Zera Lola Zombie, a biological male who transitioned to female while incarcerated, has been awarded a $295,000 settlement from the Oregon Department of Corrections following a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by staff and fellow inmates while housed in male prisons [1]. Zombie, previously known as Daniel Lee Smith, was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in 2014 for the killing of Samantha Lee Brown and received a combined 35-year sentence for manslaughter and a subsequent assault on another inmate. Zombie is not scheduled for release until 2049 [1].
The lawsuit, filed in 2021, claimed that Zombie was repeatedly sexually assaulted by cellmates at both the Oregon State Penitentiary and Two Rivers Correctional Facility. The legal complaint further alleged discrimination based on gender identity, failure to follow federal and state laws regarding the protection of vulnerable inmates, improper housing with known sexual predators, denial of legally mandated counseling, and failure to report sexual assaults as required by law [1].
According to The Oregonian, Zombie will personally receive $95,000 from the settlement, while $200,000 will go to attorney fees [1]. In 2023, a judge designated Zombie as a vulnerable person, mandating single-cell housing to prevent further assaults. United States District Court Judge Ann Aiken stated, "Plaintiff need not await another assault before obtaining preventative relief" [1].
A spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Corrections emphasized the agency's commitment to ending sexual assaults in its facilities, stating, "We take all allegations of sexual assault seriously and are committed to addressing them thoroughly and responsibly" [1].
CONCLUSION
The Oregon Department of Corrections' settlement with Zera Lola Zombie highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment and protection of transgender and vulnerable inmates. While the department reiterated its commitment to inmate safety, the case underscores the legal and operational challenges facing correctional institutions in addressing sexual abuse and discrimination.