Civil rights investigation being launched into sexual abuse claims at Chowchilla women's prison

CHOWCHILLA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Allegations of sexual abuse behind bars have sparked a federal investigation of the staff at two California women's prison facilities.

The US Department of Justice announced Wednesday that it has opened a civil investigation into the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla and The California Institution for Women in Chino.

Officials say the investigation began as a result of hundreds of private lawsuits that were filed in the last two years of incidents that have allegedly happened over the last decade at the Chowchilla prison.

Allegations range from inappropriate groping during searches to rape.

"Allowing such violence to drag on is cruel inhumane and unconstitutional, California must ensure that the people incarcerated are reasonably protected from sexual abuse," said US Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.

So far, officials say no one has been put on leave in this investigation.

RELATED: Former Chowchilla correctional officer charged with sexual assault against inmates

They add that the correctional officers under investigation range in rank.

"Some inmates alleged they were unable to report the abuse because of power and balance that exists," said Martin Estrada, US Attorney for the Central District of California.

The extensive investigation is in collaboration with local jurisdictions and will include tours of facilities.

It will also include looking into external systemic factors such as the possibility of overcrowding, lack of supervision, and staff vacancies.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation released a statement on the DOJ's investigation, writing:

"Sexual assault is a heinous violation of fundamental human dignity that is not tolerated - under any circumstances - within California's state prison system. Our department embraces transparency, and we fully welcome the U.S. Department of Justice's independent investigation."

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