County Commissioner Mark Thomas said any potential litigation against the sheriff, jail, deputies or the county was avoided as a result of the settlement.

"The fact that there was a settlement made prior to a lawsuit or lawsuits being filed is probably a win-win situation for the county," Thomas said.

Thomas said various attorneys representing the prisoners had been considering filing suit, but the settlements were made through the county's insurance company.

He said the settlement was reached between the insurance company and the prisoners, and said the details of the settlement were not released to the county.

Thomas said residents of the county can be assured that the settlement saved hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars by avoiding legal action.

-Renee Cardelli & Ashley Koe, NEWS9

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Previous Stories: August 7, 2007: Belmont County Jail Administrator Back On The Job June 20, 2007: Belmont County Jail Administrator's Job Uncertain June 8, 2007: Sheriff: Excessive Force Won't Be Tolerated

June 8, 2007: Commissioner Applauds Firings Of Deputies June 7, 2007: Three Deputies Fired, Two Resign In Wake Of Inmate Abuse Allegations June 6, 2007: Commission Hears Allegations Of Abuse At Belmont County Jail April 26, 2007: Five Deputies Could Face Federal Charges March 30, 2007: FBI Investigating Four Sheriff's Deputies