South Dakota Legislators Consider State Coverage for Inmate Legal Defense Fees
South Dakota lawmakers explore shifting responsibility for inmate legal defense fees from counties to the state.
Recent Blog Posts
Montana Correctional Facilities Face Boiler Issues in Extreme Cold
Montana correctional facilities address heating challenges during sub-zero temperatures by implementing emergency measures and repairs.
Cal State LA receives grant to bridge Prison to Careers
Cal State LA secures a $900K grant for prison to careers initiative, linking graduates with employment opportunities after incarceration.
Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall Places Eight Officers on Leave
The LAC Probation Department suspends eight officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall amid misconduct allegations involving juveniles.
Other Blog Posts
Inmate Dog Training Program, FCI Terre Haute Partners with Local Humane Society
FCI Terre Haute partners with a local humane society for an inmate dog training program, benefiting both shelter dogs and inmates.
Gov. Kay Ivey $5,000 Grant for Prison Body Armor Upgrades
Alabama correctional officers receive improved protection with Gov. Kay Ivey’s grant for prison body armor.
Valley State Prison Staff Bowl for Special Olympics
Valley State Prison staff participates in a Special Olympics bowling tournament, showcasing dedication to community service.
Quandelle Joseph Guilty Plea, MDC Brooklyn Bribery
Ex-MDC officer Quandelle Joseph pleads guilty, confessing to taking bribes for smuggling contraband into the Brooklyn jail.
Christopher Jones challenges discrimination against deaf inmates in Clark County Detention Center
Christopher Jones sues Clark County Jail, alleging discrimination against deaf inmates and demanding proper communication and accommodations.
Georgia pressed to fund gender transition for a prisoner
The U.S. government advocates gender transition for a prisoner, pushing Georgia to fund treatment amidst alleged gender dysphoria violations.
Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention, Advocates Push for Reforms
Parents and advocates demand improvements at the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center, urging for better living conditions.
Fugitive Nicholas Rossi Lands in Davis County Jail After Extradition
Accused fugitive Nicholas Rossi, extradited from Scotland, faces Utah charges, including rape, as he awaits trial in Davis County Jail.
17 inmates at Indiana State Prison are now peer recovery coaches
In Indiana State Prison, inmates achieve certification as substance abuse peer recovery coaches, fostering positive change behind bars.
Inmate Enrique Saucedo dies in an attack at Centinela State Prison
Inmate Enrique Saucedo, 29, died in a Centinela State Prison attack; CDCR investigates; attackers: David Veloz, Rigoberto Estrada.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard recounts solitary confinement experience
Gypsy Rose shares her harrowing experience of being placed in solitary confinement due to a fan’s social media post during her prison term.
Prison education program PATHS expand opportunity to earn college credits
The PATHS (Prepare, Achieve, and Transform for Healthy Success) prison education program is expanding to provide women with college credits.
St. Louis City Justice Center implements phone ban for attorneys
St. Louis City Justice Center institutes a ban on attorneys’ phones following media exposure of detainee neglect.
TDCJ Announces Skills Demonstration and Career Expo Showcasing Inmate Job Skills
TDCJ’s Skills Demonstration and Career Expo provide hands-on exhibits of inmates’ job skills for second-chance employers and media.
Security lapses lead to fatal fentanyl overdose of Steve Delgado at Hilo Community Correctional Center
Hilo Community Correctional Center faces scrutiny following the fatal fentanyl overdose of inmate Steve Delgado.
Taking Root, Fairfax County Diversion Program Marks One Year Milestone
Fairfax County, VA, leaders celebrate the one-year success of “Taking Root,” a diversion program providing a Virginia alternative to jail.
Jason Richard Budrow faces charges for alleged attack on Paul Ruben Flores at Pleasant Valley State Prison
Jason Richard Budrow, a convicted killer, denies responsibility for an attack on Paul Ruben Flores, the man who murdered Kristin Smart.
