GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Hancock State Prison: the public record, 2015 to 2026
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Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press
Generated: 2026-10-22 04:27:13 EDT

Research Date: 2026-10-21
Topic: Hancock State Prison (Sparta): capacity, deaths and violence, prosecutions, lawsuits, staffing, money and audits
JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/hancock-state-prison-the-public-record-2015-to-2026/?format=json

SUMMARY
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This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia, federal sources and other sources. Each entry gives a short statement, the exact passage from the source that supports it, and the source's title, web address and the date it was retrieved. Searches of a source that found no match are listed too, with the wordings that were tried. The entries record what each source said when it was retrieved. They aren't a complete account of the subject, and they don't add analysis or conclusions.

CASE DETAILS (112)
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- [reported] Compton convicted of malice murder in Hancock State Prison killing
  A Hancock County jury found inmate Compton guilty on all three charges, felony murder, malice murder, and aggravated assault, but two charges merged as a matter of law, leaving malice murder as the sole conviction.
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Hancock Co. jury convicts inmate in murder case | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Dennis Brown named Warden of Hancock State Prison
  Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the reassignment of Dennis Brown as Warden of Hancock State Prison effective July 1, 2013. The facility is in Sparta, Georgia, and Brown was responsible for overseeing 350 staff members and 1,267 inmates.
  Date: 2013-07-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Warden Named at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Corey July's underlying convictions
  Corey July, the victim in the Vershaun Smith case, was serving time for multiple convictions related to robbery, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: violence,legal,facilities
  Sources: Smith convicted of stabbing to death fellow inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Eric Sellers named Warden of Hancock State Prison effective July 1, 2014
  GDC Commissioner Brian Owens announced the reassignment of Eric Sellers as the new Warden of Hancock State Prison effective July 1, 2014. Sellers had previously been Warden of Phillips State Prison. The facility is located in Sparta, Georgia.
  Date: 2014-07-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Warden of Hancock State Prison Named | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Two prisoners found dead in same dorm at Hancock State Prison
  The bodies of William Holeman, 34, and Prince Porter, 38, were found in the same dorm about 15-20 feet apart at Hancock State Prison, according to Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews. Porter had a single puncture wound in his upper back while Holeman had no marks on his body; Andrews said he was leaning toward homicide in Porter's case.
  Date: 2025-01-30
  Tags: violence,death,gangs,facilities
  Sources: Gang-related violence results in two deaths at Georgia prison

- [reported] Murder warrant served against Orlando Middlebrooks for stabbing death of Dwayne Zackery at Hancock State Prison
  A murder warrant was served against Orlando Middlebrooks in connection with the slaying of Dwayne Zackery at Hancock State Prison. The warrant, taken out by GDC Investigator Latarius Evans, accused Middlebrooks of stabbing Zackery in the chest with a homemade knife ('shank').
  Tags: violence,death,contraband,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Another inmate stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Compton sentenced to life without parole by Judge Amanda S. Petty
  Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Amanda S. Petty presided over the Compton trial and sentenced Compton to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
  Tags: violence,legal
  Sources: Hancock Co. jury convicts inmate in murder case | The Union-Recorder

- [confirmed] Four former GDC officers convicted of drug distribution and extortion
  Jeremy Fluellen, Chelsey Mayweather, Tramaine Tucker, and Christopher Williams were convicted by a federal jury after a week-long trial on fifteen counts of cocaine and methamphetamine distribution and seven counts of extortion under color of official right. Prior to trial, 44 other corrections officers pleaded guilty in cases related to the investigation.
  Date: 2017-01-01
  Tags: corruption,drugs,investigations,legal
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/jury

- [reported] Cesar Arnold Pastrana Morales homicide detail
  Cesar Arnold Pastrana Morales, 33, died March 13, 2020, of a stab wound to the chest at Hancock State Prison; an incident report shows five other inmates involved.
  Date: 2020-03-13
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Third prisoner seriously injured in January 2025 Hancock altercation
  A photo caption in the AJC states that prisoners William Holeman and Prince MKeel Porter were killed during an altercation among inmates at Hancock State Prison on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, and a third prisoner was seriously injured.
  Date: 2025-01-30
  Tags: violence,death,gangs,facilities
  Sources: Gang-related violence results in two deaths at Georgia prison

- [reported] Sergeant Euelia Durden listed among Board of Corrections attendees
  Board of Corrections minutes for February 2019 list Euelia Durden as Sergeant, Hancock State Prison, among those present.
  Date: 2019-02-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: Board Meeting Minutes February 2019

- [reported] Gary charged with murder counts in Charles McKee stabbing
  Inmate Gary was charged with two counts of murder, two counts of felony murder, and one count of aggravated assault, according to warrants, in the stabbing of fellow Hancock State Prison inmate Charles McKee.
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Inmate murdered at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [confirmed] Christopher Williams convicted on nine drug counts and two extortion counts
  Christopher Williams, 26, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, was convicted of nine counts of attempting to distribute cocaine and/or methamphetamine and two counts of extortion under color of official right.
  Date: 2017-01-01
  Tags: corruption,drugs,legal
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/jury

- [reported] Rashad Bolton killing at Hancock, Jan. 4, 2021
  Javaris Compton was accused of stabbing to death 29-year-old Rashad Bolton of Lincoln County; both were inmates at Hancock State Prison at the time of the killing, which occurred between noon and 2 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2021.
  Date: 2021-01-04
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Hancock Co. jury convicts inmate in murder case | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Annettia Toby promoted to Warden of Hancock State Prison effective July 1, 2016
  GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the promotion of Annettia Toby to Warden at Hancock State Prison effective July 1, 2016. As Warden, Toby was responsible for overseeing 357 staff members and 1,191 close security male offenders.
  Date: 2016-07-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: Annettia Toby New Warden at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Rashad Bolton homicide detail
  Rashad Bolton, 29, died January 4, 2021, of a puncture wound to the chest with a sharp object at Hancock State Prison; in a lawsuit, his parents claim he was stabbed to death.
  Date: 2021-01-04
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Sergeant Durden presented award for processing second-shift officers
  Board of Corrections minutes record that Sergeant Euelia Durden, an officer at Hancock State Prison, was presented an award for processing in second-shift officers.
  Date: 2019-02-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: Board Meeting Minutes February 2019

