Two inmates of the Blair County Prison have recently filed federal lawsuits complaining about their living conditions and medical care within the facility.

Willie Lee Evans Jr., 40, of Altoona, on Monday filed a civil rights complaint stating his right to a speedy trial is being denied.

He is awaiting arraignment on charges of burglary and related offenses, and noted he has been in the Blair County Prison since Dec. 6 of last year.

He is seeking a hearing on his “right to be housed correctly and fed correctly and the right to be safe.”

Evans emphasized that he is one of 50 male inmates being housed in the prison’s gymnasium, and that large group is served by only one shower and one bathroom.

He also complains he was never mirandaized when arrested by the Altoona Police Department and proclaims, “I’m truly innocent.”

In addition, Evans, who is seeking $100 million in damages, contends he is experiencing heart issues due to mold in the gym and the lack of “outside time.”

Just three days prior to Evans’ civil rights complaint, inmate William D. Richardson, 55, of Claysburg filed a complaint that indicated he was not receiving treatment for his breathing problems.

Medical care in the Blair County facility is provided by PrimeCare Medical Inc. of Harrisburg.

He stated that he suffered from pneumonia and landed in the hospital for 17 days and was sent back to the prison.

He is seeking $500,000 in damages for each year he has been incarcerated (since Dec. 1, 2022).

Court records indicate Richardson is awaiting an appearance in plea court for child sex abuse charges.