A former Oklahoma State University student has been awarded a staggering $2.55 million settlement after suing the City of Stillwater over what her attorneys described as a degrading and traumatic strip search inside a local jail.
Claire Hosterman filed the lawsuit following a disturbing incident that unfolded during the early hours of September 22, 2022, after she was arrested outside a nightclub for alleged public intoxication.
According to court filings and video footage from inside the Stillwater City Jail, Hosterman was forcibly stripped naked by officers while handcuffed during the booking process.
The footage, which has circulated widely online following news of the settlement, allegedly shows both male and female officers restraining her as her clothes were removed against her will.
Hosterman was then reportedly left face-down on a bench in handcuffs for several minutes while crying as multiple officers remained nearby.
Her lawsuit accused the city and officers involved of unlawful arrest, excessive force, and conducting an illegal strip search in violation of her constitutional rights.
The City of Stillwater approved the massive $2.55 million payout in March, with the judgment officially filed in April. News of the settlement became public this week.
Despite the multimillion-dollar settlement, no officers involved in the incident were reportedly fired or disciplined.
Hosterman’s attorney said the payout gives his client “some feelings of justice” after what he described as a humiliating and deeply traumatic experience.
The case has sparked outrage online, with many social media users questioning how such treatment could occur inside a city jail without consequences for the officers involved.
Civil liberties advocates have also pointed to the case as an example of growing concerns surrounding police conduct, detainee treatment and accountability inside local detention facilities.
The City of Stillwater has not publicly admitted wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
Stillwater officials have also not announced any policy changes following the lawsuit or the release of the jail footage.
