JOHNSON STATE PRISON
Facility Information
- Original Design Capacity
- 750 (at 208% capacity)
- Bed Capacity
- 1,612 beds
- Current Population
- 1,563
- Active Lifers
- 198 (12.7% of population) · Apr 2026 GDC report
- Life Without Parole
- 1 (0.1%)
Why design capacity matters:
Adding beds to a prison does not increase medical facilities, educational programs, kitchen capacity, counseling services, or recreation areas. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Plata that severe overcrowding beyond design capacity violates the 8th Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
Read: Brown v. Plata - A Legal Roadmap for Georgia's Prison Crisis →
Read: Brown v. Plata - A Legal Roadmap for Georgia's Prison Crisis →
- Address
- 290 Donovan-Harrison Rd, Wrightsville, GA 31096
- Mailing Address
- P.O. Box 344, Wrightsville, GA 31096
- County
- Johnson County
- Opened
- 1992
- Operator
- GDC (Georgia Dept. of Corrections)
- Warden
- Kochelle Watson
- Phone
- (478) 864-4100
- Fax
- (478) 864-4104
- Staff
- Deputy Warden Security: Willie Carr
- Deputy Warden Security: Tiffany Sailem
- Deputy Warden C&T: Chabara Davis-Bragg
- Deputy Warden Admin: Ada Messer
About
Johnson State Prison in Wrightsville is a medium-security prison for adult male felons, constructed in 1991 and opened in 1992. The facility has 15 housing units, including general-population dorms, mental-health supportive-living units, and segregation. Johnson historically operated for a time as a juvenile boot camp before reverting to adult custody; today it provides labor details to local governments, along with standard education, counseling, and faith-based programs, but has seen rising violence and deaths in recent years.
Mortality Statistics
93 deaths documented at this facility from 2020 to present.
Deaths by Year
- 2026: 12
- 2025: 18
- 2024: 15
- 2023: 15
- 2022: 6
- 2021: 14
- 2020: 13
County Public Health Department
Food service and sanitation at JOHNSON STATE PRISON fall under the jurisdiction of the Johnson County Environmental Health Department. Incarcerated people cannot choose where they eat — public health inspectors carry an elevated responsibility to hold this kitchen to the same standards applied to any restaurant.
Contact
- Title
- Environmental Health Director
- Address
-
82 Hilton Holton Street
Wrightsville, GA 31096 - Phone
- (478) 864-3542
- johnson.eh@dph.ga.gov
- Website
- Visit department website →
Why this matters
GPS has documented black mold on chow-hall ceilings, cold and contaminated trays, spoiled milk, and pest contamination at Georgia prisons. The Department of Justice's 2024 report confirmed deaths from dehydration and untreated diabetes tied to food and water deprivation. Advance-notice inspections let facilities stage temporary fixes that disappear once inspectors leave.
Unannounced inspections by the county health department are one of the few outside checks on kitchen conditions behind the fence.
How you can help
Write to the county inspector and request an unannounced inspection of the kitchen and food service operation at this facility. A short, respectful letter citing Georgia food-safety regulations is more powerful than you think — inspectors respond to public concern.
Sample Letter
This is the letter Georgia Prisoners' Speak mailed to all county environmental health inspectors responsible for GDC facilities. Feel free to adapt it.
April 26, 2026
RE: Request for Unannounced Public Health Inspection of Food Service Operations at JOHNSON STATE PRISON
Dear County Environmental Health Director,
I am writing to respectfully request that your office conduct a thorough, unannounced inspection of food service and sanitation practices at JOHNSON STATE PRISON, located in Johnson County.
Documented concerns
Georgia Prisoners' Speak, a nonprofit public advocacy organization, has published extensive investigative reporting on food safety and nutrition failures across Georgia's prison system, including:
- Dangerous sanitation conditions — black mold on chow hall ceilings and air vents, contaminated food trays, and spoiled milk served to inmates.
- Severe nutritional deficiency — roughly 60 cents per meal; inmates receive only 40% of required protein and less than one serving of vegetables per day.
- Preventable deaths — the U.S. Department of Justice's 2024 report confirmed deaths from dehydration, renal failure, and untreated diabetes following food and water deprivation.
- Staged compliance — advance-notice inspections allow facilities to stage temporary improvements, then revert once inspectors leave.
Firsthand testimony
In Surviving on Scraps: Ten Years of Prison Food in Georgia, a person who has spent more than ten years in GDC custody describes no functional dishwashing sanitation, chronic mold on food trays, and roaches found on the undersides of trays at intake facilities. Full account: gps.press/surviving-on-scraps-ten-years-of-prison-food-in-georgia.