- [reported] Bobby Ricks stabbed 11 times at Hancock State Prison (2019)
  District Attorney Barksdale, who prosecuted Bobby Ricks's murderers at Hancock State Prison in 2019, told the jury at trial that Ricks was "stabbed 11 times" after being stalked, ambushed and chased down by his own gang.
  Date: 2019-01-01
  Tags: violence,gangs,death
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Rashad Bolton stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison
  Rashad Bolton, a 29-year-old Lincoln County man, was stabbed to death in his cell at Hancock State Prison sometime between noon and 2 p.m. on Jan. 4, with a shank used as the murder weapon. He was sentenced in 2016 to 20 years with the first 10 in confinement and the last 10 on probation, according to GDC spokeswoman Lori Benoit.
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Lincoln Co. man stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Dwayne Zackery Jr. homicide detail
  Dwayne Zackery Jr., 22, died February 12, 2021, of a stab wound to the chest with a homemade knife at Hancock State Prison; death data states he was stabbed by his cellmate.
  Date: 2021-02-12
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Arrest warrants filed against Cleveland Gary and Darrion Williams for stabbing death of Charles McKee at Hancock State Prison
  Arrest warrants were filed against 35-year-old Cleveland Gary and Darrion Williams, 33, both state inmates assigned to Hancock State Prison, in connection with the stabbing death of inmate Charles McKee.
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: violence,death,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Inmate murdered at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Albert Chapa, 56, found dead in Hancock cell July 30
  Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews identified 56-year-old Albert Chapa as the inmate found deceased in his cell at Hancock State Prison and pronounced him dead at 10 a.m. on July 30; Chapa had no visible injuries and his body was sent to the GBI Crime Laboratory in Decatur to determine cause and manner of death.
  Tags: death,facilities,investigations
  Sources: Inmate found dead at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Inmate death at Hancock State Prison on August 12 (suspected homicide)
  GDC confirmed an inmate death at Hancock State Prison on August 12th, with the cause of death likely homicide pending autopsy results; GDC had not released the victim's identity pending next-of-kin notification.
  Tags: death,violence,investigations
  Sources: Two inmate deaths under investigation at Middle Georgia prisons, suspected homicides Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Katherine Wells promoted to Deputy Warden of Administration at Hancock State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Katherine Wells to Deputy Warden of Administration at Hancock State Prison, effective February 1, 2018. As Deputy Warden, Wells was responsible for overseeing the Business Office and related administrative functions.
  Date: 2018-02-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Administration Named at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] GBI investigated Bolton death at Hancock State Prison
  Brian Hargrove, assistant special agent in-charge of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 6 Office in Milledgeville, confirmed that a crime scene specialist with the state agency conducted a crime scene investigation into Rashad Bolton's death.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Lincoln Co. man stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Charles 'Tristen' James McKee homicide detail
  Charles 'Tristen' James McKee, 24, died May 23, 2022, at Hancock State Prison; death data show he was stabbed 13 times in the back and head, with five other inmates directly involved. A lawsuit alleges he was placed in a dorm with known gang members hostile to LGBTQ inmates, and the U.S. Department of Justice investigation found that McKee tried to escape gang members who were beating and stabbing him.
  Date: 2022-05-23
  Tags: violence,death,gangs,lgbtq,legal
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Corey July, 34, stabbed to death June 17 at Hancock
  Thirty-four-year-old inmate Corey July was stabbed to death with a homemade knife (a shank) at Hancock State Prison on June 17.
  Tags: violence,death,contraband
  Sources: Authorities investigating murder of inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Inmate Kevin Deshawn Lamar killed at Macon State Prison
  Inmate Kevin Deshawn Lamar was killed at Macon State Prison on August 10th; the investigation revealed his death was a homicide by his roommate Garland Pittman, who faced charges of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a homemade weapon.
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: Two inmate deaths under investigation at Middle Georgia prisons, suspected homicides Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [confirmed] Daniels address change to Hancock State Prison (2015)
  Plaintiff Derrick Daniels, in the Daniels v. McLaughlin prison-conditions case, filed a notice of change of address to Hancock State Prison.
  Date: 2015-08-24
  Tags: legal,conditions,facilities
  Sources: DANIELS v. MCLAUGHLIN, 2015-04-08 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Jeremy Foston promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Hancock State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Jeremy Foston to deputy warden of care and treatment at Hancock State Prison, effective May 1, 2019. In this role, Foston was to oversee the supervision of educational programs and health-related functions.
  Date: 2019-05-01
  Tags: staffing,medical,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Steven Wood died after altercation at Hancock State Prison
  WJBF reported the Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed an inmate at Hancock State Prison died Sunday after an altercation with another inmate; Steven Wood was pronounced dead on Jan. 25, 2026, having been serving Life with Parole for Murder out of Cherokee County.
  Date: 2026-01-25
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Hancock State Prison inmate dies after altercation, authorities say | WJBF

- [reported] Travon Walthour died at Hancock State Prison on October 13, 2024
  Travon Walthour of Hancock State Prison died on Sunday, October 13, 2024, as confirmed by the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia claimed he was fatally stabbed, an assertion not yet formally verified, with the GBI Crime Lab set to carry out autopsies.
  Date: 2024-10-13
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: Two Georgia Inmates Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances Amidst DOJ

- [reported] Terry Lee Bishop homicide detail
  Terry Lee Bishop, 49, died October 18, 2022, at Hancock State Prison of blunt force trauma, acute toxicity of methamphetamine, and acute toxicity of cannabinoids; death data show he was beaten to death by another prisoner.
  Date: 2022-10-18
  Tags: violence,death,drugs
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Hancock Evidence Based Program video presented at January 2020 Board meeting
  A Board of Corrections meeting summary records a "Hancock Evidence Based Program video" presented alongside a Beyond the Call employee award.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: programs,operations
  Sources: Board Meeting Summary January 2020

- [reported] Hancock inmate murder under investigation, victim name withheld
  Local and state authorities were investigating another murder of an inmate at Hancock State Prison; the slaying happened early Tuesday afternoon according to Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews, and the victim's name was not released pending notification of next of kin.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Authorities investigating murder of inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Javaris Compton malice murder conviction for cellmate killing
  A Hancock County jury convicted inmate Javaris Compton of malice murder in the stabbing death of his cellmate, 29-year-old Rashad Bolton, at Hancock State Prison; felony murder and aggravated assault charges merged into the malice murder conviction.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,facilities
  Sources: Hancock Co. jury convicts inmate in murder case | The Union-Recorder, article 40d68908 0741 11ef 9204 87d9076a3b3a

- [reported] Calpurnia Washington promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Calpurnia Washington to Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison effective April 16, 2022. As deputy warden of security, Washington was responsible for overseeing security operations.
  Date: 2022-04-16
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security hancock state prison [1]

- [reported] Corey July fatally stabbed at Hancock State Prison
  Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews confirmed that 34-year-old Corey July succumbed to multiple stab wounds following an altercation around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday in which Corey Jose July, 33, engaged with another inmate before being fatally stabbed, per Hoodline citing WGXA.
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Inmate Fatally Stabbed at Hancock State Prison, Georgia Authorities

- [reported] Brandon Mincey found dead at Phillips State Prison on October 11, 2024
  Brandon Mincey, incarcerated at Phillips State Prison, was found deceased on October 11, 2024, as confirmed by the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia claimed he was fatally stabbed, an assertion not yet formally verified, with the GBI Crime Lab set to carry out autopsies.
  Date: 2024-10-11
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: Two Georgia Inmates Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances Amidst DOJ

- [reported] Norman Samples homicide detail
  Norman Samples, 59, died December 27, 2022, at Hancock State Prison of blunt force injuries to the head and torso.
  Date: 2022-12-27
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Two gang-related homicides at Hancock State Prison
  In January 2025, two prisoners at Hancock State Prison were found dead just feet apart after an incident described as gang-related violence.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: violence,gangs,death
  Sources: Gang-related violence results in two deaths at Georgia prison; Georgia prison homicides soar as lawmakers focus on fixes

- [reported] Two inmates slain at Hancock Jan. 30 in gang violence incident
  Two inmates were slain at Hancock State Prison on Jan. 30 stemming from a gang violence incident, according to The Union-Recorder.
  Tags: violence,death,gangs
  Sources: Authorities investigating murder of inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [confirmed] Gang-ordered murder at Hancock State Prison on October 11, 2017
  On or about October 11, 2017, defendant Demarco Draughn murdered an inmate at Hancock State Prison on orders from defendant Anthony Jernigan because the inmate had allegedly violated one of SMM's rules.
  Date: 2017-10-11
  Tags: gangs,violence,death
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/twen

- [reported] Tamikia Mahoney promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Tamikia Mahoney, Assistant Superintendent at Augusta Transitional Center, to Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison, effective September 1, 2024.
  Date: 2024-09-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security hancock state prison [2]

