In Oakland, California, a judge has made a groundbreaking decision to appoint a special master to supervise a federal women’s prison notorious for its widespread sexual abuse of inmates. This marks the first occasion the federal Bureau of Prisons will be under such oversight.
An investigation by the Associated Press in 2021 exposed a culture of abuse and concealment at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, drawing attention from Congress and the Bureau of Prisons. This facility, situated roughly 21 miles east of Oakland, houses over 600 inmates within its low-security main prison and adjacent minimum-security camp.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers described the prison as “a dysfunctional mess” in her ruling. Although she did not immediately name the special master, she indicated that an appointment would be made swiftly.
Judge Rogers emphasized the urgent need for change at the facility, criticizing the Bureau of Prisons for its slow and neglectful response to the inmates’ constitutional rights. She highlighted the bureau’s history of appointing leadership that has failed to address the issues, calling it unbelievable.
The ruling is part of a federal lawsuit initiated in August by eight inmates and the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. They claim that despite the prosecution of the former warden and several officers, sexual abuse and exploitation continue.
Emily Shapiro of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners praised the decision for oversight as a testament to the collective effort of incarcerated individuals, the community, and dedicated lawyers to challenge the federal government and Bureau of Prisons’ impunity.
The Bureau of Prisons has chosen not to comment on the appointment of the special master.
FCI Dublin, which opened its doors in 1974 and became a women-only facility in 2012, has been home to notable inmates such as actors Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, involved in the Varsity Blues college admissions bribery scandal. The sexual abuse scandal at FCI Dublin is among numerous issues facing the bureau, including staffing shortages, suicides, and security breaches.
Since 2021, at least eight employees of FCI Dublin have faced charges for sexually abusing inmates, with five pleading guilty, two convicted at trial, and one case pending. Additionally, about 50 civil rights lawsuits against the prison’s employees are ongoing.
Judge Rogers, in her decision, underscored the Bureau of Prisons’ repeated failures to prevent the recurrence of such issues at the facility. She stressed that all sexual activity between a prison worker and an inmate is illegal, given the significant power imbalance.
During an unannounced visit to the prison on February 14, Rogers spoke with at least 100 inmates and staff, finding mixed responses about the prevalence of sexual misconduct. Despite some inmates denying its presence, recent incidents reported in the lawsuit suggest otherwise.
Rogers acknowledged that while the prison might not have a “sexualized environment” as alleged, the persistence of sexual misconduct allegations and retaliation against those who report it indicate the Bureau of Prisons’ loss of integrity and trust.
This appointment of a special master comes shortly after the FBI’s search of the prison as part of a prolonged investigation. Recent court filings reveal the ousting of the current warden following allegations of staff retaliation against an inmate who testified against the prison.
Despite efforts at reform, Rogers noted the prison’s ongoing struggle with the perception that it is the system, rather than the incarcerated women, that is being victimized.