unlawfully kept in this cage for 27 days; Yet, no charges were ever filed against her. Tamara was illegally held without charges being brought. The judge realised Tamara was being held illegally and released her.
On April 23, 2020, Tamara gave legal notice to the Gila County Sheriff's Office of her intent to sue for civil rights violations. A little over two weeks later, on April 29th 2020, the Gila County Attorney's Office filed charges against Tamara in retaliation for her civil rights lawsuit.
Tamara, a sweet, elderly grandmother, whose only crime is having a treatable mental illness, has been through an ordeal no one should have to experience. We are seeking your donations to help fight her case and to support her through this frightening time.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and anything you can contribute helps.
-Advocates and Legal team of Tamara Barnicoat
However, on October 10, 2019, the Globe Police Department arrived at a local carwash and arrested Tamara for allegedly refusing to leave the car wash and throwing a cup of water on the attendant. Instead of taking Tamara, who was clearly harmless and suffering from a bout of mental illness, to a hospital, the police booked her into the jail.
At Tamara's first court hearing, the judge saw that Tamara needed a mental health evaluation and treatment. The judge ordered Tamara to be immediately evaluated by mental health professionals. The jail supervisor ignored the judge's orders. Instead, Tamara was placed in a filthy, cold cell. Tamara was kept naked, except for a flimsy top. As punishment for Tamara's mental health crisis, the jail staff cut off all of Tamara's water in her cell. She had nothing to drink for approximately four days.
Tamara was so thirsty that she resorted to defecating on the floor and drinking water from her toilet bowl. Tamara was not given the most basic necessities like a mattress, soap, feminine hygiene products, a towel, blanket, or even the dignity of a shower. The Sheriff of Gila County was interviewed by ABC News Channel 15 and he admitted that Tamara suffered "cruel and unusual punishment" and that her civil rights were clearly violated. (See ABC News Channel 15 Report )
Silently, Tamara suffered terrible tortuous-like conditions in a cold and filthy cage, not fit for an animal. Unable to advocate for herself, Tamara was forgotten by a harsh and indifferent criminal justice system. She found herself alone in jail, in the small mining town of Globe, Arizona. She was voiceless. All because she had a treatable mental health crisis.
Tamara was unlawfully kept in this cage for 27 days; Yet, no charges were ever filed against her. Tamara was illegally held without charges being brought. The judge realised Tamara was being held illegally and released her.
On April 23, 2020, Tamara gave legal notice to the Gila County Sheriff's Office of her intent to sue for civil rights violations. A little over two weeks later, on April 29th 2020, the Gila County Attorney's Office filed charges against Tamara in retaliation for her civil rights lawsuit.
Tamara, a sweet, elderly grandmother, whose only crime is having a treatable mental illness, has been through an ordeal no one should have to experience. We are seeking your donations to help fight her case and to support her through this frightening time.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and anything you can contribute helps.
-Advocates and Legal team of Tamara Barnicoat
Organizer
Ashley Aaron
Organizer
Phoenix, AZ