Media Coverage
Latest GDC News
Georgia’s prison system has come under sustained scrutiny from federal investigators, state consultants, and investigative reporters. This page collects recent coverage so readers can follow the crisis — and the push for reform.
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New Warden at Valdosta State Prison
Kendric Jackson Promoted FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Kendric Jackson, Warden at Calhoun State Prison (SP), to Warden at Valdosta SP effective June 1, 2026. As Warden, Jackson will be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,151 male offenders. "Kendric has been an ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="New Warden at Valdosta State Prison" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10674" aria-label="Read more about New Warden at Valdosta State Prison">Read more</a></p>
New Warden at Coastal State Prison | Georgia Department of …
David Stokes Reassigned FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of David Stokes, Warden at Central State Prison (SP), to Warden at Coastal SP effective June 1, 2026. As Warden, Stokes will be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,700 male offenders. "David has worked his ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="New Warden at Coastal State Prison | Georgia Department of …" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10675" aria-label="Read more about New Warden at Coastal State Prison | Georgia Department of …">Read more</a></p>
Georgia man who stole $11 million from behind bars escapes from federal prison – AJC.com
Arthur Lee Cofield Jr., a Georgia man who orchestrated an $11 million theft from a Hollywood producer while already incarcerated, has escaped from a federal prison camp in Jesup, Georgia. The Federal Bureau of Prisons reported that Cofield was discovered missing Tuesday afternoon and has been classified as a “walkaway.” The minimum-security facility in Jesup ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia man who stole $11 million from behind bars escapes from federal prison – AJC.com" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10661" aria-label="Read more about Georgia man who stole $11 million from behind bars escapes from federal prison – AJC.com">Read more</a></p>
Washington inmate accused of running Georgia drug ring with contraband cellphones, feds say – WGXA
A Washington state prison inmate, Luis Alfonso Ramirez, has been indicted for allegedly directing a major fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking network from inside Georgia’s Washington State Prison using contraband cellphones, according to federal prosecutors. Six accomplices were also charged in the conspiracy, which spanned multiple Georgia counties and led to the seizure of 35 kilograms ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Washington inmate accused of running Georgia drug ring with contraband cellphones, feds say – WGXA" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10657" aria-label="Read more about Washington inmate accused of running Georgia drug ring with contraband cellphones, feds say – WGXA">Read more</a></p>
Former State Smith Prison employee charged with sexual assault by a corrections employee – WTOC
A former employee of Smith State Prison in Georgia has been charged with sexual assault involving a corrections employee. The charge stems from an incident at the facility, which is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The accused is no longer employed by the prison system. Further details on the case have not been ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Former State Smith Prison employee charged with sexual assault by a corrections employee – WTOC" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10652" aria-label="Read more about Former State Smith Prison employee charged with sexual assault by a corrections employee – WTOC">Read more</a></p>
Georgia man who stole $11 million from behind bars escapes from federal prison – AJC.com
Arthur Lee Cofield Jr., a Georgia man who orchestrated an $11 million theft from a Hollywood producer while already incarcerated, has escaped from a federal prison camp in Jesup, Georgia. The Federal Bureau of Prisons reported that Cofield was discovered missing Tuesday afternoon and has been classified as a “walkaway.” The minimum-security facility in Jesup ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia man who stole $11 million from behind bars escapes from federal prison – AJC.com" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10661" aria-label="Read more about Georgia man who stole $11 million from behind bars escapes from federal prison – AJC.com">Read more</a></p>
Warden hired to guard a Georgia prison indicted in contraband operation – AJC.com
Warden hired to guard a Georgia prison indicted in contraband operation A former Smith State Prison warden was indicted Wednesday, accused in a complex contraband smuggling operation that officials first began investigating four years ago. Brian Adams, 52, was indicted by a grand jury in southeast Georgia on charges of violation of the Racketeer Influenced ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Warden hired to guard a Georgia prison indicted in contraband operation – AJC.com" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/warden-hired-to-guard-a-georgia-prison-indicted-in-contraband-operation-ajc-com/#more-10315" aria-label="Read more about Warden hired to guard a Georgia prison indicted in contraband operation – AJC.com">Read more</a></p>
Federal judge chides Georgia prison boss and GDC for acting ‘above the law’ – AJC.com
MACON — A federal judge on Tuesday scolded the Georgia Department of Corrections’ persistent failure to comply with court orders and questioned whether the department deems itself “above the law.” U.S. District Court Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III went so far as to summon GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver to the witness stand to explain ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Federal judge chides Georgia prison boss and GDC for acting ‘above the law’ – AJC.com" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/federal-judge-chides-georgia-prison-boss-and-gdc-for-acting-above-the-law-ajc-com-2/#more-8212" aria-label="Read more about Federal judge chides Georgia prison boss and GDC for acting ‘above the law’ – AJC.com">Read more</a></p>
Day after deadly Georgia prison brawl, 2nd fight breaks out at nearby site – AJC.com
For the second time in two days, a fight broke out in a Georgia prison. On Monday night, at least two inmates were injured during a brawl inside Hancock State Prison, authorities said. Officials did not detail the severity of the injuries or say if the inmates were taken to a hospital.
