A U.S. Department of Justice study found since 2006 there has been a pattern of sexual abuse at Florida’s all-female prison, Lowell Correctional Institute. Rep. Dianne Hart (D-Tampa) is filing bills aimed at cracking down on sexual abuse in prisons. Allegations from inmates at the all-women’s prison in Ocala describe sexual abuse, and other illegal treatment that have gone on for more than a decade.
“This is not an isolated incident this is not just Lowell, however the DOJ report talks about Lowell,” said Hart. “This is happening throughout the state of Florida and that’s why it’s so important that we begin to get this information out so people can better understand that you may be incarcerated but you are still a person.”
Former inmates joined Hart on a conference call with reporters. Laurette Philipsen served nearly 9 years at the facility and says she knew of inmates who had sex with correctional officers for access to contraband or other favors.
Former inmate Cheryl Budesa held back tears as she described a time she was held down and sprayed with what was most likely pepper spray.
“They had me hogtied and lifted me and started videotaping me. Then all of a sudden out of nowhere came a video camera,” said Budesa. “They were all going, ‘oh, did you empty the whole can, attaboy,’ patting each other on the back. They were very proud of it because that’s what they learned. “
An investigation by the Department of Justice into Lowell Correctional Institution describes a pattern of staff sexual abuse of prisoners.
Now Rep. Onika Omphroy (D-Lauderdale) is calling for a review of the Florida Department of Corrections.
"My cry and my plight today is that we need to do a full evaluation on the people who are at the top level," said Omprhoy. "Mr. Inch, you know who your issues are. It’s time for us to stop hiding these issues and get these issues out of our system."
DOC Secretary Mark Inch has said the agency has cooperated fully with investigations.
The DOJ report says the prison guards would put those who report sexual abuse in confinement and make them go without sanitary products to discourage them from reporting sexual abuse.
