A federal judge ruled in favor of Orange County in a lawsuit brought up by a transgender inmate who was raped by a fellow inmate while in the custody of the county in 2008.
The victim, identified as D.B. in court documents, was assaulted by cellmate Josh Bailey on Dec. 8, 2008. According to records, the assault occurred after D.B. had requested to be held in protective custody. D.B. feared that her transgender status would make her a target. In 2012, D.B. filed a lawsuit alleging negligence by the county and civil rights violations by 14 employees.
Bailey was later convicted of sexual battery with a deadly weapon and sentenced to 25 years in state prison.
Allegations against the Orange County employees have since been dismissed. On Sept. 18, U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell ruled in the county’s favor, finding no proof the county intentionally disregarded D.B.’s safety.
