California Woman Awarded $5.6 Million After Being Sexually Violated During Prison Visit Strip Search

 A California woman has been awarded $5.6 million in a settlement after being sexually violated during a strip search while attempting to visit her husband in prison, according to her attorneys.

Christina Cardenas traveled four hours to the Tehachapi Correctional Facility in California on September 6, 2019, but was subjected to a strip search, drug and pregnancy tests, as well as X-ray and CT scans at a hospital. According to a lawsuit, a male doctor conducted another invasive search, which violated her.

"My goal in filing this lawsuit was to make sure others don't go through the same terrible experience I did," Cardenas stated.

Of the $5.6 million settlement, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) will cover $3.6 million, while the remaining amount will be paid by other parties, including two correctional officers, a doctor, and the Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley hospital.

According to Cardenas’ attorneys, the strip search was only authorized if X-rays revealed hidden contraband, but neither the X-ray nor the CT scan found any evidence. Despite this, Cardenas was handcuffed, denied basic necessities like water and bathroom access, and charged over $5,000 for the hospital services. She was also denied the opportunity to visit her husband.

Cardenas recounted an officer questioning her visit, saying, “You don’t have to visit. It’s a choice, and this is part of visiting.” Her attorney, Gloria Allred, described the statement as an attempt to intimidate Cardenas and deter her from visiting her husband.

Cardenas had previously faced challenges visiting her husband, including a strip search during their marriage visit. Her husband remains incarcerated.

As part of the settlement, the CDCR is required to implement a policy that protects visitors’ rights during strip searches, ensuring that visitors receive and understand any search warrants and that the scope of such warrants is respected.

Cardenas' attorney noted that this case highlights the broader issue of abuse faced by visitors to California prisons. Reports of sexual abuse by correctional officers have plagued the state's prison system. In fact, the U.S. Department of Justice recently launched an investigation into the systematic sexual abuse of women at two California prisons. Additionally, the Bureau of Prisons has announced the closure of a women’s facility in Northern California following an investigation revealing widespread sexual abuse by staff.