Michael Quinn, Child Sex Abuse, California 2024

Related Federal Cases

Michael Quinn Sentenced to 12 Years for Child Sex Abuse, Los Angele… · Washington
California Man Pleads Guilty in Child Sex Sting · Delaware
Fairfield Man Charged with Child Sex Abuse, Porn Receipt · California
Dublin Cop Charged in Prison Sex Abuse Scandal · Texas
California Man Convicted of Sex Offender Registration Violations · California

Table of Contents

Sex Abuse Scandal Rocks California Prisons

LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department has announced that it is investigating the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) over allegations of widespread sex abuse by staff at two of its prisons.

The investigation, which was launched after an extensive review of publicly available information and information gathered from stakeholders, will focus on the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino.

According to the Justice Department, hundreds of women have filed private lawsuits in the past two years alleging officer sex abuse at the Central California Women’s Facility, including allegations of inappropriate groping during searches, genital rubbing, and forcible rape.

A civil lawsuit was also filed on behalf of 21 women incarcerated at the California Institution for Women, alleging forcible rape and penetration, groping, oral copulation, as well as threats of violence and punishment.

Correctional staff at both facilities reportedly sought sex favors in return for contraband and privileges, with some staff members even involved in handling complaints of sex abuse made by women incarcerated at the facilities.

Justice Department officials have informed California state officials of the investigation, which will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.

“Sexual abuse and misconduct will not be tolerated in prisons,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Together, with our colleagues in the Eastern District and the Civil Rights Division, my office will thoroughly investigate the conditions at Central California Women’s Facility and the California Institution for Women to determine whether California is meeting its constitutional obligations.”

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke added, “No woman incarcerated in a jail or prison should be subjected to sex abuse by prison staff who are constitutionally bound to protect them. Every woman, including those in prison, retains basic civil and constitutional rights and should be treated with dignity and respect.

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California stated, “Concern about the physical safety of people inside California women’s prisons is not new. Media coverage, state audits, advocates’ efforts, and private litigation have sought to draw attention to an issue often unseen by many in the community. This investigation responds to those concerns and will aim to ensure that California is meeting its constitutional duty to incarcerated individuals.”