VA- Transgender woman complains of harassment in jail

[SandraJane]

WVEC.com



Transgender woman complains of harassment in jail


by David Ham, WVEC.com | Posted on May 14, 2012 at 5:25 PM, Updated Monday, May 14 at 5:42 PM


http://www.wvec.com/my-city/norfolk/Transgender-woman-complains-of-harassment-in-jail-151440715.html


NORFOLK -- A male to female transgendered woman says "she" was not only harassed while in a holding cell, but also says that deputies did little to protect her.
Janelle Phares says that another inmate touched her chest and mocked her while at the jail in Norfolk last week.

"We all make mistakes.  We all have to pay for our mistakes, but while paying for our mistakes, we shouldn't be subject to sexual harassment or being violated," said Phares.

She pleaded guilty to a larceny charge for stealing vitamins for her hormone therapy.