Ex-Warden Jailed for Sex Abuse of Female Inmates
A federal jury has found former prison warden Ray J. Garcia guilty on seven counts of sexual abuse and one count of lying to government agents. The 55-year-old, from Merced, California, preyed on three female inmates while working at a low-security prison.
Serial Abuse Inside Prison Walls
Garcia was originally charged in September 2021 with sexual abuse of an inmate. But a federal grand jury hit him with a superseding indictment in August 2022, adding multiple counts of sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact spanning December 2019 to July 2021.
At the time, Garcia was associate warden and later warden at the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, California – an all-female facility. The victims were serving sentences under his control when the crimes happened.
Disturbing Details of the Crimes
- Victim 1 suffered sexual abuse and contact from December 2019 to March 2020. Garcia met her near the visitation room, an attached bathroom, and an inmate changing stall where the abuse took place.
- Victim 2 was sexually assaulted twice between January and July 2021. The attacks happened in a prison warehouse and her cell, locations typically out of sight.
- Victim 3 experienced abusive sexual contact from March to September 2020 in the prison’s electrical shop.
Garcia’s Lies Caught on Tape
During the investigation, Garcia denied ever asking inmates to undress or touching them improperly. But evidence proved he had done both repeatedly. He was convicted of making false statements on July 22, 2021.
Each sexual abuse count carries up to 15 years in prison. Abuse counts could add two years each, and lying to investigators can bring eight years. The sentencing hearing is set for March 8, 2023, with Garcia currently out on bail.
