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SVSP Inmate Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Sexual Assault in Prison

 

SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 7 that

Monterey County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Hulsey sentenced 41-year-old Tyrone Owens, an inmate

housed at the Salinas Valley State Prison, to a total term of 25 years to life in prison for a sexual assault

that occurred on prison grounds. Owens was sentenced as a third “strike” offender pursuant to the

California Three Strikes Law.

On March 23, 2023, Owens was walking in the Facility D yard at Salinas Valley State Prison when

he approached a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Jane Doe, asking for “help”. Jane Doe proceeded to

instruct him on how to get help, Owens then told her he needed “sexual help”, ran after her, grabbed her,

and tried to put his hand down her pants while, Jane Doe eventually broke free from Owen’s grasp and

Correctional Officers arrived on the scene to assist. The entire incident was recorded on surveillance video.

At the time of the incident, Owens was serving a 17-year prison sentence for similar conduct. The life

sentence in this case won’t begin until he has served his previous term which began in 2019.

This case was investigated by ISU Officers at the Salinas Valley State Prison. District Attorney

Investigator Erik Morris also assisted.

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