By Rich Cholodofsky
Tribune-Review
GREENSBURG, Pa. — Westmoreland County Prison officials want a judge’s permission to force-feed an inmate who has refused to eat since he suffered a self-inflicted throat wound last week.
Jason Millward, 23, of Penn Hills has been in the county jail since May 21. Last week, while he was hospitalized in Pittsburgh for treatment of the throat injury, he allegedly stabbed a deputy sheriff who was guarding him in a failed escape attempt.
In court documents filed this week, prison officials said Millward has a perforated esophagus and can’t eat or drink. He has refused all efforts to receive nourishment through a tube, intravenous fluids or further hospital treatment.
While at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, he refused treatment, nutrition through a feeding tube and intravenous hydration, court documents show. He continued to refuse nourishment when he returned to the county jail this week, officials said.
“It is the opinion of Millward’s treating physician at the prison, Dr. William Conforti, that Millward is in imminent danger of the loss of life unless he receives nutrition through a nasogastric tube and hydration intravenously,” the officials said in the court action.
Warden John Walton said Millward was to be examined by another doctor Tuesday. Officials expected to go before a judge Wednesday.
Millward was arrested May 21 by North Huntingdon police and charged with identity fraud, theft, conspiracy and other offenses, according to court records. He is being held in the jail in lieu of $10,000 bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before District Judge Douglas Weimer on July 16.
Defense attorney Greg Cecchetti could not be reached for comment.
In legal papers, prison officials said they want Millward to be fed not only to save his life, but to improve morale in the jail.
“Millward’s death will cause a significant disruption to the orderly administration of the Westmoreland County Prison,” officials said.
“The effects of his death would demoralize staff and instill the belief in the inmate population that the prison administration caused and permitted Millward’s death by failing to provide proper medical, mental health or other care. This will lead to animosity toward the staff and undermine confidence in prison authority.”