According to a lawsuit filed last week, a pregnant woman alleges that she was raped by a Ferguson, Mo. police officer inside of a city jail.
The St. Louis Business Journal reports that the suit was filed on Friday against the city of Ferguson and Officer Jaris Hayden. The victim, identified only as J.W., claims that she was stopped by Hayden on Oct. 9, 2013 for driving with expired license plates. She was subsequently arrested and given two tickets after providing a false name.
The St. Louis Business Journal adds that while in custody, J.W. complained about discharges and pain. Responding paramedics told Hayden that he could decide whether or not she could be released. The woman's bond was posted by her boyfriend, but Hayden informed her that she had outstanding traffic warrants. That's when the situation allegedly got sordid:
J.W. said, "I will do anything to go home," according to the suit, which specifies she was not talking about sexual favors.
Hayden then said "follow me," and took J.W. down various hallways, according to the suit.
Then, in the boiler room of the City of Ferguson jail, Hayden unbuttoned his pants, removed his penis, and said words to the effect of, You gonna suck my dick, and motioned for J.W. to give him oral sex, according to the suit.
J.W. then began to perform oral sex on Hayden, according to the suit.
After taking J.W. farther back into the boiler room, Hayden had vaginal intercourse with J.W., and she did not resist because she was afraid, according to the lawsuit.
Hayden then released J.W. through a side door, and told her to run and stay close to the building, presumably so she would not appear on any security cameras, according to the lawsuit.
Tests confirmed that pubic hair found on J.W.'s body belonged to Hayden. The officer was arrested on Friday and charged with acceding to corruption by a public servant and sexual contact with a prisoner, among other charges.
The St. Louis Business Journal notes that the lawsuit seeks both punitive and compensatory damages, while also pointing to civil rights violation's by the city.