- [reported] Corey July death ruled homicide by GDC standards
  Coroner Andrews said Corey July's criminal charges included robbery, eluding police, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and the investigation into his death was pronounced a homicide by GDC standards.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Inmate Fatally Stabbed at Hancock State Prison, Georgia Authorities

- [confirmed] GDC-FBI investigation third phase indicts 16 current and 23 former GDC officers
  The GDC-FBI investigation's third phase resulted in federal indictments against 16 current GDC Correctional Officers, 23 former GDC Correctional Officers, four current GEO Group Correctional Officers, and others, involving employees from eight GDC state prisons and one GEO Group prison including Hancock.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,investigations
  Sources: Two year GDC & FBI investigation results in more than 45 Federal Indictments, Georgia Department of Corrections, February 11, 2016

- [confirmed] Ivey's career history at GDC and Hancock State Prison
  George Ivey began his GDC career in 1994 as a Correctional Officer at Macon State Prison and in 2010 was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison, where he was serving at the time of his interim warden appointment.
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Interim Warden at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Roland Lamont Phillips homicide detail
  Roland Lamont Phillips, 33, died June 28, 2023, at Hancock State Prison of multiple sharp force injuries; an incident report shows he suffered 11 puncture wounds to his front torso and one puncture wound to his neck, and a murder warrant was served against his cellmate.
  Date: 2023-06-28
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Gang-violence victims identified as William Holeman, 34, and Price Porter, 38
  The victims of the Jan. 30 Hancock State Prison gang-violence killing were identified as William Holeman, 34, and Price Porter, 38.
  Tags: violence,death,gangs
  Sources: Authorities investigating murder of inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [confirmed] Rontavious Fowler charged with RICO conspiracy
  Rontavious Fowler, a/k/a Lil Hot, 26, of Hancock State Prison in Sparta, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy.
  Date: 2017-01-01
  Tags: gangs,legal
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/twen

- [reported] June 17, 2025 yard altercation at Hancock
  On June 17, 2025, at around 2:45 p.m., 33-year-old Corey Jose July and Vershaun Smith were in an altercation in the yard at Hancock State Prison.
  Date: 2025-06-17
  Tags: violence,facilities
  Sources: Inmate sentenced to life without parole after malice murder conviction in Hancock County Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Jacorey Pearson found dead in cell at Hancock State Prison; fourth death at facility that year
  Hancock County Chief Deputy Coroner Tonya Thurman told WGXA that 36-year-old Jacorey Pearson was found deceased in his cell around 5:00 a.m. on a Tuesday, marking the fourth inmate to die at Hancock State Prison that year. His body was turned over to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
  Tags: death,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Investigation underway after fourth Hancock State Prison inmate dies in custody Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Jaylin Bell stabbed to death by cellmate at Hancock State Prison
  A Hancock State Prison inmate died after being stabbed multiple times by his cellmate on a Friday morning; Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews said the incident happened around 7:00 a.m. and he pronounced 32-year-old Jaylin Bell dead at 10:42 a.m., with Bell's body taken to the GBI Crime Lab while his injured cellmate was taken to a hospital in Macon for treatment.
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Inmate dies after being stabbed multiple times by cellmate at Hancock State Prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [confirmed] LGBTI inmate beaten and stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison on May 22, 2022
  A DOJ findings report on Georgia prisons describes an incident titled "DEATH AT HANCOCK": on May 22, 2022, following evening chow, an incarcerated person who identified as LGBTI was beaten and stabbed to death by multiple gang members inside a dorm at Hancock State Prison; the victim tried to escape the attackers by jumping through the stair railings onto the floor below, where the attackers continued to stab and curse at the victim.
  Date: 2022-05-22
  Tags: violence,gangs,death,mental_health
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Francisco Zaldivar Melgar-Saldivar homicide detail
  Francisco Zaldivar Melgar-Saldivar, 26, died August 12, 2023, at Hancock State Prison of strangulation and blunt force injuries; a claim filed against the state alleges he wasn't provided appropriate medical care after being attacked by another prisoner.
  Date: 2023-08-12
  Tags: violence,death,medical,legal
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Octavio Pugacerantes indicted in Jaylin Bell killing
  A Hancock County grand jury indicted Octavio Pugacerantes on charges of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault, accused of killing fellow Hancock State Prison inmate Jaylin Bell on Feb. 6 using a sharp weapon and causing multiple injuries.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,facilities
  Sources: Three inmates indicted on murder charges in Hancock Co. | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Statewide GDC lockdown after gang-related fights at multiple prisons
  GDC prisons were on a statewide lockdown after a string of "gang-related" fights left multiple inmates injured at Smith, Willcox, Dooly, Hays and Valdosta state prisons, as reported the week WGXA covered Jacorey Pearson's death at Hancock State Prison.
  Tags: gangs,violence,operations,facilities
  Sources: Investigation underway after fourth Hancock State Prison inmate dies in custody Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Contraband shipment intercepted headed to Hancock State Prison
  The Hancock County Sheriff's Office said officers with the Georgia Department of Corrections helped intercept a contraband shipment headed to Hancock State Prison on Oct. 16, including over one pound of ecstasy, 33 pounds of marijuana, 22 pounds of tobacco, multiple cellular phones and a PlayStation gaming console, and several knives.
  Tags: contraband,drugs,investigations
  Sources: Law enforcement stops 'massive' contraband shipment headed for Hancock State prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] McKee stabbed to death by gang members; lawsuit alleges inadequate staffing
  Spradlin said McKee was brutally attacked and stabbed to death by gang members on May 22, 2022, and the lawsuit alleged inadequate staffing and monitoring allowed the deadly attack to take place. McKee was 17 years old when he entered GDC custody, convicted of 2nd Degree arson and theft by taking.
  Date: 2022-05-22
  Tags: violence,death,gangs,staffing
  Sources: Mother sues Georgia prison officials over son's death, alleges civil rights violations and failure to protect Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Omarion Lyles indicted in Jerrod Johnson killing
  A Hancock County grand jury indicted Omarion Lyles, accused of killing fellow Hancock State Prison inmate Jerrod Johnson with a makeshift weapon on Feb. 18.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,facilities
  Sources: Three inmates indicted on murder charges in Hancock Co. | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Steven Wood died after altercation with cellmate at Hancock State Prison
  WGXA reported that Hancock State Prison inmate Steven Wood died after a fight with his cellmate on a Sunday. GDC identified Wood, and Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews said Wood was 55 years old and confirmed the altercation with his cellmate led to his death. Wood was serving life in prison with parole for murder out of Cherokee County.
  Date: 2026-01-01
  Tags: death,violence,facilities
  Sources: Hancock State Prison inmate dies after altercation with another inmate Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Officer Anthonika Fraley arrested for contraband at Hancock
  On October 4, Officer Anthonika Fraley attempted to introduce contraband (1 cellphone and 1 silver necklace) into Hancock State Prison in her bookbag and was arrested by Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
  Tags: contraband,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at Hancock State Prison and Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Visible injuries confirmed on Jacorey Pearson's body
  The chief deputy coroner confirmed there were visible injuries to Jacorey Pearson's body.
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: UPDATE: Authorities investigating murder at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Jeremy Fluellen convicted of drug and extortion charges
  Jeremy Fluellen, 28, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison and on the GA DOC tactical unit (COBRA Squad), was convicted of two counts of attempted distribution of cocaine and two counts of extortion under color of official right.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/jury

