Dana Sue Gray, a notorious serial killer serving a life sentence without parole at Central California Women's Facility (CCWF), has reported being sexually assaulted by a male-to-female transgender cellmate. Gray, who gained infamy in the 1990s for murdering three elderly women to steal their credit cards, revealed the assault in phone interviews with the Independent Women's Forum (IWF).
According to Gray, the attack occurred when her 6ft 2in cellmate pulled down his pants and exposed himself to her, leading to what she described as a "terrifying and disgusting" experience. She reported the incident to a guard, and the cellmate was subsequently moved to another area within the facility. However, Gray did not formally report the assault due to concerns over the proof required and potential repercussions that could lead to her solitary confinement.
Gray’s allegations highlight ongoing issues within California women's prisons following the implementation of Senate Bill 132. The bill, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2020, allows transgender inmates to request transfers to facilities that match their gender identity, without requiring them to undergo hormone therapy or surgery. Since its enactment, there have been increased reports of sexual violence within these prisons.
SB 132's supporters argue that transgender inmates are often victims themselves and deserve the security of being housed in facilities aligning with their gender identity. Critics, however, contend that the law exposes female inmates to increased risk of sexual assault by biological males.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual abuse and conducts investigations into all allegations. The prison system currently includes approximately 1,997 transgender and non-binary detainees, with a number of requests for transfers between male and female facilities under review.