CHARLESTON – A former inmate says he was subjected to unwanted sexual advances while incarcerated at Pruntytown Correctional Center.
Jordy Johnson filed his complaint March 16 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Aramark Food Service Corporation and other defendants.
According to the complaint, Johnson worked under a supervisor named Naomi, who was a contract employee through Aramark of the West Virginia Division of Corrections. He says Naomi, whose last name isn’t listed in the complaint, subjected him to unwanted sexual advances.
He says Aramark personnel knew Naomi had made inappropriate sexual remarks to DOC staff and other inmates, but nothing had been done. Johnson says he was discharged from his position in the cafeteria after he reported Naomi’s conduct. He also says his classification was changed.
Johnson says he feared a bad review or report from Naomi would alter his changes of achieving a timely release. He also says Naomi repeatedly threatened him, and he says she had been found to be in violation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
He says he was retaliated against by Aramark workers with verbal ridicule, disclosure of his allegations to other inmates, false write-ups that affected his classification and the discharge from his cafeteria job.
Johnson accuses the defendants of violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act; reckless and gross negligence and supervision, training and hiring; negligent and reckless conduct, violating his right to be free from assault and intrusion on his bodily integrity; and vicarious liability.
He seeks joint and several compensatory damages for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional and mental distress. He also seeks punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interests, court costs, attorney fees and other relief.
Johnson is being represented by Paul M. Stroebel of Stroebel & Stroebel in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Kenneth Ballard.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 23-C-235
