PENNSYLVANIA WOMEN’S PRISON SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS

Representing Women Sexually Assaulted at Pennsylvania Women’s Prisons

Reports of sexual abuse and misconduct in Pennsylvania women’s prisons highlight a troubling pattern of systemic failure to protect inmates from harm. If you or a loved one has been harmed at a Pennsylvania women’s prison, contact Levy Konigsberg today.

The History of Sexual Abuse at Pennsylvania Women’s Prisons

The history and enablement of sexual abuse at Pennsylvania Women’s Prison includes the following allegations and investigations:

State Correctional Institution – Cambridge Springs

• In August 2025, former corrections officer Alfonzia Newsome was sentenced after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two female inmates between December 2022 and August 2023.

• In December 2024, a former inmate filed a lawsuit alleging that she was sexually assaulted in her cell by Newsome. 

In July 2023, Pennsylvania State Police began investigating allegations of misconduct involving Newsome. 

In July 2024, he was formally charged with multiple offenses.

• In February 2013, another former inmate alleged that a male corrections officer began making sexual remarks toward her. The officer allegedly demanded on two occasions that she remove her clothing. He also allegedly demanded that she perform a sex act on him.

At least three administrators allegedly instructed her not to disclose the incident to anyone.

• In August 2009, former prison guard William Gorton III allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a female inmate. He was sentenced to jail in November 2010.

State Correctional Institution Muncy

• In March 2025, a former inmate filed a lawsuit against SCI Muncy alleging severe abuse, including sexual, physical, and verbal abuse by Michael Anthony Wright, a building trades and custodial maintenance teacher at the facility. 

Wright allegedly groped her, forcibly kissed her, and coerced her into having sex on five separate occasions. 

Other prison staff allegedly walked in on Wright sexually assaulting the victim but failed to intervene. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and SCI Muncy were accused of fostering an environment where inmates were repeatedly exposed to abuse. 

• In April 2025, another inmate filed a lawsuit against staff at SCI Muncy, alleging a prolonged pattern of sexual assault, harassment, and stalking by parole agent Kenneth Jones. 

Jones allegedly sexually assaulted her on a near-daily basis for several months in 2023.

He allegedly used sensitive medical and mental health records to intimidate and manipulate her.  

SCI Muncy staff allegedly failed to intervene or protect her.

• In September 2015, two staff members and a contract physician affiliated with SCI Muncy were arrested for alleged inappropriate contact with female inmates. 

Thomas Eugene Wakefield, a licensed practical nurse, was charged with institutional sexual assault and official oppression. Wakefield allegedly had indecent contact with an inmate on two occasions. Investigators found notes in the inmate’s cell, allegedly written by Wakefield. 

Dr. Donald Stone, a contract physician, faced charges of institutional sexual assault, indecent assault, and harassment. 

Corrections Officer Mark Hoover was charged with institutional sexual assault, indecent assault, and official oppression. 

Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC)

• In May 2013, a federal report was published stating that the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC) in Pennsylvania had one of the nation’s highest rates of sexual abuse by staff, based on inmate surveys conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics between February 2011 and May 2012. The report revealed that 6.3 percent of surveyed inmates at PICC reported experiencing sexual abuse by guards.

• In July 2023, reports revealed allegations of abuse and inhumane conditions at PICC. 

There were allegations of physical abuse and excessive use of force by staff. One inmate reported being beaten on the head by a male staff member. Another inmate alleged unnecessary use of mace. 

In September 2022, two official complaints alleged staff assaults, including one incident where a woman was slammed into a door by corrections officers. 

A report identified at least 24 cases of excessive force, some of which were covered up by prison staff. 

Women reported being confined to their cells for extended periods with little to no access to showers, phone calls, or outdoor time. Accounts included neglect in medical care, with long delays in treatment and dismissed health concerns, even for pregnant women. Hygiene and sanitation were poor, with insufficient supplies and unsanitary conditions. Rodent and pest infestations were also a persistent problem.

Riverside Correctional Facility

• In May 2013, a federal report was published stating that Riverside Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania, alongside PICC had the nation’s highest rates of sexual abuse by staff, based on inmate surveys conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics between February 2011 and May 2012. The report revealed that 6.7 percent of surveyed inmates at Riverside reported experiencing sexual abuse by guards.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:

• You were sexually abused by a guard, counselor, nurse, or other women's prison staff member.
• The abuse occurred at any women's prison.

Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold women's prisons,  youth residential treatment facilities, juvenile detention centers, private healthcare companies, and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect female inmates.

As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:

• Your abuser is no longer alive.
• Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.

Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims

In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:

• Past medical and mental health expenses
• Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish and psychological harm
• Lost income
• Other economic and non-economic damages

Pennsylvania Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, the current statute of limitations for survivors who were sexually abused between ages 18-23 allows for claims to be filed until age 30. Survivors who were abused when they were age 24 or older typically have two years from the incident to file a claim.

Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at any Pennsylvania women's prison.

Levy Konigsberg is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in representing survivors of sexual abuse in women's prisons. With extensive experience in handling cases of staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct, we have successfully advocated for hundreds of former female inmates across the United States, ensuring that survivors receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Our commitment to holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable makes us a trusted ally in the fight against sexual abuse in correctional facilities. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse while incarcerated, Levy Konigsberg offers compassionate and professional legal support to help navigate this challenging time.