Mountain View Unit Renamed Patrick L. ODaniel Unit in Recognition of Former Board Chair
TBCJ approves renaming Gatesville’s Mountain View Unit to the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit in recognition of O’Daniel’s contributions.
Clayton County Jail tightens security measures after inmate tries daring escape through HVAC system
Inmate attempts to escape through Clayton County Jail walls prompt Sheriff Allen to implement new security measures.
Inmate Klifton Adam Bond, previously brutally beaten, dies under suspicious circumstances, prompting legal action
The death of Klifton Adam Bond raises questions about Alabama prison safety and family demands for transparency and accountability.
FCI Dublin issues, legal teams demand systemic changes amidst sexual abuse testimonies
Legal teams representing sexual abuse survivors at FCI Dublin held a press conference emphasizing the need for systemic changes.
San Quentin Prison in California receives advisory council report for rehabilitation transformation
The San Quentin Transformation Advisory Council’s report proposes measures to reshape San Quentin Prison into a premier rehabilitation center.
Bexar County Juvenile Probation reports rise in juvenile referrals for 2023
The Bexar County Juvenile Probation report indicates a 40% surge in juvenile referrals for non-violent felonies in the past year.
Jannah Hague sued Kent County over forced removal of hijab
Jannah Hague sued Kent County, claiming her constitutional rights were infringed when she was forced to remove her hijab for a booking photo.
Judge Furman blocks sending convicted drug offender to problematic Metropolitan Detention Center
Judge Furman denies a drug case defendant’s transfer to the Metropolitan Detention Center due to dreadful conditions and staffing shortages.
Yasmin Talbot and inmate Christopher Wright charged with promoting prison contraband and conspiracy
Christopher Wright, an inmate at Nassau County Jail, is accused of conspiring with Yasmin Talbot in the contraband scheme.
Location for new youth detention center in Newbury Town approved despite pushback
A former bed and breakfast was approved as the site for a new youth detention center in Newbury Town, Vermont.
The Allen County Jail lease objection hearing set today; can be viewed online
The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance hosts a public hearing on the Allen County Jail lease today, set for 4 p.m.
Indian River County Jail implements River Farms program to reduce recidivism among female inmates
The River Farms program at Indian River County Jail engages female inmates in animal care, farming, and art projects to prevent recidivism.
Kentucky Department of Corrections accused of subverting Open Records Act by delaying internal investigative reports
The Kentucky Department of Corrections faces criticism for delaying the release of internal investigative reports, violating the state’s Open Records Act, according to the attorney general.
Perry Multi-County Juvenile Facility Faces Investigation Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Claims of sexual misconduct involving a former employee and a juvenile at the Perry Multi-County Juvenile Facility are being investigated.
P.G. Sittenfeld convicted in a federal corruption case, starts his prison term at FCI Ashland
Former Cincinnati Council Member P.G. Sittenfeld commences his prison term at the FCI Ashland for federal public corruption charges.
Daryl Gus, ex-prison guard, sentenced for smuggling meth and other drugs to inmates
Former Lorain Correctional Institution guard Daryl Gus was sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling meth and other drugs for inmates.
Westmoreland County Prison Guard Union Secures Pay Increase in New Four-Year Contract
Westmoreland County Prison secures a four-year contract, providing corrections officers with annual raises and changes to overtime scheduling.
Newly appointed Brandon Tollett set to serve on Arkansas Board of Corrections
Hot Springs Village resident Brandon Tollett was appointed to the Arkansas Board of Corrections by Gov. Sanders.
Fire erupts in Fulton County Jail, promptly subdued without injuries
The Atlanta Fire Department and prison staff are able to put out a fire that starts in an inmate’s cell at Fulton County Jail.
Inmate Gerardo Grimaldo Perez escapes Cass County Detention Center, swiftly captured
Gerardo Grimaldo Perez escapes from the Cass County Detention Center, hiding in the ceiling and scaling a wall before being apprehended.
