AUBURN — An Androscoggin County Jail guard is suing the county and the sheriff for what he calls an unfair suspension following an altercation with an inmate.

Shane Thomas says in his lawsuit that as a result of the suspension, he continues to suffer professional and personal injuries, including lost wages and benefits, emotional distress and damage to his professional reputation.

According to the suit, Thomas became embroiled in a physical altercation with a belligerent maximum security inmate in November.

The inmate lodged a complaint, and after an investigation, the district attorney decided Thomas’ use of force was justified.

Despite being cleared, Thomas was suspended for three days. Sheriff Guy Desjardins tells the Sun Journal he stands by the suspension because Thomas broke jail rules by striking the inmate in the head.


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