New Lawsuit Filed Against County of Plumas, Alleging Sexual Assault and Civil Rights Violations

SACRAMENTO, CA – A new lawsuit has been filed by a plaintiff under the pseudonym “DOE” in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California against the County of Plumas and a former correctional officer. This complaint, filed on September 28, 2024, accuses the former correctional officer of sexually assaulting the plaintiff while she was incarcerated at the Plumas County Jail between fall 2012 and spring 2013, and it alleges the County’s failure to investigate or address previous reports of misconduct.

The filing details specific allegations that the correctional officer isolated and assaulted plaintiff while on duty, leveraging his position to threaten and intimidate her into silence. The complaint states that the officer continued to harass the plaintiff after her release, including inappropriate communications and appearances at her  workplace after she became employed by the County.

The lawsuit arrives shortly after a significant court decision involving the same correctional officer. In July 2023, the court found that officer, who previously served as a supervising sergeant, and the County liable for creating a hostile work environment for the former female correctional officer, and that the County had retaliated against her following her report of harassment. That case, tried without a jury, concluded with a verdict awarding her $752,214 in damages after it was determined that the County violated the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. The Court later awarded $1.6 million dollars in attorney’s fees and costs against the County of Plumas, and issued a permanent injunction requiring the County to create a review team to investigate sexual harassment complaints.

The new lawsuit by plaintiff details the alleged abuse, including multiple instances where the correctional officer is said to have isolated plaintiff for sexual assault, followed by intimidation and continued harassment after her release. The complaint highlights systemic failures within the County of Plumas, suggesting a pattern of protecting employees protected the accused officer despite serious allegations.

Plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorney’s fees and civil penalties. This filing underscores recurring issues in the County’s handling of complaints and adherence to established investigative protocols under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

The County of Plumas has not yet issued statements regarding the new lawsuit.

This developing story continues to draw attention, particularly in light of the recent court ruling that raised questions about the County’s internal policies and accountability measures. Updates will follow as further details and responses emerge.

Representing plaintiff are attorneys Calvin Chang from CAL LAW APC, and Eric Lambdin, Law Office of G. Eric Lambdin. The case is presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. (US District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. 2:24-cv-02640-DJC-CSK).