A federal grand jury has indicted Raquel Mosqueda, 36, of Porterville, California, and Jimmie L. Carter, 44, on charges of conspiring to violate the constitutional rights of an inmate at California State Prison-Corcoran. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.
Mosqueda served as a Correctional Officer with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, while Carter was an inmate. Court documents indicate that around April 20, 2022, Mosqueda agreed with Carter to allow him to "get rid of" another inmate. This agreement allegedly led to an assault on the victim by permitting Carter and other inmates access to the victim's cell. The attack resulted in bodily harm to the victim.
Additionally, Mosqueda is charged with depriving the victim of his constitutional right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. This right includes protection from violence by fellow inmates.
The case stems from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Office of Internal Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Karen A. Escobar and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein from the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice are handling prosecution duties.
If convicted on conspiracy charges, both Mosqueda and Carter could face up to 10 years in prison along with a $250,000 fine. For depriving constitutional rights, Mosqueda faces an additional potential sentence of 10 years in prison and another $250,000 fine. Sentencing would depend on court discretion after reviewing statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines that consider various variables. It is important to note that these charges are allegations; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.