Specific requests
- Conduct an unannounced inspection of the kitchen and food service operations at this facility, with particular attention to dishwashing equipment, tray sanitation procedures, and food storage conditions.
- Evaluate compliance with applicable Georgia food safety regulations, including O.C.G.A. § 26-2-370 and the Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations (Chapter 511-6-1).
- Verify permit status and confirm whether the facility is subject to the same inspection schedule as other institutional food service establishments in the county.
- Make inspection results available to the public, as permitted under Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70).
Incarcerated individuals cannot advocate for their own health and safety in the way a restaurant patron can — they cannot choose to eat elsewhere. This places an elevated responsibility on public health officials to ensure these facilities meet the same sanitation standards applied to any food service establishment.
Thank you for your attention to this important public health matter.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Food Safety Inspections
Georgia Department of Public Health
Latest score:
88 (Oct 8, 2025)
View DPH report ↗What the score doesn't measure. DPH grades kitchen compliance on inspection day — food storage, temperatures, pest control. It does not grade whether today's trays are clean. GPS reporting has found broken dishwashers at most Georgia state prisons we've documented; trays go out wet, stacked, and visibly moldy — including at facilities with recent scores near 100.
Who inspects. Most Georgia state prisons sit in rural counties — often with fewer than 20,000 people, several with fewer than 10,000. The environmental health inspector lives in that community and often knows the kitchen staff personally. Rural inspection regimes don't have the structural independence you'd expect in a city-sized health department. Read the scores accordingly.
Read the investigation: “Dunked, Stacked and Served: Why Georgia Prison Trays Are Making People Sick”
Recent inspections
| Date | Score | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 8, 2025 | 88 | Routine | |
| Mar 3, 2025 | 80 | Routine | |
| Dec 4, 2024 | 96 | Routine | |
| Mar 6, 2024 | 86 | Routine | |
| Dec 20, 2023 | 67 | Followup | |
| Dec 11, 2023 | 64 | Routine | |
| Jul 24, 2023 | 91 | Followup | |
| Jun 27, 2023 | 75 | Routine |
October 8, 2025 — Score 88
Routine · Inspector: Jaime Williams
| Code | Violation | Pts | Inspector notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12A |
contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display 511-6-1.04(4)(q) - food storage (c) Corrected | 3 | Observed uncovered pans of macaroni (uncovered due to cooling process) sitting directly on top of macaroni food stacked in a cold hold box in WIC which could lead to potential source of cross contamination. Also observed with bologna stacked on top of uncovered bologna. Also, Observed bag of wheat flower sitting on floor in kitchen. All items were placed in proper locations and stacked with room in between. |
| 14A |
in-use utensils: properly stored 511-6-1.04(4)(k) - in-use utensils, between-use storage (c) | 1 | Scoop at ice machine observed sitting on top of ice machine panel and the panel was dirty . Ice scoops need to be stored in a clean protected location in between use. |
| 15A |
food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used 511-6-1.05(6)(q)1&3 - good repair & calibration (c) Repeat | 1 | Hot hold food wells line 1 and line2 are not working. Multiple equipment out of order - 4 ovens, 4 wic, 1 freezer. All equipment needs to be repaired and in good working order. Also wash room Hobart machine part is in order using back up 3 compartment sinks for lg pots. |
| 16A |
hot and cold water available; adequate pressure 511-6-1.06(1)(g),(h) - water supply, capacity; pressure (pf) | 2 | Hand wash sink in main kitchen did not have hot water running to sink. All handwasher sinks must have hot water availability. |
| 16B |
plumbing installed; proper backflow devices 511-6-1.06(2)(r) - system maintained in good repair (p, c) Repeat | 2 | lumbing sink 1 out of order handwash sink, drain lines from 3 compartment dish sink need to be address they are not draining properly. And 2 compartment prep sink on the east side faucet is not working. |
| 18 |
insects, rodents, and animals not present 511-6-1.07(5)(k) - controlling pests (pf, c) | 3 | Observed Roaches in kitchen facility. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled by: 1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments 2. Routinely inspecting premises for pests 3. Using methods of pest control This has been an on going problem |
March 3, 2025 — Score 80
Routine · Inspector: Jaime Williams
| Code | Violation | Pts | Inspector notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2D |
adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible 511-6-1.07(3)(a) - handwashing cleanser, availability (pf) | 4 | No paper towels or hand soap available at handwashing sink. All handwashing sinks shall always have (paper towels) hand drying provisions and hand cleansers available at each handwashing sink. |
| 1B |
