WE ARE JANE DOE

Artist: Teo Ducot

We Are Jane Doe is a new 3-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios.

 

“I’m Jane Doe number one,” is the opening line of our new podcast series.  Aliksandria Prout tells her never-before-heard story as a woman sent to prison for a non-violent offense in 2023. There, Prout caught the eye of a correctional officer, who used his position and his badge to abuse her.  But, that’s only the beginning.

Over three episodes, we trace thirteen women’s dramatic fight for justice, and the stunning ripple effects that threaten to upend the system of power and control at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), one of the largest women’s prisons on earth.

KQED reporters Anna Sussman and Madi Bolaños spent two years investigating this story. They spoke to more than a dozen women incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility, read through hundreds of pages of internal prison documents, obtained leaked audio, and painstakingly watched hours of video footage to reconstruct one of the most complex and devastating use-of-force incidents in state history.   

Bolaños, Sussman, and the Jane Does now coming forward are available for interviews.

This series contains violence against women, sexual assault, and strong language. Please take care while listening. 

Ali’s Story – E1

Aliksandria Prout had only been at the Central California Women’s Facility for a few days when an officer stopped her at a checkpoint. “You have beautiful lips and beautiful eyes,” he said. And that was just the beginning. But what he didn’t realize was… this time he’d picked the wrong girl.

Operation Breakdown – E2

August 2nd, 2024, started with a search. More than 150 women rounded up into chow hall as their cells were tossed.  What happened next was beyond their imagination. It would be investigated by the feds and the state. Things did not go to plan, or did they? 

What Happens in the Dark Always Comes to the Light – E3

Ali faces down her attacker in court and wins. But will the officers who assaulted her former cellmate and 150 other women see justice?

Behind the Gates – Bonus

With the story still unfolding as we publish, reporters Madi Bolaños and Anna Sussman unpack the investigation with editor Sukey Lewis.

We Are Jane Doe Credits

 

Host and Producer: Madi Bolanos & Anna Sussman 

Featured Story Voices: Aliksandria Prout, Katrina Cameron, Christina Wind, Wisdom Mohammed, Elizabeth Lozano

Editor: Sukey Lewis, Nancy Lopez & Mark Ristich

Fact Checking: Mark Bettancourt

Original Music & Engineering: Dirk Schwarzhoff

Director of Production: Marisa Dodge

Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich

Funding: This series was made possible in part with support from The Poynter Institute.