Brother of woman who died in jail sues Chesapeake sheriff, others

The brother of a woman who died two years ago after suffering a heart attack in the city jail has filed a federal lawsuit against the Chesapeake sheriff and other unknown parties.

The suit, filed July 16, claims wrongful death, medical malpractice and negligence in the death of Sotina L. Cuffee, who was serving eight months for a violation of probation for welfare fraud.

In addition to Sheriff John R. Newhart, other defendants of the suit include unknown sheriff deputies, physicians, physician’s assistants, health care providers and other jail employees.

The lawsuit seeks a total of $11 million.