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Edwards, Carmon J
Status: active
Profile written July 19, 2026
This profile reflects positional accountability — this individual held the leadership roles shown during the dates shown, during which the listed deaths or lawsuits occurred. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding of personal culpability for any specific incident.
Tenure Summary
Carmon J. Edwards began a career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in financial operations, later serving as a deputy warden from 2018 through 2020, then as a correctional superintendent in 2021–2022. In 2025, Edwards became the Warden 1 at Arrendale State Prison. GPS records show that six incarcerated women died at the facility during his wardenship that year. Edwards has not been named as a defendant in any lawsuits.What happened on their watch
In 2025, Edwards led Arrendale State Prison, where GPS records attribute six deaths between May and September. The deaths, listed chronologically, were: Jennifer Lee Mansour, 62 (May 29); Brenda Lee Evans, 55 (July 7); Sheqweetta Vaughan, 32 (July 9); Nakisha Evonne Bailey, 46 (September 11); Jodie L. Turner, 28 (September 13); and Jessica Renee Elliott, 34 (September 25).The death of Sheqweetta Vaughan drew national attention. Vaughan, who had given birth six months earlier, was found partially decomposed in a segregation cell where temperatures reached 90°F. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the condition of her body indicated potential neglect; the GDC stated the death was “believed natural.” Jodie L. Turner’s family reported being extorted by other inmates, and her mother said she was placed in a cell with the individuals who threatened her. The GDC stated no foul play was suspected.
Broader conditions at the prison during Edwards’ tenure were documented by GPS in April 2025: a report detailed that incarcerated women feared reporting medical neglect, anticipating retaliation such as solitary confinement or loss of privileges. Also in early 2025, five women at the facility were arrested on charges of inciting a riot.
Sources
- GPS records — death figures, staff assignments, and April 2025 report on fear of medical neglect reporting at Lee Arrendale State Prison
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution — coverage of Sheqweetta Vaughan’s decomposing body found in a hot cell
Positions Held
| Title | Facility | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Transitional Center Coordinator | 2026-07-16 → present | |
| WARDEN 1 | Arrendale State Prison | 2025-01-01 → present |
| WARDEN 1 | 2023-01-01 → 2024-12-31 | |
| CORRECTIONAL SUPERINTENDENT | 2021-01-01 → 2022-12-31 | |
| DEPUTY WARDEN | 2018-01-01 → 2020-12-31 | |
| FINANCIAL OPS GENERALIST 1 | 2016-01-01 → 2017-12-31 | |
| FINANCIAL OPS GEN (AL) | 2015-01-01 → 2015-12-31 |
Deaths attributed during tenure
6 people died at facilities under Edwards, Carmon J's leadership.
| Date | Decedent | Age | Facility | Role at time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-25 | JESSICA RENEE ELLIOTT | 34 | Arrendale State Prison | WARDEN 1 |
| 2025-09-13 | JODIE L TURNER | 28 | Arrendale State Prison | WARDEN 1 |
| 2025-09-11 | NAKISHA EVONNE BAILEY | 46 | Arrendale State Prison | WARDEN 1 |
| 2025-07-09 | SHEQWEETTA VAUGHAN | 32 | Arrendale State Prison | WARDEN 1 |
| 2025-07-07 | BRENDA LEE EVANS | 55 | Arrendale State Prison | WARDEN 1 |
| 2025-05-29 | JENNIFER LEE MANSOUR | 62 | Arrendale State Prison | WARDEN 1 |
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