By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - A woman who was an inmate in the Clermont County Jail last year has filed a federal lawsuit against the county seeking more than $100 million, claiming that she was raped by a jail guard.

The Pierce Township woman contends that county officials knew former jail guard Johnny Lee Graham had a history of improper behavior and failed to protect her.

"The county plans to defend itself vigorously," Assistant Clermont County Prosecutor Tony Brock said.

The woman claims Graham sexually assaulted her while she was in solitary confinement last August, five months after her arrest on suspicion of theft.

Graham, who had worked for nine years as a Clermont County corrections officer, could not be reached for comment Friday.

He resigned from the jail on Sept. 18, 2002, amid allegations that he made improper advances to a female inmate. At that time, Clermont County Prosecutor Don White said no criminal charges would be pursued.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com