DURANGO, Colo. — Eighteen women have filed a class-action lawsuit against a former commander of the La Plata County Jail, alleging that he exploited his position to view sensitive strip-search videos of female inmates over a nearly five-year period. The lawsuit names Edward Aber, along with Sheriff Sean Smith and two jail deputies, as defendants in the case.
The legal action follows a similar complaint filed last month on behalf of three victims, marking an escalation in the allegations against Aber. According to court documents, Aber accessed the strip-search videos at least 3,166 times through an evidence management system, primarily for his own gratification.
The plaintiffs’ attorneys, representing the 18 women, described the violations as not only invasive but also abusive, stating that jail officials subjected the victims to “physical manipulation” during the recorded searches. The lawsuit sheds light on Aber’s long history of alleged misconduct, which reportedly includes claims of sexual harassment from over a dozen female colleagues within the jail.
Neil Sandhu, a leading attorney for the victims, emphasized the broader accountability sought in this lawsuit. He pointed out that while Aber is a primary figure, the county and other jail staff who may have enabled his behavior must also be held responsible. “Aber certainly bears significant blame, but the sheriff and other personnel allowed this abuse to persist,” Sandhu stated.
The legal team is not only pursuing monetary damages for their clients but is also advocating for systematic reforms within the jail’s operational policies. Sandhu outlined the need for significant changes regarding the management of strip-search videos, including guidelines on recording, storage, and access protocols.
Amid the rising claims, Aber faces 117 counts of invasion of privacy and a single count of official misconduct. The charges are classified as misdemeanors. Protection and no-contact orders have been instituted for all the victims involved as they navigate this challenging legal landscape.
Aber’s next court date is scheduled for pretrial proceedings on October 13 in La Plata County Court, following a motions hearing earlier that week. The implications of this case extend far beyond the individuals involved, potentially prompting significant revisions to procedures within correctional facilities to enhance inmate protections.
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