Federal judge troubled by 'serious problem' with use of pepper spray on Wisconsin teen inmates

Separately, the complex has been under criminal investigation for 2½ years for prisoner abuse and child neglect.

The lawsuit, brought with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the Juvenile Law Center, is seeking to curb the use of pepper spray, solitary confinement and handcuffs and other restraints. Thursday's hearing was held to decide whether the judge should immediately curb those practices with an injunction.