Two women incarcerated at the California Institution for Women (CIW) allege that Marcus Johnson, a former supervisory cook, sexually assaulted them in 2020 while they worked in the prison kitchen. The women, paid less than 40 cents an hour, state Johnson raped them and threatened disciplinary action if they reported the abuse. One woman, known as Jane Doe 1, had her claim officially ruled “substantiated” in 2024, meaning the assault was confirmed. The second, Jane Doe 2, was told her case was “unsubstantiated” due to lack of evidence. Both women have spoken out for the first time, urging criminal charges against Johnson to prevent harm to others. Jane Doe 1 reported that Johnson forced her to give oral sex and raped her in a prison bathroom. He threatened that no one would believe her, and that she could face charges if she spoke up. She was assaulted again weeks later. Jane Doe 2 said Johnson raped her after she asked him for a towel. She screamed for help, but no one responded. She later received treatment for a sexually transmitted infection. Johnson denies all allegations, saying, "I fully deny those claims. I have never been aggressive towards a woman for anything and especially for a sexual reason." He was placed on paid leave during the investigations and resigned later. The San Bernardino district attorney's office is reviewing the case after the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) referred it in 2024. Such prosecutions are rare despite hundreds of sexual misconduct claims filed each year in California prisons. Both women described long-term mental health struggles after the assaults and criticized prison officials for their handling of the cases. The suits also accuse CDCR leaders of negligence and highlight a history of sexual abuse allegations in the prison kitchen. Advocates say survivors of prison staff abuse face barriers to justice and call for better support and legal action. The DA noted the difficulty of prosecuting these cases but encouraged victims to come forward promptly. Jane Doe 2 said, "I’m doing this for all women. I want everybody to know that we matter."