Inmate Sues Ark. Dept. Of Community Correction Over Abuse

Patricia Zarychta filed the suit in federal court in Pine Bluff. She accuses former Jefferson County Extension Agent Joseph Ivy of forcing her to engage in sexual activity while she was working on trusty status as janitor at the extension office last year. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

Rhonda Sharp, a spokeswoman for the Department of Community Correction, said the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation. Ivy has already pleaded no contest to a criminal charge of misdemeanor battery. He was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to quit his job.