Central California Women’s Facility Incident Leads to $1.9 Million Settlement
In August 2024, a mass use-of-force incident occurred at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, where over 150 incarcerated women were subjected to chemical agents and tear gas. Thirteen women sued, alleging the incident was retaliation for complaints of…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, September 30, 2026 — A settlement of $1.9 million has been reached concerning a mass use-of-force incident at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. The incident, which took place in August 2024, involved the use of chemical agents and tear gas on more than 150 incarcerated women.
Following the event, thirteen women filed a lawsuit. Their legal action alleged that the use of force was a retaliatory measure stemming from prior complaints of sexual abuse made by the women. The terms of the settlement indicate that the state has agreed to pay $1.9 million to resolve these claims.
Details regarding the specifics of the use-of-force incident beyond the number of individuals affected and the agents deployed were not provided in the summary. The lawsuit’s premise centered on the claim that the facility’s actions were in response to complaints of sexual abuse. The resolution through a settlement avoids a potentially lengthy legal trial, with the state agreeing to the financial compensation.
The Central California Women’s Facility is located in Chowchilla, California. The incident and subsequent lawsuit highlight legal and human rights concerns within correctional facilities. The outcome of this case underscores the legal processes available to individuals who allege mistreatment or retaliation while incarcerated.
Story summarized from the original created by Keith Mizuguchi on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
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