FCI Dublin Guard Gets 20 Months for Inmate Assault

OAKLAND, CA – Enrique Chavez, 50, formerly of Manteca, California, will spend the next 20 months in federal prison after being sentenced today for sexually abusing an inmate while working as a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institute Dublin (FCI Dublin). The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, closes a disturbing chapter within the walls of the Alameda County facility.

Chavez pleaded guilty on October 27, 2022, to one count of abusive sexual contact, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(4). The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2022, stemmed from incidents occurring in October 2020, shortly after Chavez was hired at FCI Dublin. The victim, identified only as “Victim 1” in court documents, was a prisoner under Chavez’s direct supervision.

According to the plea agreement, Chavez cornered Victim 1 in the FCI Dublin food service pantry. He locked the door, turned off the lights, and then engaged in egregious acts of sexual assault. Chavez admitted to putting his hand inside the inmate’s underwear, touching her genitals, and also touching her breasts. The details paint a horrifying picture of abuse of power and a complete betrayal of the public trust.

While Chavez initially faced two counts of abusive sexual contact, Judge Gonzalez Rogers dismissed the remaining charge during sentencing. However, the 20-month prison term is just the beginning of his punishment. The judge also ordered ten years of supervised release to commence after Chavez completes his prison sentence. This means he will be monitored by federal authorities for a decade following his release.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, alongside DOJ Office of the Inspector General Los Angeles Field Office Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, announced the sentencing. The investigation was a joint effort between the DOJ Office of the Inspector General and the FBI, highlighting the commitment to rooting out corruption and abuse within federal institutions.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Paulson and Molly K. Priedeman led the prosecution, with support from Kay Konopaske and Leeya Kekona. Chavez is required to surrender on or before April 7, 2023, to begin serving his sentence. This case serves as a stark reminder that those entrusted with authority will be held accountable for exploiting their positions and violating the trust placed in them – even behind prison walls.

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