Dublin, CA - Ray J. Garcia, Warden at the Federal Correctional Institute Dublin, Charged with Sexually Assaulting Female Inmates

Warden Accused of Sexually Assaulting Female Inmates

According to ABC News, a warden has been charged with sexual assault while employed at the Federal Correctional Institute Dublin located at 5701 8th St, Dublin, CA 94568. 

On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 54-year-old Ray J. Garcia was arrested on charges of sexual assault. Allegedly Garcia, an assistant warden at the all-female federal prison at the time of the misconduct, would force the female inmates to take their clothes off as he took photographs of them. At least one of the inmates has even accused him of groping them. One victim alleged that he told her that he was friends with those in charge of investigating misconduct, so she shouldn't bother reporting it. 

Learn more about other employees charged with sexual abuse at FCI Dublin:

Nakie Nunley, a prison staffer, pleaded guilty to sexually abusing five female inmates. 

Enrique Chavez was a cook supervisor arrested in 2022 for touching a woman inappropriately.

James Theodore Highhouse, a corrections worker and chaplain, was charged with sexually abusing an inmate multiple times from 2018 to 2019.

Darrell Wayne Smith faces 15 counts of sexual abuse in addition to a civil rights violation. 

Legal Rights of Victims Sexually Abused by a Prison Warden

Attorney contributor Jason Amala is a sexual abuse attorney who represents victims and their families in sexual abuse civil lawsuits within California. During an interview, Mr. Amala provided his insight regarding the legal rights of victims sexually abused by a prison warden.

"Correctional institutions have a duty by law to uphold the safety of the inmates and staff. Unfortunately, predators will often gain positions within the prison with power and trust in order to exploit their victims. The facility should implement certain safety measures to ensure safety while trying their best to prevent predators from being hired."

"In the event violent crimes, like sexual abuse, the victim has a legal right to inquire if the facility did everything within their power to prevent the abuse. Sometimes sexual abuse occurs due to the negligence of the correctional institution or authorities. The facility could be considered negligent if the victims' attorney is able to prove this negligence. However, if authorities ignored prior sexual misconduct reports and the warden was permitted to continue working at the facility, this could be deemed a foreseeable crime. In such cases, the victim and their family may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the correctional institute and possibly even receive compensation."

Sources:

ABC News