man attacks woman in women’s prison

A Trans-Identified Male’s Sexual Assault on a Woman at Washington Women’s Prison Sparks Controversy and Legal Battle

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

Olympia, WA – A lawsuit filed in December 2024 against the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) has brought renewed scrutiny to the placement of male inmates who identify as female in women’s correctional facilities. The suit alleges that Christopher Scott Williams, a man with prior convictions for child molestation and domestic abuse, sexually assaulted a female cellmate after being transferred to the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW).

The plaintiff, Mozzy Clark, claims that Williams, who identifies as female, subjected her to months of intimidation, threats, and sexual harassment before ultimately assaulting her. The lawsuit further alleges that the DOC failed to respond adequately to Clark’s repeated complaints and concerns about her safety.

Williams, a 6-foot-4 man, was transferred to WCCW under policies designed to respect the gender identity of incarcerated individuals. Before the transfer, Williams had been convicted of multiple offenses, including child molestation and domestic violence. The plaintiff’s legal team argues that these prior convictions should have been a red flag, warranting closer consideration of Williams’ suitability for placement in a women’s facility.

Clark’s legal filing describes an environment of fear and hostility, claiming that Williams engaged in inappropriate and aggressive behavior almost immediately upon arrival at WCCW. The lawsuit alleges that Williams made lewd comments, engaged in unwanted physical contact, and threatened violence if Clark did not comply with demands. Clark says she reported these incidents to prison staff multiple times, but her complaints were dismissed or ignored.

According to court documents, the situation escalated when Williams sexually assaulted Clark in their shared cell. Clark contends that this attack could have been prevented if prison officials had acted on her earlier complaints. The lawsuit accuses the DOC of negligence, citing a failure to separate Williams from the general population or take steps to ensure the safety of other inmates.

The allegations have sparked a broader conversation about the balance between respecting the rights of male inmates who identify as female and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations within the prison system. Critics of the current policy argue that placing individuals with violent histories in facilities based solely on gender identity may pose risks to other inmates. Advocates, however, maintain that denying such inmates placement based on their identified gender is discriminatory and dehumanizing.

The case has reignited debate over how correctional facilities handle the housing of male inmates who identify as female. Current DOC policies aim to protect such individuals from violence and harassment by placing them in facilities that align with their gender identity. However, this approach has faced criticism in light of incidents like the one alleged in Clark’s lawsuit.

The lawsuit has raised questions about the capacity of correctional systems to protect all inmates, especially in cases where complex issues of identity, safety, and past behavior intersect. Experts note that the case reflects broader challenges within the prison system, including underfunding, overcrowding, and inadequate staff training.

“The safety and dignity of all inmates must be a priority,” said Dr. Rachel Simmons, a criminology professor specializing in corrections policy. “This case highlights the need for nuanced policies that consider both individual rights and collective safety.”

As the lawsuit proceeds, the Washington State DOC has stated that it is conducting an internal review of the incident. While declining to comment on the specifics of the case, a DOC spokesperson emphasized the department’s commitment to inmate safety and fairness.

For Mozzy Clark, the legal battle represents a fight for accountability. Her attorney has stated that the lawsuit seeks not only damages but also systemic changes to DOC policies and practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.