Former inmate sues DOC, officer for misconduct

CHARLESTON -- A former Lakin Correctional Center inmate is suing the West Virginia Division of Corrections and a correctional officer for sexual harassment, abuse and assault.

While incarcerated, Shannon Sexton claims she was sexually harassed, abused and assaulted by C.O. Thomas, according to a complaint filed Nov. 16 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Sexton claims the defendants caused her to suffer anxiety; humiliation; annoyance and inconvenience; invasion of privacy; emotional distress; pain and suffering; mental anguish; loss of ability to enjoy life; and medical and pharmaceutical expenses because of the abuse.

Thomas' conduct was reprehensible; willful and wanton; malicious; and in blatant and intentional disregard of Sexton's rights, according to the suit.

Sexton claims the division of corrections is liable by reason of negligent retention of employment of Thomas and failure to properly supervise Thomas and John Doe.

The division of corrections also failed to properly train its employees and failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the unlawful conduct from taking place, according to the suit.

Sexton is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Kerry A. Nessel.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-2069