In August 2006, caregivers at the Sonoma Developmental Center found dark blue bruises shaped like handprints covering the breasts of a patient named Jennifer. She accused a staff member of molestation, court records show. Jennifer’s injuries appeared to be evidence of sexual abuse, indicating that someone had violently grabbed her. The Office of Protective Services opened an investigation. But detectives took no action because the case relied heavily on the word of a woman with severe intellectual disabilities. A few months later, court records show, officials at the center had indisputable evidence that a crime had occurred. Watch the full story: For more information, see Ryan Gabrielson’s article at California Watch, a project of the Center for Investigative Reporting: californiawatch.org Text OPS to 877877 to get updates on this investigation. Do you suspect abuse at a developmental center? Let us know. Fill out our short questionaire. For more great stories, subscribe to The I Files: goo.gl CREDITS: Reported and narrated by Ryan Gabrielson Directed, produced, and edited by Carrie Ching Illustrated by Marina Luz Voice of mother by Evelyn Kelsey Music: “Haunted” by Jamie Evans “Winter Sunshine” by Evgeny Grinko “From Truth” and “The Time to Run” by Dexter Britain Sound effects by grayseraphim and pfly JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE: Like The I Files on Facebook: fb.com Follow on Twitter: twitter.com Reblog on Tumblr: theifiles …