Former Female Inmate Files Federal Lawsuit Against Washington Department of Corrections for Sexual Assault by Transgender Inmate
/Tacoma, WA — A federal lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, by The Pivtorak Law Firm, alleges that the Washington Department of Corrections violated the constitutional rights of a female inmate by placing a transgender inmate with a history of violence and sexual predation in her cell, leading to repeated sexual harassment and assault
Click here to view and download the complaint.
The plaintiff, Mozzy Clark, a former inmate at the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW), claims she was forced to share a cell with a biologically male transgender inmate who had previously been incarcerated in a men’s facility. The individual, identified in the lawsuit as Christopher Williams, reportedly assaulted a corrections officer in the men's prison before claiming a female identity, resulting in their transfer to the women’s facility
"Prison officials knowingly placed my client in harm's way, disregarding her safety and basic human rights," said attorney David Pivtorak, who represents Clark. "This lawsuit seeks to hold the Department of Corrections accountable for policies that enabled the victimization of women in their custody."
According to the complaint, Clark endured ongoing sexual harassment and assault, including:
Williams making explicit sexual comments and threats.
Displaying sexually explicit behavior, including touching himself inappropriately.
Physically assaulting Clark while she slept, including fondling her and lifting her clothing without consent.
The lawsuit alleges that prison staff were aware of Williams’ violent and sexually predatory history, including prior misconduct involving a female inmate at WCCW, yet failed to intervene. Instead, staff reportedly discouraged Clark from filing complaints, warning her that speaking out could be considered a "hate crime." When Clark did submit a formal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) complaint, it took weeks for Williams to be removed from her cell, during which time the assaults continued.
"My experience at WCCW was a nightmare," Clark said.. "I lived in constant fear, knowing that those who were supposed to protect me not only ignored my pleas for help but enabled my abuser. This cannot continue to happen to others."
The complaint accuses the Department of Corrections and individual staff members of violating Clark’s First, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights, arguing that their policies constituted cruel and unusual punishment and deliberate indifference to her safety. The lawsuit also highlights systemic issues at WCCW, where women were routinely housed with biologically male transgender inmates without adequate safety protocols.
"This case is about more than one person’s suffering," Pivtorak said. "It’s about challenging policies that disregard the safety and dignity of women, and ensuring that institutions are held accountable for their failures."