GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – A woman whose husband was once incarcerated at the Mesa County jail has filed a claim of at least $100,000 against the county, saying jailers distributed nude photos she'd sent him.
Jessica Duran filed the claim Tuesday through Denver attorney Lonn Heymann. Such a claim is required before the plaintiff could sue.
Duran says her privacy and civil rights were violated, and that she has suffered emotional distress and humiliation.
County officials say it's standard procedure to open inmates' mail to prevent contraband from getting into jail.
Duran says jailers distributed the photos without her knowledge or permission, or that of her husband.
Sheriff Stan Hilkey says any lawsuit against the county in this case would be meritless.
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