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$603,500 in Washington Jail Guard Discrimination Suit

In November, 2001, a King County (Seattle) Superior Court jury awarded $603,500 in damages to Ralph Bunch, a former guard at the King County Juvenile Detention Center. In May, 1999, Bunch, who is black, filed suit against the county claiming he was subjected to racial discrimination and later, he was retaliated against for having filed the suit when the facility fired him in July, 2001.

After a three week trial, the jury ruled in Bunch's favor and awarded him $260,000 for emotional distress; $3,500 for past lost wages and $340,000 in future lost wages. Bunch is also entitled to his attorney fees and costs for winning the case. Bunch was understandably pleased with his victory and said he would seek reinstatement to his old job. His attorney, Mary Ruth Mann, said she hoped the jury's verdict would lead to changes in how the facility is run.

Source: Seattle Weekly

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