Rolette Jail Settles for $2M After Inmate Death

A $2 million settlement has been reached in the wrongful death case of Lacey Higdem, a 19-year-old who died from a drug overdose while in custody at Rolette County Jail in 2020. Higdem, under the influence of methamphetamine, was found in distress and hallucinating before being medically cleared and taken to jail, where her condition worsened. Despite her evident need for medical attention, correctional officers ignored her plight, leading to her death nine hours after her admission. The case, filed by her mother Jessica Allen, alleged negligence by both the jail staff and medical providers. The settlement is considered one of the largest of its kind in North Dakota, which Allen hopes will provide for Higdem's young son. The county and involved officers have not publicly commented on the settlement.