According to a press release by the Justice Department on Wednesday, Tony Daniel Klein, a former nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Oregon, has been given a 30-year federal prison sentence. This significant ruling underscores the significance of accountability in correctional facilities. The sentence follows his conviction for sexually assaulting nine female inmates while in his role as a medical provider at the state’s only women’s prison.
Tony Daniel Klein, 38, hailing from Clackamas County, Oregon, was found guilty on 17 counts of depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment through sexual assault. Additionally, he faced four counts of perjury for his actions.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the significance of this case, stating, “The sentence in this case should send a significant message to any official working inside jails and prisons across our country, including those who provide medical care, that they will be held accountable when they sexually assault women inmates in their custody.”
The prosecution revealed that Klein’s reign of abuse spanned from 2010 until January 2018 when he served as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. As part of his role, Klein interacted with female inmates seeking medical treatment or those working as orderlies in the prison’s medical unit.
Klein, exploiting his access to these women and his position of authority, subjected many female inmates to sexual assault or nonconsensual sexual conduct. The abuse occurred before, during, or after medical treatment, often in secluded areas within the facility, such as medical rooms, janitor’s closets, or behind privacy curtains. Klein would manipulate his victims into situations where they were alone with him and would intimidate them, making it clear that they would not be believed if they reported his actions.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect the rights and well-being of incarcerated individuals, and it underscores the importance of holding those in positions of authority accountable for their actions.
U.S. Attorney Natalie Wight for the District of Oregon added, “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that using a position of authority to prey on individuals in custody will never be tolerated by the Justice Department.”
Special Agent in Charge Kieran L. Ramsey of the FBI Portland Field Office acknowledged the bravery of the women who came forward to ensure that Klein was held accountable for his predatory behavior.
As the justice system grapples with cases of abuse within correctional facilities, this significant sentence demonstrates the commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of inmates while emphasizing that those who abuse their power will face severe consequences.
A restitution hearing is scheduled for a later date, providing an opportunity for the victims to seek compensation for the harm they endured.
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