Oct 6, 2014 2 min read

A trial centering on a former Washington County inmate’s dental care is set to begin this morning in federal court in Pittsburgh.

Joseph W. Consonery Jr., 49, of Canonsburg, filed a lawsuit against Washington County and jail officials claiming his requests for dental treatments were denied on multiple occasions while he was incarcerated.

Consonery was taken into custody Feb. 6, 2009, for a probation violation on a drug possession charge, and was housed in county jail.

Consonery said in the lawsuit when he arrived, he informed a nurse at the jail that he had an infected tooth and needed a dentist. The tooth later snapped, and Consonery said he experienced bleeding, infection and severe pain. His suit alleges he made nine requests for dental treatment.

Consonery was examined by a physician’s assistant in March of that year and was prescribed an antibiotic. Eight days later, a dentist under contract with the county jail said he was unable to pull the tooth, and that Consonery should see an oral surgeon.

Consonery claims then-warden Joseph Pelzer denied him a furlough from the county jail so he could have the tooth extracted.

Washington County Court resentenced Consonery to serve 15 to 30 months, and he was placed in the custody of the state Department of Corrections.

On June 11, 2009, he was transferred to the state prison at Camp Hill, where he said he received the necessary treatment.

Consonery was released in November 2010 from the state prison at Chester in Chester County. While incarnated, Consonery said he filed the initial lawsuit, on his own. He eventually had an attorney, Lawrence Fisher of Pittsburgh, appointed to represent him.

Fisher could not be reached for comment.

Consonery said Monday that the trial should last five days and that county officials are expected to testify. Federal Magistrate Judge Maureen Kelly will hear the case.

Attorney Edmond Joyal Jr., who is representing the county and the officials, did not return calls seeking comment.