Pubdate: Wed, 31 Jul 2013
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2013 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340

$4.1M FOR MAN LEFT IN DEA CELL

SAN DIEGO (AP) - A 25year-old college student reached a $4.1 million 
settlement with the federal government after he was abandoned in a 
windowless Drug Enforcement Administration cell for more than four 
days without food or water, his attorneys said Tuesday.

Daniel Chong was taken into custody during a drug raid and placed in 
the cell in April 2012 by a San Diego police officer authorized to 
perform DEA work. The officer told Chong he would not be charged and 
said, "'Hang tight, we'll come get you in a minute,' " his lawyer 
Eugene Iredale said.

The door to the 5-by-10foot cell did not reopen for 41/ 2 days.

Chong was a 23-year-old engineering student when he was at a friend's 
house where the DEA found 18,000 ecstasy pills, other drugs, and 
weapons. Iredale acknowledged Chong was there to smoke marijuana.

Chong and eight others were taken into custody, but authorities 
decided against pursuing charges against him after questioning. Chong 
said he drank his own urine to stay alive.
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