- [reported] Two inmates killed in gang-related altercation at Hancock State Prison on January 30, 2025
  Two inmates died following violent altercations at Hancock State Prison in Georgia on January 30, 2025, in an incident GDC described as gang-related; Prince Porter, 38, and William Holeman, 34, were killed during the altercation, which also hospitalized others, and the altercation occurred around 1:30 p.m. on January 30.
  Date: 2025-01-30
  Tags: violence,gangs,death
  Sources: Two Inmates Die Following Violent Altercations At Hancock State Prison in Georgia | Between Community News

- [confirmed] Selassie v. GDC: suicide of Geberyesus
  In Selassie v. GDC, the court's order states that on March 20, 2019, officers discovered Geberyesus with a towel wrapped around him in a position indicating attempted suicide; after a mental health counselor recommended a security strip cell, he was placed in his old cell and committed suicide using a bedsheet on March 21, 2019.
  Date: 2019-03-01
  Tags: death,mental_health,legal
  Sources: SELASSIE v. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, M.D. Ga., 2021-06-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Pearson was serving four years for firearm possession
  Jacorey Pearson was convicted in Coweta County Superior Court in Newnan for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and sentenced to four years in prison.
  Tags: legal,demographics
  Sources: UPDATE: Authorities investigating murder at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Tramaine Tucker convicted of drug and extortion charges
  Tramaine Tucker, 28, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison and Riverbend Correctional Facility, was convicted of two counts of attempting to distribute cocaine and/or methamphetamine and one count of extortion under color of official right.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/jury

- [reported] William Holeman serving 20 years for armed robbery, max release March 2041
  William Holeman was serving 20 years for armed robbery (Coweta County) with a maximum release date of March 2041.
  Date: 2025-01-30
  Tags: demographics
  Sources: Two Inmates Die Following Violent Altercations At Hancock State Prison in Georgia | Between Community News

- [reported] Officer Chercaria Paschal arrested with four cellphones and tobacco at Hancock
  GDC's contraband-arrests report states that on November 27, at Hancock State Prison, Officer Chercaria Paschal was found with four cellphones and loose tobacco after repeatedly failing to clear the metal detector, and was arrested by the Hancock County Sheriff's Department.
  Tags: contraband,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at Rogers and Hancock State Prisons | The Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Eric Sellers named Warden of Hancock State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Brian Owens announced the reassignment of Eric Sellers as the new Warden of Hancock State Prison effective July 1, 2014, replacing Dennis Brown; Sellers had formerly been Warden of Phillips State Prison.
  Date: 2014-07-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: New Warden of Hancock State Prison Named | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] GDC identifies Jacorey Pearson and maximum release date
  GDC communications official Lori Benoit told The Union-Recorder via email that the inmate's name was Jacorey Pearson, and that Pearson had a maximum release date of September 2028.
  Tags: death,investigations
  Sources: Inmate death under investigation at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Prince Porter serving 20 years for criminal attempt, max release August 2030
  Prince Porter was serving 20 years for criminal attempt (DeKalb County) with a maximum release date of August 2030.
  Date: 2025-01-30
  Tags: demographics
  Sources: Two Inmates Die Following Violent Altercations At Hancock State Prison in Georgia | Between Community News

- [reported] SMM gang members stabbed fellow member at Hancock State Prison
  On or about May 10, 2020, at Hancock State Prison in Sparta, Georgia, Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang members isolated another SMM member in a prison cell, tied him up, and repeatedly stabbed him on suspicion that he had allegedly violated one of the gang's rules.
  Date: 2020-05-10
  Tags: gangs,violence,facilities
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/twen

- [reported] 23 Sex Money Murder defendants charged in 12-count federal indictment
  23 defendants, allegedly members of the Sex Money Murder gang, were charged in a 12-count federal indictment with racketeering, drug trafficking and firearms violations, with eleven of the defendants inmates at Autry State Prison, Hancock State Prison, Smith State Prison, Ware State Prison, or GDC's Special Management Unit.
  Tags: gangs,drugs,corruption,investigations
  Sources: Gang members indicted in prison racketeering probe | The Union-Recorder

- [confirmed] Annette Toby listed as Warden in 2018 Board of Corrections minutes
  Board of Corrections minutes list Annette Toby as Warden, Hancock State Prison, among those present.
  Date: 2018-10-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: Board Meeting Minutes October 2018

- [reported] Joint operation intercepts contraband shipment bound for Hancock SP
  WRDW/WAGT reported that the Hancock County Sheriff's Office and GDC 'carried out a joint operation on Friday, that stopped the load en route to the prison in Sparta' after intercepting a contraband shipment for Hancock State Prison.
  Tags: contraband,drugs,operations
  Sources: Drugs, weapons seized in Hancock State Prison contraband bust

- [reported] Hancock inmates allegedly used contraband cellphones to run meth trafficking network
  While inmates at Hancock State Prison, Valdosta State Prison and Coastal Transition Center, Palacios Baras, McLoon and Hildebrand allegedly obtained contraband cellular telephones and used them to lead and manage an extensive drug trafficking network trafficking crystal methamphetamine in the Atlanta area.
  Tags: drugs,contraband,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/seve

- [reported] Inmate Gerrod Malik Johnson stabbed to death with homemade weapon
  An inmate was found dead after being stabbed in Hancock State Prison; the coroner identified him as Gerrod Malik Johnson, 27, who was stabbed with a homemade weapon.
  Tags: death,violence,contraband
  Sources: Inmate found dead after stabbing with homemade weapon at Hancock State Prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Jacorey Pearson death reported by 41NBC; cause not released
  An inmate died Tuesday at Hancock State Prison, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections, identified as Jacorey Pearson. The cause of death had not been released at that time; his body was turned over to the county coroner and transported to the GBI crime lab to determine the official cause of death.
  Tags: death,investigations
  Sources: Inmate dies at Hancock State Prison, investigation underway - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] Joshua Andrew Brock convicted of malice murder for 2025 stabbing
  A jury convicted 38-year-old Joshua Andrew Brock of malice murder and he was sentenced to life without parole for the 2025 stabbing death of fellow Hancock State Prison inmate Prince Porter.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Jury convicts Hancock State Prisoner after stabbing inmate, leads to life without parole Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Andre Weems died after altercation with multiple offenders at Hancock State Prison
  The Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed the death of inmate Andre Weems at Hancock State Prison following an "altercation with multiple offenders" on a Tuesday. GDC said the death was under investigation by its Office of Professional Standards, and Weems was serving a life sentence with parole for murder out of Clayton County.
  Tags: death,violence,investigations
  Sources: Life-sentenced inmate dies after 'altercation' at Hancock State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] Brandon Mincey serving 10 years for aggravated battery, found dead Oct 11, 2024
  Phillips State Prison inmate Brandon Mincey, serving 10 years on a 2021 aggravated battery conviction, was found dead on Oct. 11, 2024; cause of death had not been released and his body was turned over to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy.
  Date: 2024-10-11
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: 2 inmates die weeks after DOJ admonishes Georgia prison officials | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [reported] Promotion of Joe Williams to Warden at SMU
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Joseph "Joe" Williams to Warden at the Special Management Unit (SMU) effective May 1, 2023.
  Date: 2023-05-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: New Warden at the Special Management Unit | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden special management unit [2]