Inmate set for release this week among 3 dead in Georgia prison fight – AJC.com
Inmate set for release this week among 3 dead in Georgia prison fight Aquinas Stillwell was prepared for his youngest brother to be released from prison Wednesday. Jimmy Trammell, 42, had spent the past decade behind bars. The brothers were going to meet up at a Greyhound bus stop in Atlanta in three days. But ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Inmate set for release this week among 3 dead in Georgia prison fight – AJC.com" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/inmate-set-for-release-this-week-among-3-dead-in-georgia-prison-fight-ajc-com/#more-7576" aria-label="Read more about Inmate set for release this week among 3 dead in Georgia prison fight – AJC.com">Read more</a></p>
Broken Buildings, Broken People
Voices Donald Tong / Pexels Nick Hacheney, Tomas KeenMay 20, 2025 Share Copy Link Email Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp Reddit LinkedIn Jerry stormed into his cell, shaking with rage. He threw his coat and gloves in a pile on his bunk and looked around for something to smash. It’s futile, and he knows it. The ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Broken Buildings, Broken People" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/broken-buildings-broken-people/#more-6640" aria-label="Read more about Broken Buildings, Broken People">Read more</a></p>
Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’
Fifaliana Joy via Pixabay Antoine Davis, Christopher BlackwellMay 07, 2025 Share Copy Link Email Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp Reddit LinkedIn In 1978, the Oscar-winning documentary “Scared Straight!” popularized the idea that the best way to prevent young people from incarceration is to scare them. The film focuses on a group of “juvenile delinquents” who get ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/imprisoned-people-can-do-more-than-scare-kids-straight/#more-6645" aria-label="Read more about Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’">Read more</a></p>
How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives
Newsletter Andy Luo / Unsplash Aaron Edward Olson and Randy BrennanApr 09, 2025 Share Copy Link Email Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp Reddit LinkedIn Prisons are designed for control, not compassion. Rows of razor wire, towering walls, and unyielding steel doors remind us we’re meant to be forgotten. For those of us serving life and long ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/how-prison-dog-training-programs-transform-lives/#more-6652" aria-label="Read more about How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives">Read more</a></p>
How ‘Bankruptcy’ Lets Private Prison Contractors Evade Accountability
Newsletter Melinda Gimpel / Unsplash Devontae TorrienteFeb 26, 2025 Share Copy Link Email Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp Reddit LinkedIn Private jail medical contractors have made a business out of avoiding consequences for civil rights violations. They offer local governments inexpensive, substandard medical care for their jails and then find creative ways to avoid litigation. Wellpath, ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="How ‘Bankruptcy’ Lets Private Prison Contractors Evade Accountability" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/how-bankruptcy-lets-private-prison-contractors-evade-accountability/#more-6662" aria-label="Read more about How ‘Bankruptcy’ Lets Private Prison Contractors Evade Accountability">Read more</a></p>
Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers
Credit: Sofi Gratas/GPB News Section Branding Header Content Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers Primary Content LISTEN: While the number of prison guards in Georgia prisons is at a 15-year low, corrections officials say the number of people incarcerated in the state is at a 15-year high ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/too-few-guards-and-too-many-drones-georgia-prisons-leaders-alert-lawmakers-to-dangers/#more-7085" aria-label="Read more about Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers">Read more</a></p>
Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers – Georgia Public Broadcasting
Caption Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, second from left, speaks during a 2023 meeting of the Georgia Board of Corrections. In 2025, Oliver says low numbers of officers and high numbers of contraband-laden drones are pressing problems. Credit: Sofi Gratas/GPB News
Gov. Kemp recommends adding $372 million to shore up Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting
Credit: Grant Blankenship/GPB News Section Branding Header Content Gov. Kemp recommends adding $372 million to shore up Georgia prisons Primary Content Gov. Brian Kemp has released his recommendations for strengthening Georgia’s struggling prison system, which include an additional $372 million in state spending. “We do realize and recognize that this is — I don’t know ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Gov. Kemp recommends adding $372 million to shore up Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/gov-kemp-recommends-adding-372-million-to-shore-up-georgia-prisons-georgia-public-broadcasting/#more-6686" aria-label="Read more about Gov. Kemp recommends adding $372 million to shore up Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting">Read more</a></p>
