DUBLIN, California – A California federal women’s prison, plagued by widespread sexual abuse against inmates, has been deemed “a dysfunctional mess” by a judge. In a groundbreaking move, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ordered the appointment of a special master to oversee the facility, marking the first time the Federal Bureau of Prisons has faced such action.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons has been criticized for its sluggish response and intentional disregard of the inmates’ constitutional rights despite being fully aware of the situation for years. Judge Rogers stated that the repeated failure of BOP leadership to address the issue is difficult to believe. While the special master remains unnamed, the court will swiftly make an appointment.
The scrutiny facing the prison stems from a 2021 Associated Press investigation, which exposed a culture of abuse and cover-ups at the federal correctional institution in Dublin (FCI Dublin). This low-security prison and its adjacent minimum-security satellite camp, located just 21 miles east of Oakland, hold over 600 incarcerated individuals.
Eight individuals incarcerated at FCI Dublin, alongside the California Coalition of Women Prisoners advocacy group, filed a federal lawsuit in August. They allege that despite the prosecution of the former warden and numerous former officers, sexual abuse and exploitation still persist at the facility.
Since 2021, at least eight FCI Dublin employees have been charged with sexually abusing inmates, with five pleading guilty and two convicted. Roughly 50 civil rights lawsuits against FCI Dublin employees are currently ongoing. It is crucial to note that any sexual activity between a prison worker and an incarcerated person is illegal, as consent cannot be given due to the power dynamics involved.
In February, Judge Rogers conducted an unannounced visit to the prison, spending nine hours on-site. She spoke with approximately 100 incarcerated individuals and staff members. Although many inmates claimed they did not fear sexual misconduct, the plaintiffs in the August lawsuit provided evidence of recent incidents. Despite attempts at reform, the judge emphasizes that the prison still projects a sense of suspicion that the system is being abused rather than the incarcerated women.
The appointment of the special master comes shortly after an FBI search at the prison, resulting from a years-long investigation. Additionally, the current warden was recently removed due to allegations of staff retaliation against an inmate who testified against the prison. Deputy regional director NT McKinney will take over as interim warden.
The Bureau of Prisons declined to comment on the special master appointment. The judge’s actions highlight the urgent need for change within the prison and the ongoing struggle to address and eradicate sexual abuse in correctional facilities.