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Fargo, N.D. (AP) A former jailer sentenced to life in prison for killing a Valley City State University student is suing Cass County and jail officials for $24 million, saying he injured his right wrist in a 2007 fall in the jail in Fargo.

Moe Gibbs filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court.

Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney did not return a call seeking comment. Laney had said in November 2007, a week after Gibbs was convicted of murder, that he got a notice Gibbs would seek $24 million.

Gibbs was convicted of strangling 22-year-old college student Mindy Morgenstern, of New Salem. He later pleaded guilty to a 2004 rape in Fargo, and to charges that he assaulted five women inmates at the Barnes County jail where he had worked as a jailer.

Gibbs' wrist was bandaged during his two murder trials. He was convicted in Bismarck after his first trial in Minot ended in a jury deadlock.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-16-09 1940CST | save this article / add to your favorites list