CHINO, CA – A kitchen supervisor at the California Institution for Men in Chino has filed a lawsuit following a violent attack by an inmate last August that left her with life-altering injuries.
During a news conference, the plaintiff’s legal team alleged that facility management and a corrections officer failed to protect her.
The Attack Inside the Facility
The incident occurred on August 10, 2025, inside a walk-in freezer in the prison’s kitchen. According to the lawsuit, an inmate attempted to sexually assault the supervisor before stabbing her in the neck.
While the plaintiff’s identity is being protected as Jane Doe, her sister spoke out during the conference, describing the physical and emotional scars as a daily reminder of her fight for survival.
Allegations of Guard Negligence
The lawsuit takes aim at the security protocols in place during the incident. Attorney Denisse Gastelum alleged that a corrections officer assigned to the area failed to supervise the supervisor, even after being explicitly told she was entering the freezer with the prisoner.
Furthermore, the legal team claimed that the guard failed to offer help during the struggle. Instead, other inmates intervened to rescue the supervisor while the officer reportedly neglected his duties.
Questions Over Inmate Job Placement
Attorney Toni Jaramilla questioned the prison’s decision-making regarding inmate labor assignments. The attacker was reportedly serving time for assault with a deadly weapon.
The legal team raised serious concerns during the press conference:
- Why a violent offender was permitted to work in a kitchen with access to sharp tools and knives.
- Why proper security escorts were not utilized for staff members entering isolated areas.
Official Response
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has declined to release a public statement regarding the allegations, citing policy against commenting on pending litigation.
