A woman from California has been awarded $5.6 million in a settlement after being sexually violated during a cavity search while attempting to visit her incarcerated husband. Christina Cardenas, 45, recounted feeling “traumatized” by the events on 6 September 2019, which included two strip searches, a cavity search by a male doctor, X-ray and CT scans, and drug and pregnancy tests. Following these procedures, she received a $5,000 bill from the hospital.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has agreed to pay $3.6 million, with the remaining amount to be paid by Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Hospital, a doctor, and two correction officers. The defendants denied any wrongdoing.
Cardenas pursued the lawsuit to prevent future visitors from experiencing similar violations. The warrant allowed strip searches only if an X-ray detected contraband, but neither the X-ray nor CT scan showed any abnormalities. Cardenas alleged that a prison official attempted to intimidate her by questioning her choice to visit her husband.
She endured a traumatic cavity search when visiting a California prison. Now she won a $5.6-million settlement https://t.co/Wz4sIZKewU
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) September 10, 2024
Represented by attorney Gloria Allred, Cardenas disclosed being made to strip and squat over a mirror, a search typically reserved for inmates. She was also handcuffed during transport and denied water and bathroom access. Despite the invasive searches yielding no contraband, Cardenas did not get to see her husband.
This incident was not the first time Cardenas faced rigorous searches; she experienced similar treatment when marrying her husband and during previous visits. The settlement requires the Department of Corrections to issue a policy memorandum to ensure visitor rights during strip searches. Officials must provide visitors with a copy of the search warrant and cannot exceed its scope.
Sexual abuse and misconduct in California prisons have been systemic issues. The Justice Department recently began investigating allegations of sexual abuse by correctional officers in two state prisons. Additionally, the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin was closed following similar allegations, earning the nickname “rape club” after an investigation revealed widespread abuse by officers.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News reports Christina Cardenas, a California inmate’s wife, received a $5.6 million settlement after being sexually violated during a strip search, her attorneys said.(read more)
- USA Today reports on Christina Cardenas’ $5.6 million settlement after a strip search during a visit to her incarcerated husband, highlighting the “sexual violation” and emotional trauma endured.(read more)
- The wife of a California inmate, Christina Cardenas, received a $5.6 million settlement over a strip search that involved sexual violation.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was Christina Cardenas awarded in her lawsuit?
Christina Cardenas was awarded $5.6 million in a settlement.
Why did Christina Cardenas sue the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation?
Cardenas sued to prevent others from enduring the same violations.
What did the settlement require the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to do?
They must distribute a policy memorandum to ensure visitors’ rights are protected.
Were any contraband found during Christina Cardenas’ searches?
No, no contraband was found in her body or belongings.
Who represented Christina Cardenas in her lawsuit?
Christina Cardenas was represented by attorney Gloria Allred.
