Oakland, CA – In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into sexual abuse at Federal Correctional Institute Dublin (FCI Dublin), Nakie Nunley, a former correctional officer at the facility, has been sentenced to 72 months in prison. Nunley’s sentencing marks the seventh correctional officer to be held accountable in a wide-ranging probe into the misconduct at the federal institution, according to the United States Department of Justice.
Nunley, 48, of Fairfield, California, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of sexual abuse of a ward, five counts of abusive sexual contact, and one count of making false statements related to the investigation. His guilty plea encompasses his admissions of engaging in sexual acts and contacts with five separate women inmates, as well as his attempts to mislead federal investigators probing the allegations.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco underscored the gravity of Nunley’s actions, stating, “Nakie Nunley egregiously exploited his authority by sexually abusing multiple incarcerated women and then retaliating against those who blew the whistle.” Monaco affirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to holding officials accountable for abusing their power and protecting the victims of such abuses.
U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey highlighted the challenges of addressing injustice within prison systems but assured ongoing efforts to ensure accountability. “Rooting out injustice in prisons is difficult work,” said Ramsey, acknowledging the partnership with the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the FBI in pursuing the case.
Nunley’s abuse occurred between March 2020 and November 2021, involving sexual acts with two prisoners and illegal sexual contacts with three others. He admitted to additional instances of sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct towards other prisoners, detailing his retaliation tactics against those who dared to complain.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Priedeman and Andrew Paulson, following an investigation by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. This sentencing not only holds Nunley accountable for his actions but also represents a continued effort to safeguard the rights and dignity of inmates across the federal prison system.
