Lakin inmate claims worker forced her to have sex, get pregnant

CHARLESTON - An inmate at the Lakin Correctional Center for Women has filed a suit against the state division of corrections and her supervisor, claiming he forced her to have sex with him, through which she became pregnant.

Kristin Childs filed the suit June 16 in Kanawha Circuit Court against the West Virginia Division of Corrections and David McCormick.

Childs is an inmate at Lakin, who worked under the supervision of McCormick, the maintenance supervisor.

During her time working with McCormick, Childs claims he forced her into unwanted sexual relations and physical contact that resulted in her pregnancy. Childs claims she attempted to transfer from the work area, but the transfer did not take place until after she was subjected to McCormick's unwanted sexual advances.

According to the suit, McCormick violated the West Virginia State Constitution that prohibits correctional employees with engaging in sex with inmates.

Childs claims she did not report McCormick because she believed he would provide her with a bad review, which could result in failure to achieve parole, the suit says.

According to the suit McCormick has been arrested and charged with illegal conduct.

Childs claims his actions have caused her emotional and mental distress, which will result in great financial expenditure in raising a child. According to the suit, Childs will incur lost wages as she has been unable to obtain a job while pregnant and will be forced to miss work after her pregnancy is concluded.

She claims she has suffered lost wages, medical expenses, expenses incurred in raising a child, damages for emotional and mental distress and punitive damages, court costs and other expenses.

In the four-count suit Childs seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney Paul M. Stroebel is representing Childs. The case has been assigned to Judge Tod Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1183