Lawsuit Claims Boca Raton's GEO Group Failed to Arrange Recommended Pain Treatment for Florida Inmate

The complaint alleges GEO Group, which operates private prisons in Florida, neglected to coordinate pain management care for an inmate at Moore Haven Correctional Institution.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:28pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a prison-issued medication bottle or medical device, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the lack of proper healthcare coordination for incarcerated individuals.A harsh, gritty image of a prison medical item highlights the lack of proper healthcare coordination for incarcerated individuals.Boca Raton Today

A civil complaint filed in Palm Beach County accuses The GEO Group, Inc. of negligence over medical follow-up for an inmate at Moore Haven Correctional Institution. The lawsuit claims GEO failed to administratively authorize, coordinate, and schedule recommended pain management services for the inmate, Keith Wentz, in a timely manner after he was diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease and focal low back pain.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the quality of medical care and administrative oversight at private prisons operated by companies like GEO Group. Inmates often have limited ability to advocate for their own healthcare needs, making it critical that prison operators proactively coordinate recommended specialist treatment.

The details

According to the complaint, Wentz was incarcerated at Moore Haven Correctional Institution and developed lower back pain in November 2024. He was examined by Dr. Christopher Busch, D.O., who diagnosed lumbar degenerative disc disease and focal low back pain, and recommended that Wentz be referred to pain management for treatment. However, the lawsuit alleges GEO, which operates the facility, failed to authorize, schedule, or coordinate that recommended pain management care.

  • On November 19, 2024, Dr. Busch examined Wentz and made the recommendation for pain management treatment.
  • As of the filing date on April 9, 2026, GEO had not arranged the recommended pain management services.

The players

Keith Wentz

The plaintiff, an inmate at Moore Haven Correctional Institution who developed lower back pain and was recommended for pain management treatment that was allegedly not provided.

The GEO Group, Inc.

A Florida corporation that operates private prisons in the state, including Moore Haven Correctional Institution, and is the defendant in the lawsuit.

Dr. Christopher Busch, D.O.

The physician who examined Wentz, diagnosed his condition, and recommended pain management treatment.

Thompson & Thomas, P.A.

The West Palm Beach law firm that filed the civil complaint on behalf of the plaintiff, Keith Wentz.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will determine if the lawsuit can proceed and whether GEO Group will be required to provide the recommended pain management treatment for the inmate.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the quality of medical care and administrative oversight at private prisons, where inmates often have limited ability to advocate for their own healthcare needs. It underscores the importance of prison operators proactively coordinating recommended specialist treatment for incarcerated individuals.