By C1 Staff
JEFFERSON COUNTY, NY — A corrections officer suing for allegedly being wrongfully accused of relationships with inmates is fighting to not have her suit dismissed by filing a motion that refutes the county’s argument for dismissal.
CO Janice M O’Dell filed a $9 million federal job discrimination lawsuit against the Jefferson Count Sheriff’s Department after she says she was suspended from her job after being accused of having relationships with inmates both still in custody and after the inmates were released, according to the Watertown Daily.
O’Dell allegedly provided an inmate with cigarettes and a lighter in April and September 2011. She was served with counts of promoting prison contraband and official misconduct, but the counts were later dismissed.
O’Dell alleges that a male supervisor and another corrections officer asked her to send them nude pictures of herself. When she refused, they in return sent her a picture of a penis. She also claims that the department showed a pattern of racism, and that she was placed under increased scrutiny due to friendships with African Americans.
In its attempt to have O’Dell’s lawsuit dismissed, the county claims that she has failed to present enough factual information to support her civil rights claims. O’Dell’s motion cites case law and states that “specific facts are not necessary” at this stage of proceedings.
The county also argues that there are insufficient facts to support the claims that the county has a policy of discrimination or retaliation, thus making it not liable for claims regarding the alleged practices.
O’Dell’s motion counters that senior officials of the department allegedly “were themselves responsible for the use of gender disparaging remarks and actions.”