- [reported] Roland Lamont Phillips stabbed to death at Hancock on June 28
  Patricia Morris's son, Roland Lamont Phillips, 33, was found stabbed to death in his cell at Hancock State Prison on the morning of June 28; a murder warrant was served against 24-year-old Danny Garrison, another state inmate who had shared a cell with Phillips for less than four days, and Garrison was formally charged with felony murder.
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Hancock State Prison inmate stabbed to death | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Brock already serving life sentence for armed robbery
  Joshua Andrew Brock was already serving a life sentence for armed robbery, and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole by Superior Court Judge Terry N. Massey for the stabbing death of Prince Porter.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Jury convicts Hancock State Prisoner after stabbing inmate, leads to life without parole Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Travon Walthour serving 18 years for involuntary manslaughter, died Oct 13, 2024
  Hancock State Prison inmate Travon Walthour, serving 18 years on a 2012 involuntary manslaughter conviction, died on Oct. 13, 2024; cause of death had not been released and his body was turned over to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy.
  Date: 2024-10-13
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: 2 inmates die weeks after DOJ admonishes Georgia prison officials | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [reported] Joe Williams listed as Warden in Board minutes
  The Georgia Board of Corrections' March 2025 and June 2025 meeting minutes list Mr. Joe Williams as Warden of the Special Management Unit.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes june 2025; Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2025

- [reported] Jarrod Johnson stabbed to death at Hancock; third homicide in under two months
  A 27-year-old inmate at Hancock State Prison was stabbed to death Wednesday afternoon, bringing the number killed at the prison to three in less than two months that year; Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews identified the victim as Jarrod Johnson, originally from Mitchell County, stabbed once in the upper chest with a makeshift weapon (shank).
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Hancock State Prison inmate murdered | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Lonnie Ragan indicted for January 2026 stabbing death of Steven Wood
  Lonnie Ragan was indicted for stabbing and killing Steven Wood, a fellow Hancock State Prison inmate, on January 24, 2026, on three counts: malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault.
  Date: 2026-01-24
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Three men indicted in fatal stabbings at Hancock State Prison in month-long span, DA's office says

- [reported] Johnson died at 5:50 p.m. after infirmary life-saving efforts
  After Johnson's body was discovered, correctional officers took him to the prison infirmary where life-saving measures were administered but he died from his injuries; Andrews pronounced Johnson deceased at 5:50 p.m. Johnson was serving a life sentence for murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime, and the murder came after a major shakedown at the prison earlier that week.
  Tags: violence,death,medical,operations
  Sources: Hancock State Prison inmate murdered | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Octavio Pugacerantes indicted for February 2026 stabbing death of Jaylin Bell
  Octavio Pugacerantes was indicted for stabbing and killing Jaylin Bell on Feb. 6 while both were incarcerated at Hancock State Prison, on three counts: malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault.
  Date: 2026-02-06
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Three men indicted in fatal stabbings at Hancock State Prison in month-long span, DA's office says

- [reported] GDC confirmed inmate death at Hancock State Prison in May 2022
  On Monday, May 23, 2022, WGXA reported that the Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed an inmate death had occurred at Hancock State Prison in Sparta, with GDC declining to provide any additional information.
  Date: 2022-05-23
  Tags: death,facilities
  Sources: GDC confirms inmate's death at Hancock State Prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Corey July stabbed to death in Hancock prison yard on June 17, 2025
  The trial jury watched surveillance video of events leading to the stabbing death of Corey July at Hancock State Prison near Sparta on June 17, 2025, which happened in the yard of the prison.
  Date: 2025-06-17
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Smith convicted of stabbing to death fellow inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Omarion Lyles indicted for February 2026 stabbing death of Jerrod Johnson
  Omarion Lyles was indicted for stabbing and killing Jerrod Johnson on Feb. 18, according to a second indictment obtained by 13WMAZ.
  Date: 2026-02-18
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Three men indicted in fatal stabbings at Hancock State Prison in month-long span, DA's office says

- [reported] Danny Garrison acquitted of murdering bunkmate Roland Phillips
  A 26-year-old former Hancock State Prison inmate, accused of murdering his bunkmate two years earlier, was acquitted following a trial in Hancock County Superior Court.
  Tags: violence,legal,death
  Sources: Former Hancock State Prison inmate acquitted in murder case | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Vershaun Smith convicted of malice murder for stabbing death
  A jury in Hancock County Superior Court in Sparta convicted Vershaun Smith on Aug. 12 of malice murder, according to Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney T. Wright Barksdale III.
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Smith convicted of stabbing to death fellow inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Three inmates indicted on identical murder charges
  A Hancock County grand jury returned true bills of indictment against Ragan, Pugacerantes, and Lyles on identical charges of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault, according to Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney T. Wright Barksdale III.
  Tags: violence,legal,death
  Sources: Three inmates indicted on murder charges in Hancock Co. | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Vershaun Smith sentenced to life without parole
  Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Alison T. Burleson sentenced Vershaun Smith to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Smith convicted of stabbing to death fellow inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Phillips stabbed 21 times with a shank
  Phillips was stabbed 21 times with a makeshift weapon commonly referred to by prison officials as a "shank."
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Former Hancock State Prison inmate acquitted in murder case | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Lonnie Jacob Ragan indicted for killing Steven Wood Jan. 24
  A Hancock County grand jury indicted Lonnie Jacob Ragan on charges of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault, accused of killing fellow Hancock State Prison inmate Steven Wood on Jan. 24.
  Tags: violence,legal,death
  Sources: Three inmates indicted on murder charges in Hancock Co. | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Hancock County Sheriff's Office and GDC intercept drone-based contraband shipment
  The Union-Recorder reported that Hancock County Sheriff's Office Chief Investigator Thomas Resha said, 'Acting on a timely and actionable tip, the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, in a joint operation with the Georgia Department of Corrections, successfully interdicted and prevented a massive contraband shipment destined for Hancock State Prison on Friday, Oct. 16,' and that the seized items were 'capable of transporting large quantities of contraband through the air' via a drone.
  Tags: contraband,drugs,operations
  Sources: Authorities seize ‘major’ drug shipment bound for Hancock prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Joshua Andrew Brock, 38, convicted of malice murder in Prince Porter death
  Joshua Andrew Brock, 38, was found guilty of malice murder in the January 2025 death of fellow Hancock State Prison inmate Prince Porter, according to the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: violence,legal,death
  Sources: Inmate convicted of murder in Hancock State Prison stabbing - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] Garrison jury deliberated a little more than an hour
  The jury deliberated Danny Garrison's case for a little more than an hour before returning with a verdict.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Former Hancock State Prison inmate acquitted in murder case | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Brock sentenced to life without parole for Hancock stabbing
  Joshua Andrew Brock was convicted of murder in a fatal stabbing at Hancock State Prison and sentenced to life without parole.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: violence,legal
  Sources: Inmate convicted of murder in Hancock State Prison stabbing - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] Officer Jehan Landau arrested for contraband at Hancock SP
  GDC's contraband report states that on January 8 at Hancock SP, Officer Jehan Landau was searched as she reported to work and contraband was located consisting of 1 pair of white socks, 1 pair of men's underwear, 1 pair of multi-colored shorts, and 1 sweatshirt, and she was arrested by the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
  Tags: contraband,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Facilities | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Crystal Sasha Brooks charged with bribery and drug trafficking at Hancock SP
  Crystal Sasha Brooks, 22, of Tennille, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison, with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions, and with attempted drug trafficking.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,staffing
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] James Julius Watkins, Jr. charged with bribery and drug trafficking at Hancock SP
  James Julius Watkins, Jr., 26, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,staffing
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] Pierre Hill charged with bribery and drug trafficking at Hancock SP
  Pierre Hill, 33, of Warrenton, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,staffing
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] Christopher Tate Williams charged with bribery and drug trafficking at Hancock SP
  Christopher Tate Williams, 25, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,staffing
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] Jeremy Fluellen charged with bribery and drug trafficking at Hancock SP
  Jeremy Fluellen, 26, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,staffing
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] Inmate Francisco Palacios Baras charged in meth trafficking ring from Hancock SP
  Francisco Palacios Baras, 36, an inmate at Hancock State Prison in Sparta, Georgia, was charged with one count of conspiring to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and eleven counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
  Tags: drugs,corruption,gangs
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/seve

