Women sue state jail authority, correctional officer for sexual abuse

CHARLESTON -- Two women are suing the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority, an unknown person and a correctional officer in separate suits for sexual abuse, harassment and assault.

Sarah Roseberry and Candina Daniels both were incarcerated in the Western Regional Jail and claim that during their incarcerations they were sexually harassed, abused and assaulted by C.O. Napier, a correctional officer at the facility, according to two complaints filed March 15 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

The women claim the defendants disregarded their rights and caused them to suffer anxiety; humiliation; annoyance and inconvenience; invasion of privacy; emotional distress; pain and suffering; mental anguish; loss of ability to enjoy life; future medical and pharmaceutical expenses; and other damages.

According to the suits, the defendants were negligent in failing to supervise, train and hire Napier and an unknown person; negligently staffed the facility; negligently failed to intervene on their behalves; and negligently retained Napier and Doe's employment.

Both women are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They are being represented by Matthew J. Woelfel.

Roseberry's case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey. Daniels' case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-484, 10-C-486