Birmingham Misdemeanor Offenders Redirected to Jefferson County Jail in New Agreement
Birmingham implements a temporary solution, redirecting individuals arrested for misdemeanors to the Jefferson County jail under an agreement.
Reunification Ride provides free transportation for families to visit Logan Correctional Center
The Reunification Ride program reunites incarcerated mothers at Logan Correctional Center and their children through monthly bus trips.
Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center to close by year-end due to staff shortage
Chief Judge Melissa Morgan announces the closure of the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center in the face of increasing staff challenges.
Raymond Arthur Julian takes own life at Minnesota Correctional Facility after being sentenced for mercy killing
Raymond Arthur Julian, sentenced to over 25 years for the mercy killing of his wife, dies by suicide at the Minnesota Correctional Facility.
New York State prisons respond to religious dietary needs with enactment of kosher and halal food bill
Gov. Kathy Hochul signs a bill ensuring religious dietary needs with more kosher and halal choices in New York State prisons.
Pulaski County Jail implements contact-free monitors to measure inmate vital signs
Inmates at Pulaski County Jail benefit from a cutting-edge monitoring system, with about five contact-free monitors currently in use.
Pinellas County Jail struggles with recurring issue of detention deputies video streaming on duty
Additional instances of Pinellas County jail deputies watching videos on the job, despite increased penalties by Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
Senate Bill 1048 aims to expand the Florida Department of Corrections incentivized prison program
Florida’s proposed Senate Bill 1048 seeks to enhance the incentivized prison program for nonviolent offenders to reduce recidivism.
Michigan Court Judge Brock Swartzle permits lawsuit on prison violence at Macomb Correctional Facility
Judge Brock Swartzle refuses to dismiss the lawsuit accusing Macomb Correctional Facility of cruel and unusual punishment.
Solano County Juvenile Detention Center benefits from Travis Air Force Base PT Initiative
At Travis Air Force Base, Sgt. Sebastian Borges spearheads a physical training program at the Solano County Juvenile Detention Center.
Legislation aims to curtail use of attack-trained patrol dogs in Virginia State Prisons
Virginia lawmakers are set to introduce bills to restrict the use of attack-trained patrol dogs in Virginia state prisons.
Actor Danny Masterson admitted to North Kern State Prison following rape convictions
Danny Masterson, known for ‘That ’70s Show,’ started serving his 30-year prison sentence at North Kern State Prison for two rape convictions.
Lincoln County officials seek judicial input on proposed prison site, supporting landowners in lawsuit
Lincoln County commissioners vote to support landowners in their lawsuit against the state Department of Corrections about the proposed prison site.
Willacy County Jail Compensates $1 Million in John Ray Zamora Lawsuit
The family of John Ray Zamora receives a $1 million settlement from Willacy County following his death in the county jail.
Detainees at McLean County Jail find a way to send love through gifts during the holidays
Inmates at McLean County Jail participate in a unique holiday gift program, enabling them to send personalized presents to their loved ones.
Victim of Munchausen by proxy, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, to be released from Chillicothe Correctional Center
Gypsy Rose Blanchard is set to leave Chillicothe Correctional Center this week, nearly 8 years after her involvement in her mother’s murder.
Festive Atmosphere at Frederick County Adult Detention Center Courtesy of Nonprofit
The Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership brings holiday cheer to families visiting the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.
Paws for Life K9 Rescue receive Inspire Change Changemaker Award from Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers recognize the founder and COO of Paws for Life K9 Rescue for implementing rehabilitation programs in prisons.
Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma faces $23 million penalty for wage violations
The Washington Supreme Court confirms a $23 million penalty against the Northwest Detention Center for paying detainees $1 a day.
Ryan Braus Assumes Role at the Lubbock County Detention Center, Chief Deputy Cody Scott Retires
Lubbock County Detention Center welcomes Ryan Braus as new chief deputy after 36 years of service from Cody Scott.
