Female Ex-Inmates At Allegheny Jail File Suit

UNDATED (AP) – Three female former inmates with psychiatric disabilities filed a federal lawsuit accusing an Allegheny County Jail sergeant of using excessive force on them while they were detained. April Walker, LaVonna Dorsey and Alexus Diggs filed the lawsuit Tuesday against Sgt. John Raible and other jail officials. They allege Raible’s supervisors knew he had a history of using excessive force. The lawsuit is the second this year alleging the county’s jail or its employees routinely use physical force or restraint in response to mental health episodes or against people with psychiatric disabilities. An Allegheny County spokeswoman confirmed Raible’s active employment but declined to comment on the lawsuit or on use-of-force policies for inmates with mental health issues.