West Virginia Pays Millions for Prison Misconduct Claims

Sexual misconduct claims at prisons and regional jails have cost West Virginia nearly $12 million over the last decade.

Board of Risk and Insurance Management records obtained by the Charleston Daily Mail show that prisoners and their lawyers received more than $5 million in settlements and fees from Jan. 1, 2003, to June 1, 2013.

Another $6.6 million was spent to pay the state’s lawyers, special investigators, expert witnesses and court fees.

The number of sexual misconduct claims rose from 21 in 2008 to 83 in 2010. The number then declined to 45 in 2011 and to 26 in 2012. Two claims have been filed this year so far.