A California correctional officer is suing the state after what she described as the “worst night” of her life, which left her physically and mentally scarred, KCRA 3 reported Monday.
Katie Jackson, 40, said systemic failures at the Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown prevented convicted rapist and murderer Robert Lawrence Ransom Jr. from attacking her while she was on duty. He claims to have forgiven him. According to To KCRA 3. On January 20, 2024, Ms. Jackson said she was taken hostage, raped for four hours, and threatened to kill her. “Many safety measures failed within that institution that night,” Jackson said Monday at a news conference at the state Capitol.
“It could have easily been prevented and I’m heartbroken that I couldn’t,” she continued, KCRA 3 reported.
Hostage taken by guard rapes inmate CDCR files lawsuit, demands change | Click image to read full story https://t.co/180LOrLoKL
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Jackson said Ransom exploited security at the facility to carry out the attack. The complaint alleges that he evaded detection and hid in a laundry cart during the evening count. Once in the control booth, he allegedly pointed a gun at Jackson, posing as a fellow officer. Jackson said she yelled “help” to colleagues outside the room, but no one intervened.
The lawsuit also accuses the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) of negligence. Ransom, 41, was reportedly transferred to a low- and medium-security facility despite his violent criminal history. Jackson’s lawyer Mark Peacock criticized the decision.
“The California model failed. That’s why we’re here. It failed in a horrible, horrible way,” Peacock said. “Why does the California model exist? What does the Department of Corrections want to do? Save money.”
After the attack, Jackson said she was treated as a suspect rather than a victim and endured hours of interrogation without access to her basic needs. The Tuolumne County District Attorney subsequently filed 12 felonies against Ransom, who is currently serving a life sentence, the newspaper reported. (Related: ‘Trans’ biological man once held in women’s prison ordered to stand trial on charges of rape and witness intimidation)
Jackson hopes her lawsuit will prompt changes in prison safety protocols and workplace culture.
“It’s always been undermined, and inmates basically have more rights and powers than prison officers,” she said, the newspaper reported.
According to the report, CDCR declined to comment on the lawsuit in a statement, but noted that the safety of its staff remains its priority.
According to KCRA 3, the agency said, “CDCR cannot comment on pending litigation,” adding, “In the event of an incident within a facility, CDCR will conduct an internal investigation and, if appropriate, refer the matter to the local district attorney.” “I will.”
