As half of the settlement, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation should create new insurance policies to guard guests throughout strip searches.
A California girl has acquired $5.6 million after being sexually assaulted throughout a strip search whereas visiting her husband in jail. The incident occurred in September 2019 at a correctional facility in Tehachapi.
Christina Cardenas, who drove 4 hours to see her husband, went by way of a number of invasive procedures together with strip searches, drug and being pregnant checks, and medical scans. During one of these procedures, a male physician sexually assaulted her.
Mrs. Cardenas mentioned her purpose in submitting the lawsuit was to forestall others from going by way of related abuse.
The settlement, paid by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and different defendants, will compensate Mrs. Cardenas for the hurt she suffered.
The lawsuit revealed that the searches had been extreme. A warrant allowed strip searches provided that X-rays or CT scans confirmed contraband, however regardless of a number of scans displaying no contraband, Mrs. Cardenas was nonetheless subjected to invasive searches.
Besides the sexual assault, Mrs. Cardenas confronted different mistreatment, corresponding to being denied water and loo entry and paying excessive charges for medical procedures.
Her legal professionals argued that jail officers used these actions to intimidate her from visiting her husband. They mentioned the searches and assault had been clear violations of her rights.
As half of the settlement, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation should create new insurance policies to guard guests throughout strip searches. These insurance policies will guarantee guests know their rights, that searches are accomplished respectfully, and that they observe strict tips.
