Woman attacked during strip search receives $5.6 million in compensation from US prison officials

A California woman was awarded $5.6 million after she was sexually assaulted during a strip search while visiting her husband in prison. The incident occurred in September 2019 at a Tehachapi prison.

Christina Cardenas had to drive four hours to see her husband. The transportation required her to undergo a strip search, drug and pregnancy tests, and other internal medical examinations. During one of these procedures, Christina was sexually assaulted by a male doctor.

“I am filing this lawsuit to ensure that no one else ever has to go through the horrific scenario that I went through,” Ms. Cardenas told CBS News.

This settlement, paid by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and certain individual defendants, provides Ms. Cardenas with a substantial amount of compensation for the harm she suffered.

Prison officials charged with intimidation

The lawsuit alleges that the searches were overly invasive, even though the warrant only allowed strip searches when X-rays or CT scans showed illegal items. Even after many scans showed no illegal items, Ms. Cardenas was subjected to degrading and invasive procedures.

In addition to sexual assault, Ms. Cardenas was also subjected to other forms of abuse: she was denied access to water, was not allowed to use the toilet and was charged excessive fees for the various medical treatments she received.

Her lawyers said prison officials tried to intimidate her and prevent her from visiting her husband. They pointed out that the violent searches and sexual assaults were a direct violation of her rights. The settlement calls for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to adopt new rules to protect visitors during strip searches. These rules will ensure that visitors are informed of their rights.

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