proper hot holding temperatures 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; hot holding (p) Corrected | 9 | Fish Sticks that were prepared for lunch service were located on the hot hold line temped at 136, 96, 94 103 degrees. All food being hot held for service needs to be held at 135 degrees and above. Hot hold food wells line 1 and line2 are not working. Discussed with 1st shift manager reheating fish sticks prior to service. Food reheated to 167 |
| 1C |
proper cooling time and temperature 511-6-1.04(6)(d) - cooling (p) | 9 | Observed cheese sandwiches, prepped in the morning along with a full box of cheese sitting in a non working cold hold unit. COS- Food was discarded on site at time of inspection. When asked the PIC about the items, she was unaware they were in there as the unit stays locked. |
| 12B |
personal cleanliness 511-6-1.03(5)(i) - clothing (c) Corrected | 3 | observed sweat shirt, and rags in 2 separate locations sitting on top of cooking equipment that was in use. and on food (rice and peanut butter) COS staff removed items from prep lines and placed in designated location |
| 12C |
wiping cloths: properly used and stored 511-6-1.04(4)(m) - wiping cloths, use limitation (c) | 3 | Observed wiping clothes in several different location sitting on prep tables etc. and not in current use. When not in Use wipe clothes need to be stored in sanitizing buckets or in Laundry basket |
| 15A |
food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used 511-6-1.05(6)(q)1&3 - good repair & calibration (c) Repeat | 1 | Hot hold food wells line 1 and line2 are not working. Multiple equipment out of order - 4 ovens, 4 wic, 1 freezer. All equipment needs to be repaired and in good working order. Also wash room Hobart machine part is in order using back up 3 compartment sinks for lg pots. |
| 16C |
sewage and waste water properly disposed 511-6-1.06(4)(c) - backflow prevention (p) | 2 | Hose nozzle observed submerged in a bucket of water near the tilt skillet. Hose is used to clean floor but also tilt skillet. C. A: Hose needs to have proper separation from being submerged in water due to back siphonage and the hose needs to have a hose reel and be kept off the floor when not in use. |
December 4, 2024 — Score 96
Routine · Inspector: Jaime Williams
| Code | Violation | Pts | Inspector notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15A |
food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used 511-6-1.05(6)(a) - good repair & proper adjustment (c) | 1 | Multiple equipment out of order - 4 ovens, 4 wic, 1 freezer. All equipment needs to be repaired and in good working order. Also wash room Hobart machine part is in order using back up 3 compartment sinks for lg pots. |
| 16B |
plumbing installed; proper backflow devices 511-6-1.06(2)(r) - system maintained in good repair (p, c) | 2 | Plumbing sink 1 out of order handwash sink, drain lines being worked on for main kitchen both sides handwash sink 2 went down this morning. |
| 17D |
adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used 511-6-1.07(2)(i) - light bulbs, protective shielding (c) | 1 | Lights above food in food storage areas (dry storage) freezer need to be shatter proof bulbs and or have protective shields. |
March 6, 2024 — Score 86
Routine · Inspector: Jaime Williams
| Code | Violation | Pts | Inspector notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2B | certified food protection manager | 4 | NO CFSM in the facility. Food service establishments shall have a certified food safety manager to ensure food safety is being managed. CA: PIC/Nutrition director is going to take the class aug 8-10 they got a food handlers and were told to get a food managers certificate. |
| 2B |
food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized 511-6-1.05(6)(n) - manual and mechanical warewashing equipment, chemical sanitization-temperature, ph, concentration, hardness (p,pf) Corrected | 4 | Observed ware washing process not being completed in the proper sequence and the sanitizing solution was not reading proper concentration levels wen tested. Read zero. Discussed and went through chemical mixing process with staff and COS the Sanitizer Solution in the 3 compartment sink |
| 11A |
proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control 511-6-1.04(6)(e) - cooling methods (pf, c) | 3 | Observed potato salad and turkey recently prepped (observed both on the Service line)-- These Items were not adequately cooled prior to being placed on the food service line for lunch service despite having adequate time to cool product. Staff removed items from serving line and too them to Walk In Freezer to rapidly cool |
| 12A |
contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display 511-6-1.04(4)(z) - miscellaneous sources of contamination (c) | 3 | Observed kitchen crew dropping repeatedly a bag of bulk ice on the floor to break up the ice. The floor has floor drains (in use daily) Source for cross contamination as the ice was being used as a cooling parameter for food items on the service line. PIC told staff to go rinse off the bag of ice. I then explained where / how a better technique to use for breaking the ice and the potential source of contamination from the bag of ice ripping and ice touching floor. |
December 20, 2023 — Score 67
Followup · Inspector: Jaime Williams
| Code | Violation | Pts | Inspector notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A |
