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NYC NOW Special investigation: He Went by ‘Champagne’ on Rikers Island. Here’s What 24 Women Allege He Did.
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More than 20 women say a man who went by Officer “Champagne” sexually assaulted them while they were held at the Rikers Island women's jail. Their allegations span decades and they are now suing the city for more than $500 million. But the Department of Correction says there was no one with that name who worked there during that time.
WNYC spoke with several women who say they were assaulted by Champagne, and started to unravel the mystery. Who was Correction Officer Champagne?
What the WNYC investigation found led to more questions — including why city officials have done so little to investigate more than 700 recent claims of sexual assault at the troubled jail.
Warning: This episode contains profane language and detailed descriptions of sexual assault allegations.
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