Bureau of Prison to face trial over allegations of guards abusing female prisoners in California

A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Bureau of Prisons to be ready to stand trial next year over its handling of prison guards who sexually abused female convicts at a federal facility in California.

The bureau closed down the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, after multiple guards were accused of sexually abusing inmates and retaliating against those who have tried to report it. In some cases, the abuse stretches back decades, according to an investigation by the Associated Press last month.

U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ordered the bureau and prosecutors to be prepared for a June 23, 2025, trial, but a case management conference will be held on Sept. 9. However, attorneys for the whistleblowers in the case have indicated that they are open to a settlement if the bureau agrees to certain changes like better medical, and mental healthcare. Discussions on the settlement are still ongoing, the Associated Press reported.

Rogers also ordered a special master to handle the cases of the more than 600 prisoners at the facility being transferred to other prisons. There are only five federal women's facilities operating now that FCI Dublin has closed. Some of the prisoners at FCI Dublin have complained of mistreatment amid the transfer process, and Rogers said the closure of the facility has created some “serious concerns."

The court case is just the latest in a series of legal troubles for the BOP over FCI Dublin. The FBI previously investigated the prison facility over allegations that whistleblowers were retaliated against if they spoke up about mistreatment or abuse at the prison. Retaliation against inmates who tried to report the abuse could consist of being placed in solitary confinement, or having their belongings taken away, according to attorney Amaris Montes, who represented several inmates that sued the facility last year.

The prison has tried to change its leadership multiple times in order to fix the issues, but ultimately closed down last month. At least eight Dublin employees have been charged with sexual abuse so far, five of whom have pleaded guilty. Two employees were convicted during a trial, and one other case is still pending.

Sexual activity between a prison official and an inmate is illegal, because of the control that employees have over the inmates.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.