County Settles With Third Woman Jailer

Twin Falls County has settled with a third woman jailer who filed suit, alleging gender discrimination.

The county will pay Davina Ellinwood $6,000, but maintains it did nothing wrong as alleged in the lawsuit claiming four women jailers were paid less than their male counterparts and suffered abuse, said Ellinwood’s lawyer, Dennis Voorhees.

Fifth District Judge Daniel Meehl on Thursday signed a judgment settling Ellinwood’s case. The four women filed a complaint in May 1994.

They claimed they were not issued weapons and had to change into their uniforms in the men’s bathroom. They also alleged one jail supervisor maintained an “unceasing train” of verbal abuse, and retaliated against them with more reprimands after they filed their tort claim, the complaint said.

Tina Gauthier is still pursuing the lawsuit. Mays quit after settling, but Packham, Gauthier and Ellinwood still work at the jail.