Aurora Starchild
A warden who ran a women’s federal prison in Dublin, California is on trial for sex abuse. The prison was eerily nicknamed “The Rape Club,” and is just east of Oakland. Five former employees were accused of sexual misconduct and three have already pleaded guilty. The alleged abuses occurred between 2019 and 2021.
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Disturbing Patterns of Rape, Sexual Harassment, Abuse Alleged at Dublin Federal Prison for Women
Ray J. Garcia is accused of photographing female inmates while they were naked and of having sexual encounters with at least one of his accusers. He allegedly promised early releases to those he abused. One victim has accused him of purposefully leading her away from security cameras while she was performing her work duties. She said that he flirted with her and made him think that he “loved” her before photographing her naked.
Another Dublin prison employee was accused of raping inmates. One woman said that he was trying to impregnate them.
Disturbingly, Garcia was the person in charge of misconduct complaints at the Dublin prison while he was allegedly abusing inmates. One victim recalled him telling her that he was essentially untouchable because of who he knew, thus he couldn’t be fired.
Prosecutors say that Garcia was simultaneously adhering to the Prison Rape Elimination Act while also abusing inmates. Garcia allegedly relocated those who complained, either to solitary confinement or to other correctional facilities.
Garcia has also been accused of lying to federal agents.
“Rape Club” Warden Arrested After FBI Found Nude Photos of Inmates on His Phone
The FBI found nude photos of inmates on Garcia’s phone last year. He was subsequently placed on administrative leave and then retired. In September 2021, he was arrested. If Garcia is found guilty, he faces up to 15 years in prison. However, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco has urged the courts to also consider the Violence Against Women Act. She recommends that sentencing guidelines allow for a stricter sentence in Garcia’s case if found appropriate so that his punishment is “fair and proportional to the seriousness of the offenses.”
One of the Dublin prison employees who pleaded guilty already is James Theodore Highhouse, a former prison chaplain. He was sentenced to 7 years although he is appealing for less time. One accused employee is still awaiting trial until next year.
Also on trial, but in a figurative manner, is the Bureau of Prisons. This case has led many to wonder if serious reform is needed as far as reporting and internal remediations in order to prevent similar future abuses against inmates.
