A former Oklahoma State University student has reached a major legal settlement with the City of Stillwater after filing a civil rights lawsuit over an incident in which she says she was stripped naked and left unclothed inside a jail cell.
Claire Hosterman will receive more than $2.5 million as part of the settlement connected to the 2022 incident, which drew widespread attention after body camera footage became public.
Hosterman says the agreement is helping her finally begin healing from the experience.
What Happened Before the Arrest?
According to police records, officers first encountered Hosterman in September 2022 while responding to reports of a disturbance at a bar near the Oklahoma State University campus around 2 a.m.
Police said officers were investigating complaints involving someone allegedly trying to start fights inside the bar area.
During the interaction, Hosterman and another individual reportedly became involved in a confrontation with officers and were arrested.
What Happened Inside the Jail?
After arriving at the Stillwater city jail, Hosterman was questioned during the booking process before jail staff attempted to conduct a search.
According to reports, a physical struggle then followed that lasted nearly eight minutes.
During that incident:
| Jail Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident year | 2022 |
| Location | Stillwater city jail |
| Length of struggle | Nearly 8 minutes |
| Main allegation | Forced strip search |
| Additional claim | Left naked inside jail cell |
Hosterman says jail staff stripped her naked and left her unclothed on a bench inside a cell.
Body camera footage reportedly captured her objecting and saying she was naked in front of male officers.
Attorney Says Rights Were Violated
Hosterman’s attorney, Dan Smolen, argued that the strip search lacked proper legal justification.
He described the situation as humiliating, invasive, and unconstitutional.
According to Smolen, male staff members — including some who were reportedly off duty — were present during the incident.
He argued this violated Hosterman’s constitutional rights and personal dignity.
Claire Hosterman’s Full Statement
In a public statement, Hosterman said:
“What happened to me at the Stillwater City Jail on September 22, 2022, is a disturbing example of abuse of power by law enforcement. I was subjected to abuse, dehumanization, and humiliation by the very institution sworn to serve and protect the community. Over the past four years, I’ve tried to put this experience into words, but it has been incredibly difficult. Each attempt brings intense emotional and physical stress, making it nearly impossible to fully recount what happened. Knowing that this information is now public, especially the deeply vulnerable footage of me being forcibly stripped, is something I am still struggling to process. Even so, I understand the importance of sharing this. People need to see the reality of how I was treated and why I chose to file a lawsuit against the City of Stillwater. If this could happen to someone like me, a white, privileged woman, then it should deeply concern everyone. My decision to hold the City of Stillwater accountable was never about money. It was about ensuring that this violation of my civil rights did not go unnoticed or unchallenged. I am pleased that the Stillwater City Jail is set to close, effective July 1. That facility will no longer be able to harm others in the way it harmed me and many others.One day, I hope to be strong enough to share my full story. But today is not that day. For the first time in four years, I am finally at the point where I can start truly healing from this. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for the constant support my family, friends, therapists and legal team provided me. I would not have had the strength to fight this without them. Please remember to be kind to others, you never know what someone is going through. Whatever you allow your government to do to others, they will eventually do to you.”
Settlement Worth More Than $2.5 Million
The lawsuit has now been resolved through a settlement exceeding $2.5 million.
Officials said the payment will be divided as follows:
| Settlement Breakdown | Amount |
|---|---|
| Insurance coverage | $875,000 |
| Paid by City of Stillwater | Remaining balance |
| Total settlement | More than $2.5 million |
Stillwater officials stated the settlement decision was made in the city’s best interest.
Hosterman Says She Can Finally Heal
Hosterman released a public statement after the settlement announcement, saying the agreement allows her to begin moving forward emotionally.
Her attorney said the lawsuit was never mainly about money but instead focused on accountability and recognition of the harm caused.
According to Smolen, the incident had a major long-term impact on her mental and emotional well-being.
Nearly four years after the arrest, he says Hosterman is now finally beginning the healing process.
Criminal Charges Connected to the Arrest
Separate from the civil lawsuit, Hosterman also faced criminal charges related to the events surrounding her arrest.
She later pleaded guilty to:
- Resisting arrest
- Public intoxication
Court records show she received a deferred sentence.
As part of that agreement, she must:
| Court Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay a fine | Required |
| Drug and alcohol course | Mandatory |
| Deferred sentence | Active |
A deferred sentence generally means a conviction may be avoided if court conditions are successfully completed.
Civil Rights and Jail Procedures Under Scrutiny
The case has renewed discussion about:
- Jail strip-search procedures
- Treatment of detainees
- Privacy protections
- Body camera evidence
- Civil rights inside detention facilities
Civil rights advocates often argue that strip searches must meet strict legal standards because of the deeply personal and invasive nature of such procedures.
