Female inmate claims sexual abuse

CHARLESTON -- A female inmate is suing the regional jail system, alleging sexual abuse.

Talesha Christian filed suit May 19 in Kanawha Circuit Court against correctional officer William Wilson, individually and in his official capacity as a correctional officer of the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority, chief correctional officer Lt. Larry Bunting, individually and in his official capacity, the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority and John Doe.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff was a convicted person serving time at the Southern Regional Jail, one of the defendants' jail facilities. During her incarceration, Christian endured sexual abuse, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation at the hands of defendants Wilson and Doe, the suit states.

Bunting, as the supervisor of the facility, has been named in the suit for failing to respond to Christian's claims and attempting to cover up the actions of his employees.

Christian is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

She is being represented by attorney Michael A. Woelfel. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zaikab.

Kanawha Circuit Court Case No. 14-C-920