DATA GAPS (4)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] Union-Recorder D.A. defendants article contains no mention of Bishop, Samples, or Melgar
  A search of the Union-Recorder article 'D.A. releases names of defendants yet to be tried on murder charges' (retrieved 2026-10-21) for the terms 'Bishop', 'Samples', and 'Melgar' returned no match. This indicates the article does not name these individuals.
  Tags: legal,investigations
  Sources: D.A. releases names of defendants yet to be tried on murder charges | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Union-Recorder 'Inmate murdered at Hancock State Prison' article contains no conviction/sentencing language for Gary
  A search of the Union-Recorder article 'Inmate murdered at Hancock State Prison' (retrieved 2026-10-21) for the phrases 'Gary was convicted', 'Gary found guilty', 'jury convicted Gary', and 'Gary sentenced' returned no match. The article therefore does not contain those specific conviction or sentencing statements about a person named Gary.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,facilities
  Sources: Inmate murdered at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Cause and manner of Pearson death not publicly disclosed at time of reporting
  The Union-Recorder reported that local and state authorities were investigating the death of an inmate at Hancock State Prison near Sparta, and that authorities had not publicly revealed whether the death was a homicide, accidental, or from natural causes.
  Tags: death,investigations,data_gap
  Sources: Inmate death under investigation at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] COVID-19 case count discrepancy at Hancock State Prison
  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that 'Hancock State Prison is also fighting coronavirus infections. The Georgia Department of Corrections website shows that two people at the prison have become infected. However, the warden told state health officials that there are seven cases at the prison.'
  Tags: medical,data_gap,facilities
  Sources: COVID-19 swamps another rural Georgia county

STATISTICS (47)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] Hancock State Prison officer vacancy rate 74.35%
  Hancock State Prison had a correctional officer vacancy rate of 74.35%, among the worst-staffed prisons in Georgia, according to an AJC investigation.
  Value: 74.35 percent
  Tags: staffing,facilities,conditions
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hancock State Prison officer vacancy rate 74.35% (August 2023)
  The AJC reported Hancock State Prison's correctional officer vacancy rate as 74.35%, based on August 2023 staffing reports, at a high-security facility holding 1,190 inmates.
  Value: 74.35 percent
  Date: 2023-08-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hancock State Prison homicide count
  The AJC's list of Georgia prison homicides lists 'Hancock State Prison: 8 homicides'.
  Value: 8.0 homicides
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Hancock State Prison EBP enrollment FY2025
  GDC's FY2025 Annual Report lists Hancock State Prison among Close Security Facilities with 1,007 offenders enrolled in the Evidence Based Prisons (EBP) model, bringing total EBP offender enrollment to 2,917.
  Value: 1007.0 offenders (vs. 2917 total EBP enrollment)
  Tags: program,reentry,policy
  Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov)

- [reported] Hancock State Prison staff turnover rates, 2010-2013
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' 2013 Special Examination (Report No. 13-21) lists Hancock State Prison's annual turnover rates as 14% (2010), 15% (2011), 35% (2012) and 22% (2013).
  Value: 35.0 percent (peak turnover, 2012)
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: DOAA State Corrections and Community Officers Audit (2013-12)

- [reported] Hancock State Prison staff and inmate count at 2014 warden transition
  GDC stated that incoming Warden Eric Sellers would be responsible for overseeing 351 staff members and 1,037 close security male inmates at Hancock State Prison.
  Value: 351.0 staff members (vs. 1037 close security male inmates)
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Warden of Hancock State Prison Named | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hancock State Prison had 49 correctional officers on staff
  As of August, Hancock State Prison, a high-security prison housing more than 1,100 men in 16 housing units, had just 49 correctional officers on staff, according to the AJC.
  Value: 49.0 correctional officers
  Tags: staffing,facilities,conditions
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hancock State Prison inmate population 1,190 (August 2023)
  Hancock State Prison, a high-security facility, held 1,190 inmates as of August 2023, according to AJC reporting based on August 2023 reports.
  Value: 1190.0 inmates
  Date: 2023-08-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hancock State Prison bed capacity per audit
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' GDC performance audit facility inventory appendix lists Hancock State Prison as Male, Close risk level, with an average of 813 standard beds and 255 special-use beds for a total average physical bed count of 1,068.
  Value: 1068.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Hancock State Prison inmate population and housing layout
  Hancock State Prison is a high-security prison housing more than 1,100 men in 16 housing units, with nine general population dorms housing 96 each, two segregation units with a combined total of 133 beds, one open bay tent housing unit for 70 inmates, and an annex with four open bay dorms with 50 inmates each, per AJC.
  Value: 1190.0 inmates
  Tags: facilities,conditions,demographics
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hancock State Prison had 49 correctional officers on staff (August 2023)
  At Hancock State Prison, a high-security prison housing more than 1,100 men in 16 housing units, just 49 correctional officers were on staff as of August 2023.
  Value: 49.0 officers
  Date: 2023-08-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hancock State Prison standard beds
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' performance audit lists Hancock State Prison with 813 standard beds.
  Value: 813.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Hancock State Prison staff and inmate count at 2016 warden transition
  GDC stated that incoming Warden Annettia Toby would be responsible for overseeing 357 staff members and 1,191 close security male offenders at Hancock State Prison.
  Value: 357.0 staff members (vs. 1191 close security male offenders)
  Date: 2016-01-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,demographics
  Sources: Annettia Toby New Warden at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hancock State Prison capacity and opening dates per GDC
  GDC's facility page for Hancock State Prison lists it as constructed in 1990, with a capacity of 1,191, and opened in 1991.
  Value: 1191.0 capacity
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hancock State Prison special-use beds
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' performance audit lists Hancock State Prison with 255 special-use beds.
  Value: 255.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Smith State Prison had 44 correctional officers for 1,400 inmates (August 2023)
  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that "troubled Smith State Prison had just 44 correctional officers on staff to cover all the shifts at a facility housing 1,400 men with high-security needs in 17 housing units," and that Smith "is supposed to have 162 officers, according to its staffing records."
  Value: 44.0 officers (vs. 162 authorized officers)
  Date: 2023-08-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hancock State Prison population and staffing (AJC)
  The AJC reported that Hancock State Prison houses nearly 1,200 prisoners and is one of the worst-staffed prisons in the state.
  Value: 1200.0 prisoners
  Tags: facilities,staffing
  Sources: Georgia prison homicides soar as lawmakers focus on fixes

- [reported] Hancock State Prison officer vacancy rate
  The AJC reported that more than 70% of officer positions at Hancock State Prison are vacant.
  Value: 70.0 percent
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Gang-related violence results in two deaths at Georgia prison

- [reported] Hancock SP facility specifications from 2012 audit
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' 'Maintenance of State Prisons' report lists Hancock SP with 287,244 gross square feet, a capacity of 1,454, 9 maintenance staff, security level Close, and a facility age of 21 years, in the Central region.
  Value: 1454.0 capacity
  Date: 2012-02-01
  Tags: facilities,budget,staffing
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Mental health services expanded to Hancock for 69 offenders in FY21
  GDC's FY2021 annual report states that during FY21, GDC continued its effort to address a growing mental health population (21.3%) by expanding mental health services to four additional facilities, including Hancock State Prison (69 offenders), Macon SP (140 offenders), Wilcox SP (64 offenders), and Long Unit (8 offenders).
  Value: 69.0 offenders
  Tags: mental_health,medical,policy
  Sources: 2021 Annual report / Georgia Department of Corrections.

