Woman wins $5.6 million settlement after traumatic cavity search at Tehachapi Correctional Facility

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Five years ago, Christina Cardenas was making a four-hour drive to see her husband, an inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. Now, she just won a $5.6 million lawsuit for what happened when she was there.

During that September 2019 visit to see her husband, Christina Cardenas said she was sexually violated during a strip search.

“My purpose is not in seeking vengeance or triumph, but to stand in grace and forgiveness for the harm and residual trauma that has been caused,” said Cardenas at a press conference Monday. “It is crucial to treat visitors not as criminals, but with humanity and respect for their human rights.”

According to Cardenas’ lawsuit, she was forced to undergo a strip search by prison officials, a traumatic cavity search by a male doctor, she was x-rayed and forced to take drug and pregnancy tests.

No contraband was ever found, and Cardenas was denied her visit with her husband.

17 News spoke to Cardenas and her attorney Gloria Allred Tuesday. Allred said what she went through was “state-sanctioned torture.”

“That’s torture, that’s abuse, that exploitation, I have no word strong enough to describe that that is sexual assault,” said Allred.

Of the $5.6 million settlement, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will pay $3.6 million, and the rest will be paid by the other defendants including two correctional officers, a doctor, and the Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Hospital.

“We think the message is sent you need to treat spouses or any other visitor with respect allow them their dignity, treat them as human beings, and make sure that you follow court orders and not go beyond them,” said Allred.

With the settlement, CDCR will also be required to distribute a Policy Memorandum to all employees that better protects the rights of visitors who have to undergo strip searches.

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