Judge rules Massachusetts transgender inmate is eligible for reimbursement of legal fees

Michelle Kosilek, formerly known as Robert, is pictured here during a 1993 court appearance. Robert Kosilek was convicted of murder in the killing of his wife in 1990. (AP)

BOSTON – A federal judge who ruled that a Massachusetts prison inmate is eligible for a state-funded sex change operation has determined that the inmate is also eligible for public reimbursement of legal fees.

Although the ruling released Sunday by U. S. District Court Chief Judge Mark Wolf does not say exactly how much Michelle Kosilek is eligible for, the case dates back years and the amount "is likely to be large."

The judge ruled earlier this month that the state prisons department violated Kosilek's rights by refusing to pay for a sex change.

Kosilek was born male but lives as a woman in an all-male prison. Kosilek was known as Robert when convicted of killing his wife in 1990 and is serving a life term.

Sunday's ruling also says the state has until Oct. 9 to appeal.