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20 May Press Release: Family of Mary Brucato Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and Jail Medical Provider

Posted at 13:04h in News by

May 20, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charleston, SC — The Peper Law Firm, P.A., together with McLeod Law Group, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Brandon Sturgill, individually and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Mary Emma Brucato, against the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, VitalCore Health Strategies, LLC, Harbans Deol, M.D., John Doe, and John Doe Corporation.

The Complaint alleges that Mary Emma Brucato was arrested on August 8, 2025, and detained at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Brucato was placed on detox and withdrawal monitoring; however, VitalCore failed to properly provide detox and withdrawal monitoring or administer detox and withdrawal prescriptions.

The Complaint further alleges that despite visible signs of medical distress and repeated opportunities to provide medical care, Ms. Brucato was never properly assessed, monitored, or treated while in custody.

The Complaint asserts claims for Negligence and Gross Negligence and Wrongful Death against the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Medical Negligence and Wrongful Death against VitalCore Health Strategies, LLC, Harbans Deol, M.D., and additional defendants.


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