Bryan Kohberger Files Sexual Harassment Complaint in Idaho Prison and Requests Transfer.
Bryan Kohberger, sentenced to four life terms for the 2022 University of Idaho murders, has filed a formal sexual harassment complaint while incarcerated at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI). According to prison records, Kohberger claims he has been subjected to repeated verbal threats from other inmates and has asked officials for a transfer.
Need to Know
- On July 30, Bryan Kohberger submitted a handwritten request to be moved from J-Block at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, citing harassment from other inmates.
- Five days later, he filed a concern note alleging sexual harassment, reporting threats that included: “I’ll b--- f--- you.”
- He also claimed another inmate said, “the only a-- we’ll be eating is Kohberger’s.” Despite these reports, officials declined to approve a transfer.
Transfer Request Submitted After One Night in J-Block
On July 30, 2025, one day after entering J-Block at IMSI, Kohberger submitted a handwritten request asking to be moved to a different unit. In his note, he described being exposed to “minute-by-minute verbal threats/harassment” and referenced recent inmate disturbances such as cell flooding.
Kohberger requested reassignment to B-Block, another restrictive housing tier. Prison officials denied the request, stating flooding was “relatively rare” in J-Block and advising Kohberger to “give it some time.”
Sexual Harassment Complaint Filed Days Later
On August 4, 2025, Kohberger filed a “concern note” alleging sexual harassment. He claimed inmates directed explicit threats toward him, including:
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“I’ll b--- f--- you.”
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“The only a-- we’ll be eating is Kohberger’s.”
A correctional officer’s incident report confirmed vulgar language had been used but noted the source could not be identified. A second officer later corroborated that offensive remarks were made, though without attribution to a specific inmate.
Prison officials ultimately concluded: “Kohberger feels safe to remain on tier 2 in J-Block.”
Legal Framework: Prisoner Harassment Complaints
Under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003, correctional facilities are required to provide inmates with a means to confidentially report sexual abuse and harassment. PREA standards define sexual harassment as “repeated and unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal comments, gestures, or actions of a derogatory or offensive sexual nature by one inmate directed toward another.”
While verbal threats alone may not always result in relocation, PREA mandates that facilities investigate all complaints and take reasonable measures to ensure inmate safety. Transfers are typically approved only when there is an identifiable, ongoing risk of harm.
Idaho DOC Policy and Grievance Procedure
The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) maintains a multi-step grievance process that allows inmates to file written complaints regarding conditions of confinement, staff conduct, or safety concerns. According to IDOC policy:
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Concern Form – The inmate must first submit a written concern (as Kohberger did on Aug. 4).
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Grievance Form – If unresolved, the inmate may escalate the issue by filing a formal grievance.
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Administrative Review – Appeals may be made to higher-level administrators if the inmate disputes the response.
Correctional officials have discretion to relocate inmates within IMSI if credible threats are substantiated. In Kohberger’s case, officials determined that his housing arrangement remained adequate.
Current Conditions in J-Block
J-Block houses up to 128 inmates, including general population, protective custody, and death row prisoners. Inmates in restrictive housing, such as Kohberger, live in single-person cells, are escorted in restraints, receive one hour of outdoor recreation daily, and may shower every other day.
These conditions differ from those at the county jail where Kohberger awaited trial, where he reportedly had access to longer daily showers and less restrictive confinement.
Conviction and Sentencing
In July 2025, Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole after confessing to the November 13, 2022 stabbings of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves (21), Madison Mogen (21), Xana Kernodle (20), and Ethan Chapin (20) at their Moscow, Idaho residence.
The case drew nationwide attention and raised questions about criminal profiling, forensic evidence, and pretrial publicity.
Institutional Response
The Idaho Department of Correction has not issued a public statement regarding Kohberger’s complaints. As of mid-August 2025, he remains housed in J-Block under restrictive custody.
Key Takeaway
While Kohberger’s complaints invoke PREA protections, officials have wide discretion in evaluating credibility and managing inmate housing. At present, IDOC has determined that his confinement in J-Block meets both security and safety requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bryan Kohberger’s Prison Complaint
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Why did Bryan Kohberger file a sexual harassment complaint in prison?
He alleged that inmates in J-Block directed sexually explicit threats toward him, which he reported to prison staff in early August 2025. -
What is J-Block at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution?
J-Block houses up to 128 inmates, including those in protective custody, general population, and death row, with restrictive housing conditions. -
What protections do inmates have against sexual harassment?
Under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), inmates can file confidential complaints, which must be investigated, though not all result in transfers. -
Did prison officials approve Kohberger’s transfer request?
No. Officials determined his housing in J-Block remained secure and denied his request for relocation. -
What sentence is Bryan Kohberger serving?
He is serving four consecutive life terms without parole for the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.