State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost – Georgia Public Broadcasting
ATLANTA — Georgia Department of Corrections officials began laying the groundwork Wednesday for an infusion of state funding to beef up staffing, replace aging infrastructure, and improve inmate health care. The state’s workforce of correctional officers plummeted during the COVID pandemic and has yet to fully recover, Georgia Commissioner of Corrections Tyrone Oliver told members ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost – Georgia Public Broadcasting" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/state-prisons-chief-pitches-case-for-funding-boost-georgia-public-broadcasting/#more-6687" aria-label="Read more about State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost – Georgia Public Broadcasting">Read more</a></p>
The federal Department of Justice: ‘deliberate indifference’ to violence in Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting
Credit: Grant Blankenship/GPB News Section Branding Header Content The federal Department of Justice: ‘deliberate indifference’ to violence in Georgia prisons Primary Content LISTEN: After a yearslong investigation, the Department of Justice says violence in Georgia prisons is at a “crisis level.” GPB’s Grant Blankenship reports. In a blistering, just-released report years in the making, the ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="The federal Department of Justice: ‘deliberate indifference’ to violence in Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/the-federal-department-of-justice-deliberate-indifference-to-violence-in-georgia-prisons-georgia-public-broadcasting/#more-6688" aria-label="Read more about The federal Department of Justice: ‘deliberate indifference’ to violence in Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting">Read more</a></p>
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Rats, Insects and Mold: How Bad Food Leaves Prisoners Hungry and Sick
This is The Marshall Project’s Closing Argument newsletter, a weekly deep dive into a key criminal justice issue. Want this delivered to your inbox? Sign up for future newsletters. The food on the trays doesn’t even look like food. In photos smuggled out of Georgia’s prisons, what passes for a meal is either grossly inadequate ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Rats, Insects and Mold: How Bad Food Leaves Prisoners Hungry and Sick" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/rats-insects-and-mold-how-bad-food-leaves-prisoners-hungry-and-sick/#more-10444" aria-label="Read more about Rats, Insects and Mold: How Bad Food Leaves Prisoners Hungry and Sick">Read more</a></p>
Crime Laws: How Louisiana, Georgia, Other States Embrace ‘Tough-on-Crime
This is The Marshall Project’s Closing Argument newsletter, a weekly deep dive into a key criminal justice issue. Want this delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to future newsletters here. For decades, Louisiana had the nation’s highest rate of incarceration. And — given that the U.S. is among the most carceral countries on the planet — ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Crime Laws: How Louisiana, Georgia, Other States Embrace ‘Tough-on-Crime" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/crime-laws-how-louisiana-georgia-other-states-embrace-tough-on-crime/#more-6772" aria-label="Read more about Crime Laws: How Louisiana, Georgia, Other States Embrace ‘Tough-on-Crime">Read more</a></p>
Data Reveals Prison Crisis: More Prisoners, Fewer Correctional Officers
When Andrew Phillips took a job as a corrections officer at Georgia’s Smith State Prison in 2021, he was desperate for work. Shortly after he started, he noticed a problem. The prison housed about 1,500 men, and each shift was supposed to have 30 officers to guard them, but most days there were half that, ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Data Reveals Prison Crisis: More Prisoners, Fewer Correctional Officers" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/data-reveals-prison-crisis-more-prisoners-fewer-correctional-officers/#more-6770" aria-label="Read more about Data Reveals Prison Crisis: More Prisoners, Fewer Correctional Officers">Read more</a></p>
As Corrections Officers Quit in Droves, Prisons Get Even More Dangerous
At a Georgia state House of Representatives hearing on prison conditions in September, a corrections officer called in to testify, interrupting his shift to tell lawmakers how dire conditions had become. On a “good day,” he told lawmakers, he had maybe six or seven officers to supervise roughly 1,200 people. He said he had recently ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="As Corrections Officers Quit in Droves, Prisons Get Even More Dangerous" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/as-corrections-officers-quit-in-droves-prisons-get-even-more-dangerous/#more-6771" aria-label="Read more about As Corrections Officers Quit in Droves, Prisons Get Even More Dangerous">Read more</a></p>
New Warden at Valdosta State Prison
Kendric Jackson Promoted FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Kendric Jackson, Warden at Calhoun State Prison (SP), to Warden at Valdosta SP effective June 1, 2026. As Warden, Jackson will be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,151 male offenders. "Kendric has been an ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="New Warden at Valdosta State Prison" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10674" aria-label="Read more about New Warden at Valdosta State Prison">Read more</a></p>
