(WWJ) A civil rights lawyer is suing the Macomb County Jail and its health care provider, Correct Care Solutions, for the alleged sexual abuse of three female inmates.
Attorney Jon Marko on Monday announced the federal lawsuit on behalf of plaintiffs, Rebekah Buetenmiller, Samantha Bills, and Stacey Glass — all formerly or currently locked up in the jail.
In the suit, the women allege that while incarcerated, were forced to treat with Dr. Steven Cogswell, who used his position of power, including by holding tobacco products, candy, prescription medication, double mattresses, and other commodities over inmates' heads to sexually assault and abuse them. It's alleged in the lawsuit that Cogswell would further exploit the "vulnerable women" by taking cell photos and videos of them in "various states of undress" while under his care.
The suit is seeking damages for "sexual abuse, assault, battery, exploitation, discrimination, and degrading treatment," of the inmates by Cogswell. It also alleges that jail and other Correct Care employees knew what Cogswell was doing, and looked the other way.
The doctor's attorney, Steve Rabaut, argued during the trial that the women were dishonest and took advantage of Cogswell, who was new to the jail job. Rabaut told the newspaper his client maintains his innocence as to all of the allegations.
Macomb County Jail officials do not comment on pending lawsuits.
