Civil case pits ex-inmate against Oklahoma County sheriff

Whetsel was in court Monday for opening statements by his attorneys and lawyers for Dionne A. McKinney, of Oklahoma City.

McKinney alleges in court papers she was beaten without provocation by female officers in May 2003 while being booked into the Oklahoma County jail on a complaint of driving under the influence.

Federal claims filed by McKinney in May 2006 were dismissed; the case is being heard in district court.

The woman's attorney, Aletia H. Timmons, told jurors her client was assaulted by five to six officers after she asked to use the restroom.

Timmons said the officers slammed McKinney's head against a concrete wall and then threw her to the ground and kicked her. An unidentified officer, the attorney alleged, rubbed McKinney's genitals as she attempted to change out of a dress into orange coveralls.