Alleged Prison Rape Victim Sues Sheriff

ST. LOUIS (CN) - A former prisoner sued Pike County, Mo. and its sheriff, claiming he was raped at the county jail.

Christian Gettimier sued Pike County, Sheriff Stephen Korte, and the alleged rapist Mark Burse, in Federal Court.

Burse is still in state prison, Gettimier says in his complaint.

Pike County is 85 miles northwest of St. Louis.

Gettimier claims the defendants put him in a cell with Burse, though Gettimier had been an informant against one of Burse's relatives.

"Defendant Burse forced plaintiff to masturbate defendant Burse, against plaintiff's his [sic] will," the complaint states.

It continues: "Defendant Burse anally penetrated plaintiff with his penis and without plaintiff's consent.

"Defendant Burse did not use a condom and ejaculated in plaintiff's rectum."

Gettimier claims he hit the distress button in the cell several times, but no help came.

He claims that says Burse had been convicted of a serious physical assault, but was put in a cell with him despite his known dangerous propensities.

Gettimier seeks damages for violations of his Fourteenth Amendment rights and assault and battery.

He is represented by Jeffrey L. Miller of Louisiana, Mo.

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