Feds to Face Trial Over Abuse at Closed California Prison

Introduction

The federal Bureau of Prisons will face trial next year over claims it fostered an environment where guards sexually abused incarcerated women at the now-closed FCI Dublin in California.

This decision was ordered by a U.S. District Court judge in the first public hearing since the facility's closure last month. The judge also appointed an outside legal expert to continue handling the cases of around 600 women who were transferred out of the prison, many of whom reported mistreatment during the transfer process.

The judge, expressing concerns for the inmates' well-being, scheduled a case management conference for September 9 and set the trial date for June 23, 2025. Attorneys for the women who exposed the abuse have indicated their willingness to settle, but they insist on "lasting changes, including medical and mental health care" as part of any agreement.

In a statement following the hearing, the Bureau of Prisons expressed appreciation for the judge's efforts and a readiness to engage with the court and the appointed special master. However, the bureau did not immediately comment on the hearing specifics, maintaining its stance of not discussing ongoing court matters.

The Bureau of Prisons unexpectedly announced the closure of FCI Dublin on April 15, despite previous efforts to reform the facility following revelations of widespread staff-on-inmate assaults. The closure was announced just 10 days after the judge appointed a special master to oversee the prison near Oakland. The bureau has stated that the decision to close the facility was carefully deliberated over several months.

Inmates at FCI Dublin filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons last August, accusing the agency of failing to eliminate sexual abuse. The upcoming trial and the continued involvement of the special master underscore the ongoing efforts to address and resolve the allegations of systemic abuse and mistreatment within the federal prison system.

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