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Former Inmates Sue California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Over Widespread Sexual Abuse in Women’s Prisons

In a shocking revelation, 130 former inmates from California’s women’s prisons in Chino and Chowchilla have filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and over 30 current and ex-correctional officers. The plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to sexual assault, battery, negligence, infliction of emotional distress, and violations of civil rights during their time in prison. Seeking unspecified damages, these brave women are determined to bring justice to light.

Disturbing Incidents of Sexual Abuse

The lawsuit, filed last month, presents a horrifying picture of the rampant sexual abuse committed by correctional officers at the California Institution for Women in Chino and the Central California Women’s Facility. These officers allegedly targeted vulnerable female inmates, isolating them and coercing them into performing sexual acts. The incidents described in the lawsuit span over a decade and reveal a chilling pattern of abuse, where victims were further punished or faced retaliation if they dared to report their assailants.

A Nightmare Behind Bars

According to Doug Rochen, an attorney at ACTS Law representing the women, “Every woman’s worst nightmare is being locked inside a facility filled with sexual predators with no means of escape. And that’s exactly what each of these women, and likely thousands more, were subjected to for decades. California paid no attention to their well-being, left them to suffer at the hands of the worst kinds of sexual deviants, and made them relive their pain daily while being locked behind bars.”

Allegations Against Specific Officers

The lawsuit documents specific incidents involving individual correctional officers. One sergeant at the Chino prison is accused of over 40 rapes, often causing severe injuries. Additionally, a correctional officer named Gregory Rodriguez faces charges for 96 counts of sex crimes involving nearly a dozen women at the Chowchilla prison. Shockingly, one woman claims she was forced to perform oral sex acts on Rodriguez while she was pregnant.

Another former inmate, Jane MS0 8 Roe, alleges that she was sexually abused by a now-deceased correctional officer named Israel Trevino. Trevino faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse before his termination in 2018. In her case, she claims that two other correctional officers also victimized her, with one officer groping her and another both groping and penetrating her vagina.

Prison Officials Turn a Blind Eye

The lawsuit further asserts that sexual abuse occurred in various areas within the prisons, including cells, closets, and storage rooms. In one instance, a victim was sexually abused in a cleaning supplies cupboard on five separate occasions. Despite reporting the abuse to another correctional officer, no action was taken. This disregard for complaints of sexual abuse highlights a systemic failure within prison officials who routinely ignored and dismissed such reports.

A Nationwide Problem

Sadly, sexual abuse of incarcerated women is not limited to California. Government surveys indicate that more than 3,500 women are sexually abused by prison and jail workers across the country each year. These shocking statistics underscore the urgent need for reform and the protection of vulnerable inmates.

Inadequate Policies and Procedures

Alongside the sexual misconduct by prison staff, the lawsuit also alleges that the CDCR had inadequate hiring practices, procedures, and training to prevent such abuse and conduct. Holding the department accountable for its failure to address this widespread issue is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of female inmates.

Continued Legal Action

This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal actions aimed at exposing and addressing sexual abuse within California’s female prisons. Last summer, another law firm filed a similar litigation involving more than 100 additional plaintiffs, including victims of Gregory Rodriguez.

Seeking Justice and Accountability

The law provides victims of sexual assault by police and correctional officers with up to 10 years to sue, starting from the time their assailants are convicted or leave the law enforcement agency. By coming forward and pursuing legal action, these courageous women are determined to bring about change, seek justice for themselves, and prevent future instances of sexual abuse within the prison system.

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