REPORT: GA. SETTLES INMATE LAWSUITS

ATLANTA (AP) -- The state has reportedly agreed to pay more than $283,000
to settle lawsuits filed by inmates who said they were beaten by prison
guards during a sweep to seize drugs and weapons.

The 14 inmates will share $140,000 and their attorneys would split
$143,500, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Tuesday. The deal must
be approved by U.S. District Judge Harold Murphy.

Corrections officials have denied that there was any violence during the
July 1996 sweep at Hays State Prison. The newspaper said the state did not
admit any liability in the settlement.

Corrections Department spokesman Michael Light declined to comment.
Attorney Bob Bensing, who represented the inmates, said the agreement had
been signed but declined further comment.

A federal lawsuit over the sweep was settled several weeks ago when
corrections officials agreed to pay $20,000 to seven inmates who claimed
they were beaten during a search at Scott State Prison.

The pending settlement covers Hays inmates who claimed guards beat them up
during the sweep, allegations supported by some guards and other prison
employees.

Corrections Commissioner Wayne Garner said he called for the surprise
search because he'd heard inmates were planning to hurt guards. He later
denied that he dragged an inmate from his bunk during the sweep.

The state agreed to settle to avoid the expense of a court fight, The New
York Times reported today, cited a source close to the negotiations. The
paper also said a Justice Department criminal investigation into the
inmates' accusations will continue.