Mecklenburg Correctional Center: A Comprehensive Guide for Inmates
Overview of the Facility
Mecklenburg Correctional Center was a maximum-security prison located in Boydton, Virginia. It was operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections. The facility closed in 2012 due to budget cuts and a declining inmate population.
Contact Information
Address: 517 Longview Drive, Boydton, VA 23917 (historical address)
Note: As the facility is closed, there is no current contact information available.
History of the Facility
Mecklenburg Correctional Center opened in 1977 and was designed to house some of Virginia's most dangerous criminals. The facility gained notoriety in 1984 when six death row inmates escaped, leading to one of the largest manhunts in Virginia history. All escapees were recaptured within three weeks. The prison closed its doors in 2012 after 35 years of operation.
Security and Management Information
When operational, Mecklenburg Correctional Center was a maximum-security facility with strict protocols and advanced security measures. It housed death row inmates until 1999 when Virginia centralized its death row at Sussex I State Prison.
Booking and Release Process
As the facility is no longer operational, there are no current booking or release processes. When active, inmates were transferred to Mecklenburg from other facilities based on their security classification and behavior.
Famous Prisoners
Some notable inmates who served time at Mecklenburg Correctional Center include:
- The Briley Brothers (James and Linwood): Convicted of multiple murders in Richmond, Virginia in the late 1970s.
- Lem Tuggle: One of the "Mecklenburg Six" who escaped in 1984, convicted of murder and rape.
- Willie Lloyd Turner: Convicted of capital murder and executed in 1995.
- Joseph O'Dell: Convicted of murder and executed in 1997, maintained his innocence until death.
- Earl Clanton Jr.: One of the "Mecklenburg Six" escapees, convicted of murder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mecklenburg Correctional Center still operational?
No, Mecklenburg Correctional Center closed in 2012 due to budget cuts and declining inmate population.
What was the security level of Mecklenburg Correctional Center?
Mecklenburg Correctional Center was a maximum-security prison designed to house Virginia's most dangerous criminals.
What notable event occurred at Mecklenburg Correctional Center in 1984?
In 1984, six death row inmates, known as the "Mecklenburg Six," escaped from the facility, leading to one of the largest manhunts in Virginia history. All escapees were recaptured within three weeks.
When did Mecklenburg Correctional Center stop housing death row inmates?
Mecklenburg Correctional Center housed death row inmates until 1999 when Virginia centralized its death row at Sussex I State Prison.
Why was Mecklenburg Correctional Center closed?
The facility was closed in 2012 due to budget cuts and a declining inmate population in Virginia's prison system.
