Settlement Reached In Former Prisoner’s Rape Case

Settlement Reached In Former Prisoner’s Rape Case

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A former prisoner who sued the Illinois Department of Corrections for mishandling his sexual assault case is getting a $450,000 settlement. 

James Fontano was serving time at the Logan Correctional Center downstate in 2011 when he says he was raped by his cellmate. Fontano reported the crime to the prison authorities, but instead of getting him help they allegedly punished Fontano for lying. 

The Illinois Department of Corrections denies all wrongdoing, according to court documents.

Miles Bryan is a reporter for WBEZ. Follow him @miles_bryan.