Jasiel Correia, former mayor of Fall River, imprisoned for fraud, moves to fourth federal prison
The former Fall River mayor, Jasiel Correia, is now in an administrative security federal transfer center in Oklahoma.
Red Onion State Prison mail inspection reveals 36 Buprenorphine strips hidden in book
The Centralized Mail Distribution Center at Red Onion State Prison stops drug entry. 36 Buprenorphine strips are hidden in a book.
New York City Council passes bill restricting the use of solitary confinement in city jails
The New York City Council voted 39 to 7 in favor of largely banning solitary confinement in city jails, limiting its use.
Richland County Jail fails state inspection, citing unsafe and unsanitary conditions
A state inspection exposes problems at Richland County Jail in South Carolina and raises concerns for inmate well-being.
Gov. Beshear Allocates Funds to Revitalize Kentucky Juvenile Justice System
The proposed $136.6 billion budget by Gov. Beshear outlines substantial investments to rehabilitate the Kentucky juvenile justice system.
Glynn Simmons Spends Over 48 Years in Prison, Declared Innocent
The Oklahoma County District Court issued a historic decision exonerating Glynn Simmons, who had been in prison for more than 40 years.
William McKinnley Garland, accused sex trafficker, used jail tablet to send hundreds of messages, prosecutors say
William McKinnley Garland, accused of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sent numerous messages from Fannin County Jail using a tablet.
Chicago welcomes fifth Community Reentry Support Center at Danny K. Davis Second Chance Center
Chicago’s 5th Community Reentry Support Center, the Danny K. Davis Second Chance Center, represents the city’s efforts to combat recidivism.
Inmate families speak out amid Texas prison staffing shortage
The Texas prison staffing shortage continues to strain families of inmates, prompting calls for urgent solutions.
South Carolina prison drug scheme busted; Zachariah Ryan Luke and Evin Rae Davenport sentenced to federal prison
Contraband cellphones expose a South Carolina prison drug conspiracy involving Zachariah Ryan Luke and accomplice Evin Rae Davenport.
Richard L. Bean Juvenile Service Center faces scrutiny over seclusion practices
Allegations of the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Service Center categorizing lockups as “voluntary” to bypass regulations prompt closer scrutiny.
New York City jail officers union mobilizes against City Council plan to ban solitary confinement
A New York City jail officers union mobilizes against a City Council bill seeking to prohibit solitary confinement, citing safety concerns.
Inmate Ashley Jo Raisbeck dies in Jefferson County Jail, prompting investigation
CIRT is looking into the death of Ashley Jo Raisbeck, an inmate who collapsed in Jefferson County Jail after routine medical rounds.
Concerns rise over inmate safety as Georgia state prisons record 34 Suicides and 20 Homicides in 2022
Georgia state prisons are in turmoil: 239 deaths in 2022. ‘They Have No Voice’ organization advocates reform and safety.
Michigan to implement automatic voter registration for released prisoners in 2025
Michigan’s new law, effective in 2025, extends automatic voter registration to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Charlie Adelson, sentenced for the murder of Dan Markel, moved to Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley
Charlie Adelson, sentenced for the murder of FSU law professor Dan Markel, was transferred to Florida Department of Corrections custody.
Kodak Black arrested in Miami, placed in Federal Detention Center for possible parole violation
Kodak Black is behind bars again, arrested in Miami, and currently held at the Federal Detention Center with no release date announced.
Stafford Community Corrections Alternative Program, lauded as a life-saving alternative to prison, to close
Stafford’s renowned Community Corrections Alternative Program will cease operations, along with three other Virginia correctional facilities.
Moberly Correctional Center Warden Rusty Ratliff faces contempt order for withholding release of manslaughter prisoner
Rusty Ratliff, the warden at Moberly Correctional Center, challenges a court’s release order for Charles Waddill, accused of manslaughter.
Decreasing recidivism at Gallatin County Detention Center, success with evidence-based programs
Gallatin County Detention Center distinguishes itself by placing inmate programs at the center of its operation.
