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Idaho prison system reopens sexual abuse case, reverses finding after InvestigateWest reporting
The Idaho Department of Correction reversed a prior finding after InvestigateWest revealed inadequate probes; at least one sexual abuse claim was confirmed amid 59 allegations since 2020.
- Department of Correction investigators substantiated Andrea Weiskircher's allegation against Joseph Mena after reviewing a handful of messages, following InvestigateWest's reporting on prior shoddy probes.
- Persistent appeals from Andrea Weiskircher led to InvestigateWest's yearlong probe exposing decade-long lapses that prompted renewed scrutiny of complaints like hers.
- Weiskircher accused five prison workers in summer 2024, including Joseph Mena, who is alleged to have kissed her at South Boise Women's Correctional Center, delivered contraband and propositioned her after release, while more than two dozen women told reporters similar abuse.
- Because Idaho Department of Correction lacks criminal authority, it can only discipline staff administratively and seek certification revocation, while Idaho State Police and internal affairs review detectives after Ada County judge pressure.
- Advocates are calling for reforms including expanding the prisoner rape law, creating a corrections ombudsman, and adding mandatory fines, citing victims punished after reporting and Idaho statutory rules limiting charges.
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Associated Press News+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Idaho prison system reopens sexual abuse case, reverses finding after InvestigateWest reporting
For nearly a year and a half, Andrea Weiskircher has been pleading with prison officials, state leaders and law enforcement to look at the evidence.
·United States
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Total News Sources6
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 33%
R 17%
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