Day: April 19, 2025

Panzo and Reyes share their experience with “The Truth of the Matter” host Natasha Zouves. Their stories reveal more than just individual trauma. Along with four other women who spoke to NewsNation, their accounts expose a system that punished women for speaking up — using solitary confinement, delayed release dates and silence to protect abusers.

NewsNation reached out to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and a spokesperson replied that the BOP “strongly condemns all forms of sexually abusive behavior and takes seriously our duty to protect the individuals entrusted in our custody. … Due to active litigation, we will decline to comment further.”

This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.

SEE THE FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THE “RAPE CLUB” PRISON: https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/rape-club-fci-dublin-prison-former-inmates-stories/

NewsNation’s series “The Truth of the Matter” goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories shaping our world.

These stories are more than just hidden truths—they’re blueprints for navigating our own lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons learned. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Connect with host Natasha Zouves: https://www.instagram.com/natashazouves/

Producer: Ryan Kerr

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all America.

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CHAPTERS
0:00-2:25 Go inside the “Rape club” prison
2:25-4:37 Windy Panzo describes rock bottom
4:38-10:43 Windy alleges abuse in the prison church
10:44-13:01 Windy: The aftereffects of trauma
13:02-15:21 Lasting triggers
15:22-17:10 Cassandra Reyes describes her testimony against Darrell “dirty dick” smith
17:11-18:15 Cassandra alleges escalating abuse
18:16-20:09 Fear of retaliation
20:10-22:14 Cassandra: aftereffects of trauma
22:15 Windy proposes body cams to prevent future abuse
23:15-25:26 Looking to the future