Ex-prison officer guilty of sexually abusing inmates
OAKLAND >> An ex-corrections officer at FCI Dublin has pleaded guilty to three felony charges for sexually abusing three incarcerated women, the latest development after revelations of widespread sexual abuse at the federal prison.
Ross Klinger, 37, of Riverside pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. Klinger was charged last year with sexually abusing two women at the prison, but authorities have since identified a third victim.
Klinger was the first of four staff members at FCI Dublin to face federal charges for allegedly sexually abusing incarcerated women. The others include a prison chaplain, and the former warden, Ray J. Garcia, who allegedly tried to dissuade victims from reporting the abuse.
Klinger faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The criminal complaint against Klinger alleged he gave gifts to one of his victims, talked about wanting to marry her, and visited her after he was transferred to San Diego, using an alias to get around Bureau of Prison policies intended to prevent such contact.
Last week, the Associated Press released a report detailing a “culture” of sexual abuse at FCI Dublin, which got so bad prisoners and staff came up with a nickname for the prison: “The Rape Club.” In addition to the criminal charges, at least one incarcerated woman has sued the prison, alleging she was placed in solitary confinement after reporting being abused by a guard who is not among the four currently facing criminal charges.
Klinger's guilty plea will precede at least one other: Last month, prosecutors confirmed that former guard James Theodore Highhouse agreed to plead guilty to a federal offense four days before prosecutors charged him with sexual abuse of a ward and lying to the FBI.