Western Regional inmate says she was sexually harassed

CHARLESTON – An inmate at the Western Regional Jail alleges she was subjected to unwanted sexual advances by correctional officers.

Allison Workman alleges she was incarcerated at the jail when defendant correctional officers Matthew Berlin, Kevin Thompson and Cory Harshbarger subjected her to unwanted sexual remarks and interaction.

"The conduct included but is not limited to watching the plaintiff shower, offering drinks for sexual favors and requiring inmates to perform sexual acts while the guards observed," the suit states.

Although defendant correctional officer Mary Stowers was told of the defendants' behavior, she did not to report or investigate it, the complaint says.

In her complaint, Workman seeks punitive damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Paul M. Stroebel of Stroebel and Johnson in Charleston will represent her.

Circuit Judge James C. Stucky has been assigned to the case.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 14-C-1558