Civil Rights Claim Filed Against San Francisco Following Sexual Assault of Transgender Inmate at County Jail #2

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Attorneys from Mirador Law and the Law Office of Sanjay S. Schmidt have officially filed a claim against the City and County of San Francisco on behalf of a transgender woman, identified as Jane Doe. The claim follows a report that a San Francisco sheriff’s deputy sexually assaulted her while she was incarcerated at County Jail #2 in the SoMa area.

While the deputy involved was fired from the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department following an internal investigation, no criminal charges have been filed more than six months later.

A Pattern of Negligence

The claim alleges that in September 2025, the unnamed deputy used their authority to coerce Jane Doe into sexual relations. Attorneys state that Doe complied due to the inherent power dynamic, the deputy’s intimidation, and her acute fear of noncompliance. Under California Penal Code section 289.6, any sexual act between an inmate and a sworn officer is illegal.

This filing is a required precursor to pursuing further legal claims under state law, with attorneys anticipating a civil rights enforcement action later this year.

“This is a first step in justice for our client, who the deputy took advantage of, and now his crimes are being swept under the rug,” said Megan Burns, Managing Partner of Mirador Law. “We have cooperated fully with the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department for months, with no progress.”

Broader Concerns at County Jail #2

This case is not an isolated incident but adds to a growing list of serious misconduct allegations regarding County Jail #2. Recent reports have highlighted a troubling environment within the facility:

  • November 2025: Seventeen women filed claims accusing deputies of secretly recording strip searches.
  • December 2025: An inmate allegedly stabbed another, raising concerns about safety supervision.
  • January 2026: Reports surfaced regarding unsanitary conditions due to prolonged issues with hot water access.

These issues are compounded by reports that the facility is operating at capacity and remains severely understaffed.

Holding Power Accountable

Sanjay Schmidt, Principal of the Law Office of Sanjay S. Schmidt, emphasized the need for systemic accountability. “It is difficult to fathom why the City and County of San Francisco’s law enforcement agencies are dragging their feet with this case, other than our client’s status as a marginalized detainee at the time of the assault,” Schmidt said. “We are asking the justice system to do what it’s intended to do: enforce the law.”

Do You Have Information?

The investigation is ongoing, and attorneys are conducting outreach to identify any additional potential victims of sexual assault or sexual misconduct within County Jail #2.

If you or someone you know has information relevant to this investigation, you are encouraged to contact the legal team.

 

About Mirador Law Mirador Law is a boutique plaintiff personal injury law firm with a reputation for excellence in Northern California. Co-managing partners Megan Burns and Emily Dahm are Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers and were finalists for the SFTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year Award in 2025.

About Law Office of Sanjay S. Schmidt Sanjay S. Schmidt is a highly regarded civil rights lawyer based in San Francisco, focusing exclusively on prosecuting civil rights actions to obtain justice for victims of misconduct and to prompt systemic reforms.