CHINO – (INT) – The federal Justice Department has opened an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against inmates at the California Institution for Women (CIW) at Chino.

The probe also involves the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla.

The investigation will evaluate whether the California Department of Corrections CDCR protects the inmates from sexual abuse by correctional staff.

Correctional staff at both facilities reportedly sought sexual favors in return for contraband and privileges.

A civil lawsuit was filed on behalf of 21 women incarcerated at the CIW California and included allegations of forcible rape and penetration, groping, oral copulation, as well as threats of violence and punishment with abusive conduct. The abuses allegedly occurred between 2014 and 2020.

Story Date: September 10, 2024