A male prisoner identified as transgender was transferred to a male facility in June, following allegations of sexual assault against a female cellmate while in a women’s prison. Records indicate Christopher Scott Williams, sentenced to 28 years for a first-degree assault, was initially denied transfer to the women’s prison in November 2019 due to prior violence against women. However, in late 2021, his transfer was approved, leading to claims of sexual assault by female inmate Mozzy Clark shortly thereafter.
Clark has argued that placing “male sexual predators” in her vicinity and not addressing her complaints about harassment and assault infringed on her constitutional rights. Her attorney, David Pibtrack, stated that housing Williams with female inmates was foreseeably dangerous, particularly given his history.
On June 20, 2025, Williams was transferred back to a men’s prison, listing his gender as female. However, privacy issues prevent the Washington Department of Corrections from discussing specifics about his reclassification or transfer. A spokesperson mentioned such transfers are common for a variety of operational reasons.
Clark has expressed concern regarding the fear many women in prison feel due to their past experiences of abuse and trauma when housed with male inmates, a sentiment echoed by others in the field.
“Classified as male”
A custody review shows Williams was denied a transfer to the women’s facility because of previous violent conduct. Following various applications, the corrections committee ultimately decided on a single cell in the men’s facility, citing concerns over his violent history against women.
Despite his claims of needing safety from sexual exploitation, corrections officials noted that decisions about housing are largely based on the custody review score. Over time, Williams continued to push for a transfer, arguing non-men’s facilities were safer.
As mentioned, the policy guiding such decisions has been scrutinized in recent years. The ACLU and other advocacy groups have been engaged in negotiations leading to changes in prison policies around transgender individuals. Washington DOC asserts that they consider inmates’ gender identity in transferring decisions.
In a recent lawsuit, Clark described Williams as a significant physical threat and claimed he repeatedly harassed and assaulted her. The case is set for court in October 2026. In response to questions about the assault allegations, the Washington DOC stated they treat such claims seriously, aligning their response protocols with the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
Critics argue that the current policies seem to prioritize the rights of trans individuals over the safety of women in custody, leading to significant concerns among advocacy groups.
In a recent settlement, the state agreed to enhance its policies to improve the treatment of transgender inmates with disabilities, underscoring ongoing debates about the intersection of gender identity and prison safety.