New Warden at Coastal State Prison | Georgia Department of …
David Stokes Reassigned FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of David Stokes, Warden at Central State Prison (SP), to Warden at Coastal SP effective June 1, 2026. As Warden, Stokes will be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,700 male offenders. "David has worked his ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="New Warden at Coastal State Prison | Georgia Department of …" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10675" aria-label="Read more about New Warden at Coastal State Prison | Georgia Department of …">Read more</a></p>
Washington inmate accused of running Georgia drug ring with contraband cellphones, feds say – WGXA
A Washington state prison inmate, Luis Alfonso Ramirez, has been indicted for allegedly directing a major fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking network from inside Georgia’s Washington State Prison using contraband cellphones, according to federal prosecutors. Six accomplices were also charged in the conspiracy, which spanned multiple Georgia counties and led to the seizure of 35 kilograms ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Washington inmate accused of running Georgia drug ring with contraband cellphones, feds say – WGXA" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10657" aria-label="Read more about Washington inmate accused of running Georgia drug ring with contraband cellphones, feds say – WGXA">Read more</a></p>
Macon State Prison News – Global Obituary Records & Memorial …
Four correctional officers at Macon State Prison in Georgia were arrested in September 2024 on charges of violating their oath as public officers and providing false statements, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. The incident is part of a
GDC: 9 hurt after ‘gang-related’ fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown – WGXA
GDC: 9 hurt after ‘gang-related’ fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown UNADILLA, Ga. (WGXA) — Nine inmates were injured in a “gang-related” altercation at Dooly State Prison on Thursday, prompting a statewide lockdown, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. The GDC said the fight was contained to two dorms at the facility ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="GDC: 9 hurt after ‘gang-related’ fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown – WGXA" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/#more-10597" aria-label="Read more about GDC: 9 hurt after ‘gang-related’ fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown – WGXA">Read more</a></p>
ITUC Observations under Article 23 – USA C105 (Forced Labour)
ITUC observations on forced labor practices in U.S. prisons, including Georgia, submitted under ILO Convention 105.
U.S. Department of Justice Findings Report on Georgia Prisons
The DOJ’s 94-page findings report detailing inhumane conditions, violence, gang control, and constitutional violations in Georgia’s state prison system.
Georgia prisoner strike comes out of lockdown
Georgia prisoner strike comes out of lockdown By Guest Blogger / December 16, 2010 Share on Twitter Submit to Reddit Share on Facebook More Linkedin Share on Google+ Share via Email By Kung Li Georgia prisoners came out of their cells today, ending the lockdown phase of the largest prison work strike in U.S. history. ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia prisoner strike comes out of lockdown" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/georgia-prisoner-strike-comes-out-of-lockdown/#more-6762" aria-label="Read more about Georgia prisoner strike comes out of lockdown">Read more</a></p>
Georgia Prisoners’ Strike: “We locked ourselves down.”
Georgia Prisoners’ Strike: “We locked ourselves down.” In a protest that appears to be spreading through Georgia’s prison system, inmates are striking for better conditions. One interesting facet of this rare prison strike, which reaches across multiple facilities and across racial and factional lines, is the participants’ use of self-imposed lockdown to serve their own ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia Prisoners’ Strike: “We locked ourselves down.”" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/georgia-prisoners-strike-we-locked-ourselves-down/#more-6763" aria-label="Read more about Georgia Prisoners’ Strike: “We locked ourselves down.”">Read more</a></p>
Georgia Prison Strike: A Hidden Labor Force Resists
Last week a diverse group of nonviolent protesters across Georgia stood up for their rights, calling for decent wages, better social services and respect for their civil liberties. It didn’t take long for the government to crack down on the demonstrations, however: the protesters were already in prison. The uprising of Georgia inmates on December ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia Prison Strike: A Hidden Labor Force Resists" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/georgia-prison-strike-a-hidden-labor-force-resists/#more-6761" aria-label="Read more about Georgia Prison Strike: A Hidden Labor Force Resists">Read more</a></p>
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