food separated and protected 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - packaged & unpackaged food separation, packaging, and segregation (p, c) Repeat | 9 | Several bulk items - oil, flour rice bran flakes canned goods-- all observed with holes in bags rat dropping and pee sprayed on bags in storage facility. Items need to be lifted off the floor, properly wrapped and area needs to be cleaned and repaired due to rats and roaches. Also discussed with multiple wardens and staff protective - corrective actions about the food being wrapped with plastic wrap and being stored higher off the ground also, they will be moving flour etc to large cold hold storage. Staff has been very proactive and combating this issue they are doing great at making provisions due to current situation. |
| 1A |
proper cold holding temperatures 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p) Repeat | 9 | Multiple foods cold holding temped above 41°F. All tcs items shall be cold held at 41°F or below. COS: Discarded during inspection. Items not cooled properly from last night. Discussed cooing methods with PIC. Walk in unit 1 was fixed (replaced fan and compressor). The second walk in cooler was also fixed both the fan and the compressor and then when staff went in to unit this morning it was not working again. Walk in freezer was fixed. Several reach in units were not working properly. |
| 15A |
food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used 511-6-1.05(6)(a) - good repair & proper adjustment (c) Repeat | 1 | East side kitchen hot serving line out of order/ not working-- unit needs to be repaired as needed. 2 Cold hold units 1- on each serving line. Also Ware wash machine 1 , 5 cooking ovens, 1 tilting skillet, 1 cooking kettle, 1 griddle, 1 smaller freezer unit, 1 bulk ice machine are not working- C. Action all items are in need of repair and or replacement as needed. |
| 16B |
plumbing installed; proper backflow devices 511-6-1.06(2)(r) - system maintained in good repair (p, c) Repeat | 2 | Multiple sinks out of order due to leaking or just not turning on at all. All plumbing systems shall be maintained in good repair. Toe tap or foot pedals for hand wash sink using both hard to get toe taps to work...Hot water needs to be available at all sinks. |
| 17C |
physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c) Repeat | 1 | Floors walls and ceiling have several holes, tiles broken that need to be fixed and repaired. this could be a potential contribution to the rat and roach infestation. |
| 18 |
insects, rodents, and animals not present 511-6-1.07(5)(k) - controlling pests (pf, c) Repeat | 3 | Observed multiple RATS and Roaches in kitchen facility. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled by: 1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments 2. Routinely inspecting premises for pests 3. Using methods of pest control This has been an on going problem with little to no change- cages that were being ordered last time still have not been put into place- Pest control company allowed to come on site and start properly treating rat and roach infestation. Bait boxes were observed set out for rats and gel treatment was in place for roach treatment. They are still being observed but they are working to correct issues. |
December 11, 2023 — Score 64
Routine · Inspector: Jaime Williams
| Code | Violation | Pts | Inspector notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2A |
pic present, demonstrates knowledge, performs duties 511-6-1.03(2)(a)-(n)(p),(q) - responsibility of pic (pf) | 4 | Person-in-charge not performing duties; not ensuring or monitoring time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) to maintain proper cold holding temperatures. PIC not ensuring prisoners are wearing gloves when handling ready-to-eat foods. The PIC did not ensure handwash soap was at each handwash station. COS - Went over every item with the PIC and gave information on where to find the food manual. |
| 2D |
adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible 511-6-1.07(3)(a) - handwashing cleanser, availability (pf) | 4 | No paper towels or hand soap available at handwashing sink. All handwashing sinks shall always have (paper towels) hand drying provisions and hand cleansers available at each handwashing sink. When discussed with 1st shift manager he said he did not know where the key was to unlock the soap dispensers to add soap |
| 1A |
food separated and protected 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - packaged & unpackaged food separation, packaging, and segregation (p, c) | 9 | Food sitting directly on the floor Large quantity of canned goods in boxes-- boxes were observed wet. Several bulk items - oil, flour rice bran flakes canned goods-- all observed with holes in bags rat dropping and pee sprayed on bags in storage facility. Items need to be lifted off the floor, properly wrapped and area needs to be cleaned and repaired due to rats and roaches. |
| 1A |
proper cold holding temperatures 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p) | 9 | Multiple foods cold holding temped above 41°F. All tcs items shall be cold held at 41°F or below. COS: Discarded during inspection. Items not cooled properly from last night. Discussed cooing methods with PIC. |
| 1B |
proper hot holding temperatures 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; hot holding (p) | 9 | Fish Sticks that were prepared for lunch service were located in hot boxes temped at 110, 118 124 and 132 degrees. All food being hot held for service needs to be held at 135 degrees and above. Discussed with 1st shift manager reheating fish sticks prior to service. |
