Transgender Inmate Goes Against Prison Policies, Assaults Fellow Prisoner

Rebecca, an inmate in a women’s prison, never anticipated that she would share a cell with her alleged future rapist. Following a cell change due to conflicts with other prisoners, Rebecca claims she was assaulted in the showers by her new cellmate, a self-identified transgender inmate.

This incident has left her with severe trauma, making basic hygiene a trigger for reliving her ordeal.

This article delves into the disturbing details of the alleged assault at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, and the broader implications for prison policies regarding transgender inmates.

The Alleged Assault

In January 2024, Rebecca, a woman in her thirties, was serving a short sentence for burglary at CCWF. After requesting a cell change, she was placed with two female prisoners and a transgender inmate, Tremaine Carroll.

Just days later, Rebecca claims that Carroll assaulted her in the prison showers.

The trauma has been so severe that Rebecca struggles with basic hygiene routines, which now serve as painful reminders of the attack.

Background on Tremaine Carroll

Carroll’s criminal history is extensive and troubling. As a juvenile, Carroll faced charges for theft and firearm possession. As an adult, Carroll’s criminal activities escalated, involving a gunpoint kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault.

Although some charges were dropped, Carroll pled guilty to kidnapping and received a significant prison sentence.

After reoffending post-release, Carroll was sentenced under California’s “Three Strikes” law to a minimum of 25 years to life.

At 51 years old, Carroll, who is physically imposing, self-identifies as a transgender woman but has not undergone sex reassignment surgery.

Despite this, California law allows inmates to be housed according to their gender identity without such surgical requirements.

The Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act in 2020.

This law permits incarcerated transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals to request housing consistent with their gender identity.

To apply for a transfer, inmates only need to declare their identity and receive approval from prison authorities.

In 2021, Carroll was transferred to CCWF after numerous complaints of harassment and alleged sexual assaults by other detainees.

Carroll’s Role in Prison and Subsequent Allegations

At CCWF, Carroll became a prominent figure in the state’s transgender inmate programs. Carroll even contributed writings to a news website, describing life as a transgender woman in prison.

However, women’s rights lawyer Lauren Bone, who opposes the Transgender Respect Act, highlighted that Carroll had previously dismissed claims of victimization by trans prisoners at CCWF.

Despite Carroll’s assertions of being non-threatening, Rebecca’s account tells a different story.

Rebecca reports that Carroll expressed sexual interest in her immediately after the cell transfer. Carroll allegedly left flirtatious notes and propositioned Rebecca, who rebuffed these advances.

Rebecca claims that Carroll then assaulted her in the showers, leading to her hospitalization and further traumatizing experiences, including being restrained and subjected to a pelvic exam while in chains.

Legal and Policy Implications

The incident led to the filing of sexual assault charges against Carroll by the Madera County District Attorney’s office.

District Attorney Sally Moreno indicated that this case raises serious questions about the appropriateness of transferring inmates like Carroll to women’s facilities.

Carroll now faces charges for two rapes and attempting to intimidate a witness. Carroll denies these charges but has been transferred to Kern Valley State Prison, an all-male facility.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has not commented on Carroll’s case but stated that transgender inmates presenting safety concerns are not allowed to transfer facilities.

This incident has prompted women’s rights advocates to call for a review of the policy, which has resulted in over 44 biological male prisoners being moved to female facilities since 2021, with nearly 200 more applications under review.

Broader Impact on Prison Policies

The allegations against Carroll highlight potential flaws in the Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act.

Critics argue that the policy might be exploited by inmates seeking easier conditions rather than genuinely reflecting their gender identity.

Former prison guard Hector Bravo Ferrel noted that some inmates seemed eager to fake gender transitions to request transfers.

This situation underscores the need for careful evaluation and possibly rethinking current policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all inmates.

Conclusion

Rebecca’s alleged assault by a transgender inmate at CCWF has sparked significant controversy and raised critical questions about the policies governing inmate housing based on gender identity.

As the legal process unfolds, this case may prompt a reevaluation of how such policies are implemented to balance the rights and safety of all prisoners.