State prison guard brings harassment lawsuit

By Associated Press

Summary

A guard at Washington's prison for elderly and infirm inmates is suing the state on claims of sexual harassment and assault.

Story Published: Feb 19, 2009 at 12:31 PM PST

Story Updated: Feb 19, 2009 at 12:31 PM PST

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) - A guard at Washington's prison for elderly and infirm inmates is suing the state on claims of sexual harassment and assault.

Tammara Zimmerman claims she was harassed and assaulted and assaulted by a supervisor, Lt. Steve Westland, at the Ahtanum View Corrections Center. According to her lawsuit, filed last week in Yakima, their superiors in the state Corrections Department failed to take corrective or disciplinary actions when she complained.

The lawsuit gives no details on Zimmerman's accusations.

Department records show Westland was hired in 1981, took a leave of absence in May 2006 and resigned a year later. The Yakima Herald-Republic was unable to reach him for comment.

Department spokeswoman Maria Peterson says lawyers for the agency are reviewing the lawsuit.