Jackson hopes her lawsuit will drive changes in prison safety protocols and workplace culture.
“The California model failed. That’s why we’re here. It failed in a horrific, horrific manner,” said Peacock. “Why is the California model even there? Because the Department of Corrections wants to do what? Save money.”
The lawsuit also accuses the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) of negligence. Ransom, 41, was reportedly transferred to the low- and medium-security facility despite his violent criminal history. Mark Peacock, Jackson’s attorney, criticized the decision.
The CDCR declined to comment on the lawsuit in its released statement, but pointed out that staff safety remains a priority, according to the outlet.
Katie Jackson, 40, alleges that systemic failures at the Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown allowed a convicted rapist and murderer, Robert Lawrence Ransom Jr., to attack her while she was on duty, according to KCRA 3. On Jan. 20, 2024, Jackson says she was held hostage, raped and threatened with death for four hours. Speaking at a news conference Monday at the State Capitol, Jackson said, “There were a lot of failed security measures within that institution that night.”
After the attack, Jackson says she was treated as a suspect rather than a victim, enduring hours of interrogation without access to basic needs. The Tuolumne County District Attorney has since filed 12 felony charges against Ransom, who is currently serving a life sentence, the outlet reported. (RELATED: ‘Trans’ Biological Male Once Housed In Women’s Prison Ordered To Stand Trial For Rape, Witness Intimidation)
“CDCR cannot comment on pending litigation,” the agency said, according to KCRA 3. “When incidents occur within a facility, CDCR conducts internal investigations and refers matters to the local district attorney as appropriate.”