health
February 18, 2026
Women in California prison accuse staff cook of rape and urge criminal charges
Exclusive: After investigators concluded an abuse incident occurred, women speak out for first time – ‘I was so scared to tell anybody’
TL;DR
- Two women incarcerated in California allege they were sexually assaulted by a former supervisory cook, Marcus Johnson, in 2020.
- One woman's claim was deemed 'substantiated' by investigators, meaning the assault was determined to have occurred, though she was informed nearly four years later.
- The second woman's claim was found 'unsubstantiated' due to insufficient evidence.
- The San Bernardino county district attorney's office is reviewing Johnson's case for potential charges.
- The women are speaking out to demand criminal charges against Johnson and to draw attention to widespread sexual abuse within the CDCR.
- Johnson denies the allegations, stating he resigned due to administrative leave and the ongoing investigations.
- The article highlights the low rate of substantiated sexual abuse claims against CDCR staff and the rarity of criminal charges.
- Legal action is also being taken against CDCR officials for alleged negligence in protecting the women from abuse.
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