Three years later, Laura Smoot faces murder charges in connection to Allen Gamble Correctional Center murder
Laura Smoot is finally arrested on second-degree murder charges for her involvement in the 2020 death of inmate Peter Gloria.
Conviction Review Unit, statewide effort to rectify wrongful imprisonments in Minnesota
The Great North Innocence Project facilitates the work of Minnesota’s Conviction Review Unit, which seeks to overturn erroneous convictions.
Congressional delegation urges BOP to establish residential reentry center for Vermont’s federal prison inmates
Vermont’s congressional delegation urges the BOP to build a residential reentry center for individuals transitioning out of federal prisons.
Fentanyl outbreak suspected in Shasta County Jail, four inmates overdose, one fatality confirmed
Shasta County Jail confronts a Fentanyl outbreak with four inmate overdoses, one resulting in death, prompting an investigation.
Impact of 2021 Tuberculosis in Prison Outbreak Persists, Prompts Health Department Advisory
A 2021 tuberculosis in prison outbreak prompts ongoing concerns, with over 800 released prisoners potentially unaware of exposure in WA.
Cambria County Prison Explores Solar-Powered Future with 30% Cost Reduction
A solar-powered initiative at Cambria County Prison could slash electricity costs by 30%, potentially saving around $10,000 monthly.
Colorado Department of Corrections implements measures to counter drugs in inmate mail
The Colorado Department of Corrections has adopted a digital mail program as a response to the increasing trend of drug-soaked mail.
West Virginia officials defend correctional system improvements amid federal lawsuits
West Virginia officials claim a turnaround in the state’s prison conditions, despite alleged issues and lawsuits.
Alabama prison labor lawsuit targets discriminatory parole practices and exploitation
An Alabama forced prison labor lawsuit challenges and alleges exploitation that benefits fast food giants.
Dead body of Riverside Correctional Facility escapee Gino Hagenkotter found in Philadelphia warehouse
Gino Hagenkotter, 34-year-old Riverside Correctional Facility escapee, was discovered dead in a Philadelphia warehouse.
North Carolina jails grapple with mental health challenges as sheriffs seek solutions beyond incarceration
Sheriffs in North Carolina express hope that Medicaid expansion will address mental health issues, reducing reliance on North Carolina jails.
Inmate mix-up, mistaken release of Devonne Tyrae Sias from Oklahoma County Detention Center
Mix-up at Oklahoma County Detention Center leads to the accidental release of Devonne Tyrae Sias, who impersonated Kittakone Sirisombath.
Emergency reopening of juvenile detention center in Westmoreland County after teens Braedon Dickinson and Robert Cogdell Escape
Teens Dickinson and Cogdell’s escape from Westmoreland County juvenile shelter prompts the emergency reopening of a detention center.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Sheriff Tom Dart launch a pioneering state ID program for Cook County jail detainees upon their release
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias helped launch a state ID program to support Cook County’s released detainees.
Lawsuit accuses Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice and Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention officials of concealing abuse
Nurses Ratliff and Tucker allege misconduct cover-up in a lawsuit against Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention officers and the Kentucky DJJ.
Ex-Officer Benito Jamar Hugie pleads guilty in gold and diamond teeth grill smuggling case
Ex-corrections officer Benito Jamar Hugie, along with inmate Shawn Brown and others, plead guilty in the Otay Mesa prison bribery case.
Former sitcom star Danny Masterson set for state prison after surrendering 23 firearms
Danny Masterson, known for ‘That 70s Show,’ to be transferred to state prison after surrendering guns following his conviction.
Family of deceased inmate Brandon Clay Dotson sues the Alabama prison system, alleging the removal of his heart
A lawsuit by a deceased inmate’s family accuses the Alabama prison system of removing the heart of inmate Brandon Clay Dotson.
Gov. DeSantis recommends additional National Guard deployment to bolster Florida prisons staffing
Governor DeSantis seeks legislative approval to extend National Guard support, addressing persistent staffing challenges in Florida prisons.