By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A former inmate in Cole County, Mo. is suing, claiming her jailer gave her cigarettes in exchange for sex.
Clare Lemaster is the fifth female former inmate to file federal lawsuits saying that jailers solicited nudity and sex acts in exchange for smokes, snacks and preferential treatment.
But Lemaster's lawsuit is the first to specifically allege that sexual intercourse took place. The lawsuit was filed Friday.
Attorney Samuel Trapp said Monday he plans to file similar lawsuits on behalf of five more women, including two others who say they had sex with jailers.
A law passed in Missouri in 2002 makes it illegal for corrections officers to have sex with inmates. No criminal charges have been filed against either of the sued jailers, Jose Perdomo and Ervin "Trey" Propes, though both have resigned.