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Transgender woman sues jail, claims sexual assault

PITTSBURGH — A transgender woman is taking legal action against Allegheny County and the jail, claiming she was assaulted while being housed with men.

This is the second lawsuit filed against the county and jail this month.

She was incarcerated for various misdemeanors, but says while she was in jail, she was sexually assaulted and jail officials knew about it.

"Requested she be placed in protective custody, single cell solitary confinement for safety, for fear; and in response to that, they put her in protective custody with a male inmate," said her attorney, Alec Wright.

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Channel 11 does not disclose the names of victims of sexual assault.

The transgender woman is suing the warden and top officials at the Allegheny County Jail because she says she was raped while incarcerated during three separate stays.

Her attorney is alleging jail officials knew about it and did nothing.

Her attorney told Channel 11 in 2015 his client was put into a cell in protective custody, and then physically and sexually assaulted by a male inmate.

"I'm saying she was repeatedly raped for four straight days, by the same inmate in protective custody," Wright said.

Channel 11 contacted county officials and was told they do not comment on lawsuits.