- [reported] Hancock State Prison population at Ivey appointment
  As Interim Warden, George Ivey was responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,170 male offenders at Hancock State Prison.
  Value: 1170.0 male offenders
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: demographics,facilities
  Sources: New Interim Warden at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hancock SP gross square footage 287,244
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' 'Maintenance of State Prisons' report lists Hancock SP with 287,244 gross square feet.
  Value: 287244.0 square feet
  Date: 2012-02-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hancock SP maintenance staff count 9
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' 'Maintenance of State Prisons' report lists Hancock SP with 9 maintenance staff.
  Value: 9.0 staff
  Date: 2012-02-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hancock SP security level Close
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' 'Maintenance of State Prisons' report lists Hancock SP with security level Close.
  Date: 2012-02-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hancock fire Station 11 established 1991, ~30 calls annually
  GDC's Fire Services & Life Safety Unit fact sheet states that Station 11, at Hancock State Prison, was established in early 1991 and responds to an average of 30 calls annually, serving Hancock and Washington counties and the city of Sparta.
  Value: 30.0 calls annually (average)
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Fire Services & Life GEORGIA

- [reported] Hancock SP facility age 21 years in 2012
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' 'Maintenance of State Prisons' report lists Hancock SP with a facility age of 21 years.
  Value: 21.0 years
  Date: 2012-02-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hancock SP in Central region
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' 'Maintenance of State Prisons' report lists Hancock SP in the Central region.
  Date: 2012-02-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hancock State Prison vacancy rate 73.5% with 49 officers on duty (January 2025)
  A news report described Hancock State Prison as having "a 73.5% correctional officer vacancy rate, with only 49 officers on duty at the time of the incident," referring to violent altercations at the prison.
  Value: 73.5 percent
  Date: 2025-01-30
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Two Inmates Die Following Violent Altercations At Hancock State Prison in Georgia | Between Community News

- [reported] Hancock Correctional Institution capacity in 1992
  GDC's FY1992 Annual Report lists Hancock Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 339, Sparta, GA 31087, 706/444-5111, Warden Tydus Meadows, with a capacity of 500 and security level printed as 'Oose' (an OCR rendering of 'Close').
  Value: 500.0 capacity
  Date: 1992-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: 1992 annual report

- [reported] Federal investigation charged approximately 130 in GDC corruption probe
  The overall federal investigation of the Georgia Department of Corrections resulted in charges against approximately 130 prison employees, inmates, and non-incarcerated co-conspirators.
  Value: 130.0 people charged
  Tags: corruption,investigations,staffing
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/jury

- [reported] 44 expanded-metal recreation pens constructed at Hancock SP
  GDC's FY2014 Annual Report states that 44 newly standardized expanded-metal recreation pens were constructed at Hancock State Prison.
  Value: 44.0 pens
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Fiscal year 2014 annual report

- [confirmed] Hancock State Prison constructed 1990, physical capacity 1267, operational capacity 1134, opened 1991, security level close
  GDC's facility description for Hancock State Prison lists CONSTRUCTED: 1990, PHYSICAL CAPACITY: 1267, OPERATIONAL CAPACITY: 1134, OPENED: 1991, SECURITY LEVEL: CLOSE.
  Value: 1267.0 physical capacity (vs. 1134 operational capacity)
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: designed capacity and current population
  A PREA audit of Hancock State Prison found a designed facility capacity of 1201 and a current population of 988.
  Value: 988.0 people (vs. 1201 designed capacity)
  Date: 2021-03-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Hancock Audit Cycle 3

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: staff and inmate interviews
  During a PREA audit at Hancock State Prison, thirteen direct care staff were interviewed using the random staff interview protocol, and twenty-one random inmates were interviewed using the inmate interview questionnaire.
  Value: 13.0 staff
  Date: 2021-03-01
  Tags: operations,methodology
  Sources: PREA Hancock Audit Cycle 3

- [reported] 33 pounds of marijuana seized in Hancock contraband bust
  The intercepted shipment headed for Hancock State Prison included '33 pounds of marijuana'.
  Value: 33.0 pounds
  Tags: contraband,drugs
  Sources: Drugs, weapons seized in Hancock State Prison contraband bust

- [reported] Hancock State Prison design capacity and population at 2015 PREA audit
  A PREA audit of Hancock State Prison recorded a designed facility capacity of 1201 and a current population of 1137.
  Value: 1201.0 design capacity (vs. 1137 current population)
  Date: 2015-10-27
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: Prea Audit Report  Interim 

- [reported] 22 pounds of tobacco seized in Hancock contraband bust
  The intercepted shipment headed for Hancock State Prison included '22 pounds of tobacco'.
  Value: 22.0 pounds
  Tags: contraband
  Sources: Drugs, weapons seized in Hancock State Prison contraband bust

- [reported] PREA audit interviews and alleged incident reports at Hancock State Prison
  Ahead of a PREA audit at Hancock State Prison, there had been 19 reports of alleged PREA incidents, and the audit included interviews of 15 inmates and 12 staff.
  Value: 19.0 reports of alleged PREA incidents
  Date: 2015-01-01
  Tags: legal,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Prea Audit Report  Interim 

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: standards exceeded
  A PREA audit of Hancock State Prison found 3 standards exceeded.
  Value: 3.0 standards
  Date: 2021-03-01
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Hancock Audit Cycle 3

- [reported] PREA audit standards results at Hancock State Prison
  A PREA audit of Hancock State Prison found the facility exceeded 2 PREA standards, met 37, and did not meet 0.
  Value: 37.0 standards met (vs. 2 standards exceeded)
  Date: 2015-01-01
  Tags: legal,facilities
  Sources: Prea Audit Report  Interim 

- [reported] FY2027 capital projects for GDC
  The FY2027 Capital Projects by Agency list shows statewide, facility-unspecified line items for the Department of Corrections: Major Repairs - MEP, Water/Wastewater, Paving, Building, Roof at $95,747,000; Security Systems & Life Safety at $95,837,800; and Renovations & Improvements at $8,921,000.
  Value: 95747000.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities
  Sources: FY 2027 Capital Projects by Agency

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: standards met
  That PREA audit of Hancock State Prison found the facility exceeded 3 standards and met 42 standards.
  Value: 42.0 standards
  Date: 2021-03-01
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Hancock Audit Cycle 3

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: facility rated capacity and age
  That PREA audit report lists Hancock State Prison's facility rated capacity as 1201 and its age as 31 years.
  Value: 1201.0 people
  Date: 2021-03-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: PREA Hancock Audit Cycle 3

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: population on first day of onsite audit
  That PREA audit of Hancock State Prison recorded the facility's designed capacity as 1201 and population on the first day of the onsite audit as 958.
  Value: 958.0 people (vs. 1201 designed capacity)
  Date: 2021-03-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Hancock Audit Cycle 3

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: designed capacity and current population
  A PREA audit of Hancock State Prison found a designed facility capacity of 1199 and a current population of 1122.
  Value: 1122.0 people (vs. 1199 designed capacity)
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Hancock SP Audit Cycle 4

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: standards exceeded
  A PREA audit of Hancock State Prison found 4 standards exceeded.
  Value: 4.0 standards
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Hancock SP Audit Cycle 4

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: standards met
  That PREA audit of Hancock State Prison recorded that the facility met 41 PREA standards.
  Value: 41.0 standards
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Hancock SP Audit Cycle 4

