Closure of Troubled Women’s Prison in California Delayed Pending Inmate Status Review

LOS ANGELES — The planned closure of FCI Dublin, a federal women’s prison in California plagued by staff-on-inmate sexual abuse, has been delayed pending a comprehensive review of each inmate’s status. U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ordered an assessment of the casework for all 605 women held at the main lockup and its adjacent minimum-security camp. The review, overseen by a special master recently appointed to address the prison’s issues, will determine whether inmates should be transferred elsewhere or released, considering options such as home confinement, halfway houses, or compassionate release.

The timeline for this process remains uncertain, with a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday to discuss further proceedings. Advocates have been calling for the release of inmates from FCI Dublin, citing not only the prevalence of sexual abuse but also inadequate healthcare and safety concerns. Attorney Susan Beaty, representing inmate whistleblowers who exposed the abuse and corruption, expressed concern over the lack of information provided to the inmates regarding their future placements. Beaty emphasized the trauma experienced by these individuals and criticized the potential transfer of survivors of sexual assault to other distant facilities without proper care.

A 2021 Associated Press investigation shed light on a longstanding culture of abuse and mismanagement at FCI Dublin, prompting promises from the Bureau of Prisons to address the issues. However, the decision to close the facility signifies an admission of failed reform efforts. Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters stated that despite the steps taken and additional resources allocated, FCI Dublin did not meet expected standards, leading to the closure decision.

Critics, including groups representing inmates and prison workers, argue that the bureau’s actions prioritize avoiding accountability rather than addressing the problems. John Kostelnik, a vice president for the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents prison staff, expressed disappointment, stating that FCI Dublin was on track to success before the closure announcement. Kostelnik criticized the lack of transparency in the bureau’s proceedings and considered the closure a “slap in the face” to honest workers who had put in overtime during corruption investigations. The bureau assured that no FCI Dublin employees would lose their jobs, but Kostelnik raised concerns about potential reassignments to other facilities across the country, disrupting established community ties for staff members.

Last August, eight FCI Dublin inmates filed a lawsuit alleging the agency’s failure to address sexual abuse at the facility. The civil litigation will continue despite the closure. Recent FBI searches and leadership changes within the Bureau of Prisons further highlighted ongoing issues at FCI Dublin. A federal judge overseeing lawsuits against the prison has also expressed the need for an independent monitor. The investigation conducted by the Associated Press revealed a culture of abuse and cover-ups that persisted for years, leading to increased scrutiny from Congress and promises of reform from the Bureau of Prisons.