Guards at women’s prison accused of assault

OLYMPIA – The state prison system is investigating allegations that four male guards at the main state women’s penitentiary sexually assaulted two inmates.

Harold Clarke, secretary of the Department of Corrections, announced the inquiry Friday, saying he wants a thorough review of the allegations, as well as an outside investigation of how the department handles sexual misconduct complaints by female inmates.

The unidentified inmates at the Washington Corrections Center for Women at Purdy, near Gig Harbor in Pierce County, filed suit this week in Thurston County Superior Court. The Institutions Project of Columbia Legal Services in Seattle is handling the case and is asking the court to make it a class-action lawsuit on behalf of all current and future female convicts.

Clarke said the four prison employees have been put on administrative leave pending further investigation. He said the women allege sexual misconduct and used the term “sexual assault,” but he didn’t elaborate further.

The inmates’ lawyers didn’t immediately return calls for comment.

“Safety for the public, corrections workers and the prison population is our most important responsibility,” Clarke said in a statement. “We must do everything possible to ensure that offenders do not become victims while they are in prison.”

The agency also aims to make prisons safe for male inmates, said spokesman Gary Larson.

Clarke said the agency immediately conducted a preliminary inquiry after learning of the allegations this week.

Clarke said the initial review found that the Corrections Department investigated some complaints, but that not all allegations had been reported. The agency conceded no wrongdoing by the guards.

The director said outside experts will investigate the women’s complaints and how allegations were followed up. The outside review will also look at whether laws and policies are being followed to protect women inmates.

State law makes it a crime for prison employees to engage in sexual misconduct with inmates.

The review will include all state women’s prisons, including Purdy, Pine Lodge in Medical Lake near Spokane, and Mission Creek in Belfair, Mason County.

The experts will also review prison security, staff training and supervision of employees.