O.B. Ellis Unit (E1) Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
The O.B. Ellis Unit, also known as Ellis Unit or E1, is a maximum-security prison for men located in Walker County, Texas. It is operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and houses various custody levels, including general population and administrative segregation inmates.
Contact Information
Address: 1697 FM 980, Huntsville, TX 77343
Phone: (936) 295-5756
Website: https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/unit_directory/e1.html
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at Ellis Unit, use the TDCJ Offender Information Search on their website: https://offender.tdcj.texas.gov/OffenderSearch/index.jsp
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation hours are typically on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list. Contact the unit directly for the most up-to-date visitation schedule and requirements.
How to Send Money
Money can be sent to inmates through various methods:
- Online: JPay
- Phone: 1-800-574-5729
- MoneyGram: Use receive code 3368
- Mail: Send money orders to Inmate Trust Fund, TDCJ, P.O. Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. For more information on inmate calling options, visit: https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/bfd/comm_phone.html
Inmate Services and Programs
Ellis Unit offers various educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs, including:
- Academic education (GED)
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
- Mental health services
History of the Facility
The Ellis Unit was established in 1965 and named after Oscar B. Ellis, a former director of the Texas Department of Corrections. It has played a significant role in Texas corrections history, including housing the state's execution chamber until 1989.
Security and Management Information
As a maximum-security facility, Ellis Unit employs strict security measures, including perimeter fencing, armed guard towers, and internal controls. The unit is managed by a warden and a team of correctional officers and staff.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates at Ellis Unit have the right to legal representation and access to courts. They are also entitled to visitation privileges, subject to TDCJ policies and individual behavior.
Booking and Release Process
Inmates are typically transferred to Ellis Unit from other TDCJ facilities. The release process involves coordination with parole officers or completion of sentences, followed by discharge planning and transportation arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I send to an inmate at Ellis Unit?
Inmates can receive approved items through the mail, such as letters, photos, and money orders. Personal packages are generally not allowed. Check the TDCJ website for a complete list of approved items.
How often can inmates receive visits?
General population inmates are typically allowed one visit per weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday. The frequency may vary based on the inmate's custody level and behavior.
What medical services are available at Ellis Unit?
Ellis Unit provides basic medical care, dental services, and mental health treatment. More specialized care may require transfer to other TDCJ medical facilities.
Famous Prisoners
Some notable inmates who have served time at Ellis Unit include:
- David Spence - Convicted of the 1982 Lake Waco murders
- Henry Lee Lucas - Serial killer who confessed to hundreds of murders
- Kenneth McDuff - Known as the "Broomstick Killer" for a series of murders
- Cesar Fierro - Convicted of the 1979 murder of an El Paso taxi driver
- Karla Faye Tucker - First woman executed in Texas since the Civil War