| 15A |
food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used 511-6-1.05(6)(a) - good repair & proper adjustment (c) | 1 | East side kitchen hot serving line out of order/ not working-- unit needs to be repaired as needed. Also Ware wash machine 1 , 5 cooking ovens, 1 tilting skillet, 1 cooking kettle, 1 griddle, 1 smaller freezer unit, 1 bulk ice machine are not working-C. Action all items are in need of repair and or replacement as needed. |
| 16B |
plumbing installed; proper backflow devices 511-6-1.06(2)(r) - system maintained in good repair (p, c) Repeat | 2 | Multiple sinks out of order due to leaking or just not turning on at all. All plumbing systems shall be maintained in good repair. |
| 17C | physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean Repeat | 1 | Floors walls and ceiling have several holes, tiles broken that need to be fixed and repaired. this could be a potential contribution to the rat and roach infestation. |
| 18 |
insects, rodents, and animals not present 511-6-1.07(5)(k) - controlling pests (pf, c) Repeat | 3 | Observed multiple RATS and Roaches in kitchen facility. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled by: 1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments 2. Routinely inspecting premises for pests 3. Using methods of pest control This has been an on going problem with little to no change- cages that were being ordered last time still have not been put into place- An SOP needs to be discussed with the Prison Warden and corrective measures need to occur. |
July 24, 2023 — Score 91
Followup · Inspector: Jaime Williams
| Code | Violation | Pts | Inspector notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16B |
plumbing installed; proper backflow devices 511-6-1.06(2)(r) - system maintained in good repair (p, c) Repeat | 2 | Multiple sinks out of order due to leaking. All plumbing systems shall be maintained in good repair. |
| 17C |
physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c) Repeat | 1 | Walk in freezer has a build up of ice on floor (not on food) due to condenser not functioning properly. All physical facilities shall be maintained clean and in good repair. CA: Maintenance called for both the units and plumbing issues. |
| 18 |
insects, rodents, and animals not present 511-6-1.07(2)(k) - insect control devices (c) Repeat | 3 | OBserved multiple flies and rates in facility. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled by: 1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments 2. Routinely inspecting premises for pests 3. Using methods of pest control 4. Eliminate harboring conditions CA: Pest control is being put out, and maintenance has been contacted regarding rats. All food compromised by the rats is discarded. |
June 27, 2023 — Score 75
Routine · Inspector: Madeline McCullers
| Code | Violation | Pts | Inspector notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2B |
certified food protection manager 511-6-1.03(3)(a) - food safety manager certification (pf) | 4 | NO CFSM in the faciliy. Food service establishments shall have a certified food safety manager to ensure food safety is being managed. CA: PIC/Nutrition director is going to take the class aug 8-10. |
| 2D |
adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible 511-6-1.07(3)(b) - hand drying provision (pf) | 4 | No paper towels or hand soap avaliable at handwashing sink. All handwashing sinks shall always have (paper towels) hand drying provisions and hand cleansers avaliable at each handwashing sink. COS: Added during inspection. |
| 1A |
proper cold holding temperatures 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p) Corrected Repeat | 9 | Multiple foods cold holding temped above 41°F. All tcs items shall be cold held at 41°F or below. COS: Discarded during inspection. Items not cooled properly from last night. Discussed cooing methods with PIC. |
| 1B |
proper hot holding temperatures 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; hot holding (p) Corrected Repeat | 9 | Corn and beef//Taco salad hot holding on steam table temped at 110°F. All tcs items being hot held shall be maintained at 135°F or above. COS: Reheated during inspection. |
| 16B |
plumbing installed; proper backflow devices 511-6-1.06(2)(r) - system maintained in good repair (p, c) | 2 | Multiple sinks out of order due to leaking. All plumbing systems shall be maintained in good repair. |
| 17C |
physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c) | 1 | Walk in freezer has abuild up of ice on floor (not on food) due to condenser not funcitoning properly. All physical facilities shall be maintained clean and in good repair. CA: Maintanence called for both the units and plumbing issues. |
| 18 |
insects, rodents, and animals not present 511-6-1.07(5)(k) - controlling pests (pf, c) | 3 | OBserved multiple flies and rates in facility. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled by: 1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments 2. Routinely inspecting premises for pests 3. Using methods of pest control 4. Eliminate harboring conditions CA: Pest control is being put out, and maintanence has been contacted regarding rats. All food compromised by the rats is discarded. |