Delaware County Settles Suit Alleging Harassment, Rape In County Jail

NewsOn6.com

JAY, Oklahoma -- Delaware County has agreed to pay 15 women millions of dollars to settle their federal lawsuit.

The women say they were harassed, fondled, even raped while imprisoned in the Delaware County jail. 

The federal lawsuit details accusations that the jailers asked female inmates to expose themselves in exchange for favors.

Some women say they were fondled and repeatedly harassed by a deputy who was supposed to be taking them to doctor's appointments.  A mentally disabled woman says a deputy raped her in the shower.

"I think there was a definite systematic problem in the Delaware county jail and I hope changes will come soon," said attorney Scott Graham.

Delaware County commissioners say they will likely have to raise property taxes to pay for the $13.5 million settlement. They had already spent more than half a million dollars fighting the case.