A New York resident has filed a lawsuit against a mental health facility and its employees, alleging violations of civil rights and privacy laws. Dane Brown, the plaintiff, submitted the complaint to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on December 1, 2025. The defendants named in the case include Interborough Developmental & Consultation Center (IDCC), Derek Upright, Hann Lim, and Javonnie Miller.
Dane Brown’s complaint outlines serious allegations against IDCC and its staff members. Brown claims that his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) were violated by the defendants’ actions. According to the filing, Derek Upright, a Peer Specialist at IDCC, created unauthorized notes about Brown without his consent or knowledge. These notes allegedly contained false information that misrepresented Brown’s character and were accessible to other staff members, breaching HIPAA regulations.
The complaint further accuses Hann Lim, a social worker at IDCC, of mishandling Brown’s case by sharing sensitive information without permission. This alleged misconduct resulted in delays in receiving necessary support and documentation for Brown, ultimately endangering his mental health. The document also highlights an incident where Brown experienced self-harm due to Lim’s negligence.
Additionally, Javonnie Miller is accused of overseeing and condoning the inappropriate behavior of Upright and Lim. As a licensed marriage and family therapist at IDCC, Miller allegedly conspired with her colleagues to manipulate patient outcomes by withholding essential documentation from Brown.
Brown seeks various forms of relief from the court. He requests that all notes written about him be produced in printed form and marked as fabrications by relevant agencies. Furthermore, he demands the termination of Upright’s employment along with revocation of his Peer Specialist certification. Similar actions are sought against Lim and Miller regarding their licenses. In terms of financial compensation, Brown is seeking damages amounting to one million dollars for emotional distress caused by these events.
The legal proceedings are set to unfold under Civil Action No. 1:25-cv-10021-UA before an undisclosed judge in New York’s Southern District Courtroom setting up what could be another landmark case involving civil rights violations within healthcare facilities.
Attorneys representing both parties have yet to make public statements regarding this matter as it moves forward through judicial channels; however interested observers will undoubtedly keep close watch on developments given potential implications across broader contexts involving similar claims nationwide today!
Source: 25cv10021_Dane_Brown_v_Interborough_Developmental_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
