2NEWARK, N.J. – A federal judge has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed by an East Jersey State Prison inmate who claimed corrections officials retaliated against him by seizing a package of floppy disks sent by his brother.

U.S. District Judge Julien Neals granted summary judgment Friday to Sgt. Rhonda Mountcastle-Thomas and Associate Administrator Cindy Sweeney, ending a four-year legal fight brought by prisoner Misael Cordero.

Cordero, who represented himself, alleged the seizure violated his First Amendment rights because he had filed grievances against prison staff.

Key Points

Federal court grants summary judgment to two East Jersey State Prison officials

Inmate alleged confiscation of floppy disks was retaliation for filing grievances

Judge finds no evidence linking confisc

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