WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED AT A WOMEN'S PRISON?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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WOMEN’S PRISON SEXUAL ABUSE
Fighting for Victims of Staff-on-Inmate Sexual Abuse Nationwide
From county jails to private and public prisons, correctional facilities across the country have been embroiled in high-stakes litigation over failures to protect female inmates from sexual abuse committed by guards and staff. As court records and investigations show, operators of these facilities routinely failed to properly handle complaints and report abusive guards, and many created cultures of silence, secrecy, and coverups that allowed staff-on-inmate abuse to persist for decades.
If you were sexually abused while incarcerated at a jail or prison anywhere in the U.S., you may be entitled to compensation.
Were you sexually abused?
We Handle Staff-on-Inmate Abuse Cases Nationwide
Levy Konigsberg has earned national recognition fighting for survivors of staff-on-inmate sexual abuse and currently represents hundreds of former female inmates in the fight for justice.
Whether you were abused at a county-operated jail, a state or federal prison, or any other public or private correctional facility, we have the resources and experience to help.
Our firm is actively investigating cases of female inmate sexual abuse throughout the U.S., including cases involving:
- California Women’s Prisons
- Federal Detention Centers (including MCC New York and MDC Brooklyn)
- Juvenile Detention Facilities
- Federal Women’s Prisons
- New Hampshire Women’s Prisons
- New York Women’s Prisons
- Pennsylvania Women’s Prisons
History of Sexual Abuse in U.S. Women’s Prison
The problem of sexual abuse in women’s jails and prisons has been documented by high-profile legal filings, public payouts, criminal cases, and sweeping investigations.
These records have detailed a systemic abuse problem that permeates throughout the nation and shows that operators of correctional facilities have overwhelmingly failed to keep female inmates safe from abusive prison staff. In many cases, the record also shows that facility operators enabled cultures of secrecy and coverups that allows female inmate sexual abuse and misconduct to persist for decades.
While there is ample evidence of staff-on-inmate sex abuse in women’s jails and prisons, recent investigations have provided more insight about the scope of the long-standing problem. For example:
- In December 2022, a bipartisan Senate investigation found widespread sexual abuse of women in prison by male officers, volunteers, and wardens. The investigation uncovered incidents of abuse and misconduct in at least two-thirds of federal facilities housing women over the past decade alone and identified serious flaws in how the DOJ investigates and punishes offenders. The findings, which representatives called “deeply disturbing,” show that the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) systematically failed to prevent, detect, and address staff-on-inmate abuse.
- In February 2022, an Associated Press investigation found that rampant sexual abuse of female inmates at FCI Dublin in California thrived due to a permissive and toxic culture. The AP noted that the BOP routinely ignored complaints from female inmates and that staff at FCI Dublin worked to conceal abuse by threatening and punishing inmates who stepped forward to report misconduct. Levy Konigsberg currently represents several former female inmates abused at FCI Dublin and other federal women’s prisons nationwide.
In addition to many other investigations like these, the systemic women’s prisons sexual abuse problem has also been revealed through decades of civil lawsuits, settlements paid to survivors, and a litany of criminal charges and convictions involving abusive guards and prison staff. Just a few examples include:
New York Women’s Prisons
- At the Rose M. Singer Center on Riker’s Island, which was named among the worst correctional facilities in the nation for staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct by the DOJ in 2012, former Officer Jose Cosme , pleaded guilty to a felony criminal sex act and former Officer Leonard McNeill, who was accused of engaging in sexual acts with the victim and pressuring her to delay reporting the rape, was later fired after an administrative trial. In February 2019, New York City agreed to pay $500,000 to a female inmate who was raped by Cosme.
California Women’s Prisons
- At FCI Dublin, several lawsuits and criminal cases have revealed an alarming staff-on-inmate abuse problem. This includes an August 2023 lawsuit filed against the BOP by eight former inmates who alleged that sexual abuse and exploitation has persisted since the 1990s. Prior to the suit, five FCI Dublin employees were charged with sex crimes in what prosecutors called one of the worst documented cases of staff-on-inmate abuse in a women’s federal prison This includes former Warden Ray J. Garcia, who was found guilty in December 2022 on charges related to inmate sex abuse that occurred between December 2019 and July 2021, former Officer Darrell Wayne Smith was arrested in May 2023 for sexually abusing three inmates between 2019 and 2021, and former prison chaplain James Theodore Highhouse, who was sentenced to 7 years in prison in August 2022.
- At the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), an internal investigation conducted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) identified over 22 potential victims who may have been abused former Officer Gregory Rodriguez. Rodriguez worked at CCWF from September 2010 through August 2022, when he retired from service due to the investigation. He was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting at least 13 inmates over the past nine years, and the charges against Rodriguez include 96 counts of rape, sodomy, sexual battery, and other charges over incidents dating back to 2014.
Oregon Women’s Prisons
- At the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, former Nurse Tony Daniel Klein was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing female inmates. According to prosecutors, Klein, who worked at Coffee Creek from 2010 until January 2018, abused his position of authority to abuse victims and keep them silent.
New Mexico Women’s Prisons
- At the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility, former Officer Robert Smith was charged with multiple sex crimes in May 2022 for engaging in sexual conduct with a female inmate. According to an investigation conducted by State Police, Smith, who worked at the facility from November 2021 to April 2022, brought contraband into the prison for the victim in exchange for sexual contact and later for the victim’s silence.
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.
Common Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse in Prisons
All sexual activity between a prison worker and an inmate is illegal. Correctional employees enjoy substantial power over inmates, controlling every aspect of their lives from mealtime to lights out, and there is no scenario in which an inmate can give consent.
As a result, claims are typically brought against certain perpetrators who leverage their power to abuse inmates and keep them silent. This includes:
- Corrections officers
- Prison staff and administrators
- Contractors
- Volunteer
How a Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help
Sexual abuse lawsuits are among the most emotionally and legally complex cases in the civil system. When they pit individuals against institutions and government entities, the challenges are even greater.
Fortunately, legal counsel can help victims level the playing field with powerful adversaries. Skilled attorneys can also tackle the key aspects of a case and position clients to recover the maximum compensation possible. Our women’s prison sex abuse lawyers provide support for:
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Investigations and witness interviews
- Discovery and depositions
- Expert witnesses, including mental health and sexual trauma experts
- Claim construction and legal research
- Settlement negotiations and litigation
Levy Konigsberg: Nationwide Leaders in Sex Abuse Litigation
Levy Konigsberg has cultivated a reputation of success fighting for sexual abuse survivors in civil lawsuits – and is known nationally for representing survivors of staff-on-inmate abuse that occurred in jails, prisons, and detention centers.
Unlike criminal cases against alleged abusers, the civil sexual abuse lawsuits we handle focus on recovering justice and compensation for victims, while also holding both abusers and the negligent institutions, entities, and employers who failed to stop the abuse accountable.
Some of our recent work and coverage in this field includes:
- Our firm represents more than 500 women abused in prison across New York. These cases, which were brought under a temporary lookback window created by the NY Adult Survivors Act, were profiled widely in the media, including a NY Daily News cover story and articles published by Prism, Gothamist, Buffalo News, and other media outlets.
- Thanks to groundbreaking laws that provide new opportunities for adult survivors to file claims, our firm represents a growing number of former female inmates abused at jails and prisons across New York, California, and other states. This includes clients who were abused while they were incarcerated at Rosie’s on Riker’s Island, Bayview Correctional Facility, Albion Correctional Facility, Lakeview Shock, and MCC New York, as well as Dublin FCI, Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW), Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), and other facilities in California.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
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
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.
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.