Female guards at state prison allege sex assault

SANDY HOOK, Ky. (AP) — Four female guards at a state prison in eastern Kentucky have filed a lawsuit accusing a supervisor of exposing himself and sexually assaulting them.

The guards filed suit Monday in Elliott County Circuit Court.

The women alleged that Sgt. Stephen Harper grabbed and rubbed against women and tried to make them touch him. They also allege that Little Sandy Correctional Complex Warden Joseph Meko didn’t properly investigate complaints of harassment and didn’t stop the behavior.

The Associated Press couldn’t immediately reach Harper for comment. He has not been charged with a crime.

Kentucky Department of Corrections spokeswoman Lisa Lamb said the department takes seriously all allegations of sexual assault, but the department can’t comment on pending litigation.

The Associated Press does not typically name possible victims of sexual abuse.

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