QUOTES (2)
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- [reported] Prosecutor's account of July stabbing
  Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Barksdale said that as Corey July ran away, Vershaun Smith calmly walked toward him and cornered him at a locked gate at Hancock State Prison, then stabbed July multiple times, killing him.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: violence,legal,facilities
  Sources: Smith convicted of stabbing to death fellow inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Prosecutor May expresses disappointment at Garrison acquittal
  The prosecutor said it was disappointing they did not get a conviction in the killing of Phillips: "Either the jury believed him or they just weren't sure enough to convict him," May said. "It was disappointing that we didn't get a conviction in the killing of Mr. Phillips, but I respect the jury's decision."
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Former Hancock State Prison inmate acquitted in murder case | The Union-Recorder

POLICYS (25)
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- [reported] PREA audit of Hancock State Prison conducted by Robert Lanier of Diversified Correctional Services
  A final PREA audit report for Hancock State Prison was conducted by auditor Robert Lanier of Diversified Correctional Services, LLC.
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: policy,investigations,facilities
  Sources: GDC, PREA Hancock - Audit (Cycle 2)

- [reported] PREA audit report for Hancock State Prison dated March 15, 2018
  The PREA audit of Hancock State Prison was a final report dated March 15, 2018, conducted by auditor Robert Lanier of Diversified Correctional Services, LLC.
  Date: 2018-03-15
  Tags: policy,investigations,facilities
  Sources: GDC, PREA Hancock - Audit (Cycle 2)

- [reported] Hancock included in gang renunciation and peer mentoring programming discussion
  Board of Corrections minutes for November 2021 list Hancock State Prison among the facilities discussed under Inmate Programming, Gang Renunciation (Identity Reformation) and Peer Mentoring/Support.
  Date: 2021-11-01
  Tags: gangs,programs,policy
  Sources: Board Meeting Minutes November 2021

- [reported] Hancock State Prison security level and population type
  GDC's facility page lists Hancock State Prison as serving Adult Male Felons and Close Security.
  Tags: facilities,operations,policy
  Sources: Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hancock included in evidence-based programming training discussion
  Board of Corrections minutes for October 2022 list Hancock State Prison among facilities discussed under EBP (evidence-based programming) training, alongside the Metro Reentry Facility, Lee State Prison, Autry State Prison, Smith State Prison and Coastal State Prison.
  Date: 2022-10-01
  Tags: programs,policy
  Sources: Board of Corrections Meeting Minutes, October 6, 2022

- [confirmed] George Ivey appointed Interim Warden at Hancock State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the appointment of George Ivey to Interim Warden at Hancock State Prison, effective July 1, 2023.
  Date: 2023-07-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Interim Warden at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hardened recreation pens constructed at Hancock and other prisons
  GDC's FY2015 annual report states that as part of the facility "hardening" process, hundreds of hardened recreation pens were constructed at Georgia, Ware, Valdosta, Telfair, Hays, Smith, Macon, and Hancock State Prisons, as well as GDCP's Special Management Unit and Burruss Correctional Training Center.
  Tags: facilities,conditions,operations
  Sources: Fiscal year 2015 annual report

- [reported] Hawks Ear contraband cellphone system being implemented at Hancock in FY21
  GDC's FY2021 annual report states that Hawks Ear, a secure private long-term evolution cellular network system that prevents use of wireless devices within facility grounds, was currently being implemented by GDC at Hancock State Prison.
  Tags: contraband,operations,policy
  Sources: 2021 Annual report / Georgia Department of Corrections.

- [reported] GDC land purchase for Hancock State Prison
  The Georgia Department of Corrections intends to acquire a 13.41-acre property on Cody Johnson Road, Sparta, Hancock County, Georgia, for $50,000.00.
  Date: 2024-12-01
  Tags: facilities,budget,policy
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2024

- [reported] Demolition of temporary housing tents at Hancock State Prison
  In January 2015, the Georgia Board of Corrections approved a property resolution to demolish four quonset-hut style tents that were temporary housing facilities at Hancock State Prison, described as eighteen years old and beyond their useful life, vacated due to lowering prison population.
  Date: 2015-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes january 2015

- [reported] Hawks Ear fully operational at Hancock by FY2023
  GDC's FY2023 annual report states that Hawks Ear, used to combat illegal contraband mobile devices in correctional facilities, is fully operational at Hancock SP, Valdosta SP, and Phillips SP.
  Tags: contraband,operations,policy
  Sources: 2023 Annual report / Georgia Department of Corrections. - Digital Library of Georgia

- [confirmed] Board of Corrections briefing on Hancock interdiction operations
  At a Board of Corrections meeting, Matthew Wolfe, Director of the Office of Professional Standards, gave an overview of Interdiction Operations at Hancock State Prison, with highlights including canine deployment to a contraband drop on August 26th, contraband seized, shakedowns, visitation checks, surveillance detail, civilian arrests, and a Hancock State Prison operation schedule of events.
  Date: 2023-11-01
  Tags: contraband,operations,investigations
  Sources: GDC Board Meeting Minutes November 2023

- [reported] Hancock State Prison leadership roster as of October 16, 2026
  GDC's Facility Operations directory lists Joe Williams as Warden of Hancock State Prison, with Paul Sanford and Tamika Mahoney as Deputy Warden Security, Rashedah Mitchell as Deputy Warden C&T, and Shaquita Adams as Deputy Warden Admin.
  Date: 2026-10-16
  Tags: staffing,operations,facilities
  Sources: Facility Operations Updated: 10/16/2026

- [reported] Hardening Project completed at Hancock and other Level V facilities
  GDC's FY2014 Annual Report states a facility 'Hardening Project' was completed at Level V facilities including Hancock, Telfair, Macon, Valdosta, Ware and Smith State Prisons.
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Fiscal year 2014 annual report

- [reported] GDC Office of Professional Standards investigates Pearson death as standard procedure
  GDC said the Pearson death investigation is handled by GDC's Office of Professional Standards as standard procedure, and an autopsy was scheduled for later that week to determine cause and manner of death.
  Tags: investigations,death,policy
  Sources: Inmate death under investigation at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Statewide lockdown after Dooly fight affected Hancock visitation
  After a gang-related fight at Dooly State Prison injured nine people, all GDC facilities were placed on lockdown; GDC posted that Dooly, Washington, Ware and Hancock state prisons would not have visitation that holiday weekend from Saturday, May 22, to Monday, May 25.
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations,facilities
  Sources: GDC: 9 hurt after 'gang-related' fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] SMLD installation completed at Hancock SP
  GDC's FY2014 Annual Report lists sites where a Surface Mounted Locking Device (SMLD) installation project was completed as Valdosta, Hancock, Ware, Telfair, Hays, and Smith State Prisons.
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Fiscal year 2014 annual report

- [reported] GDC suspended visitation statewide in March 2020
  Following Governor Kemp's directive, GDC suspended visitation at all correctional facilities statewide, with the suspension in effect through April 10, 2020.
  Date: 2020-03-12
  Tags: policy,operations,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Suspends Visitation Statewide | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [confirmed] PREA audit of Hancock State Prison conducted in 2015
  A PREA audit of Hancock State Prison, with a facility visit date of October 27, 2015, was conducted by auditor Kevin M Maurer.
  Date: 2015-10-27
  Tags: legal,facilities,investigations
  Sources: Prea Audit Report  Interim 

- [reported] GDC Office of Professional Standards investigating Weems death
  GDC confirmed the death of inmate Andre Weems at Hancock State Prison following an "altercation with multiple offenders" on a Tuesday, with the death investigated by GDC's Office of Professional Standards. The body was turned over to the county coroner and was to be sent to the GBI crime lab to determine the official cause of death.
  Tags: investigations,death,policy
  Sources: Life-sentenced inmate dies after 'altercation' at Hancock State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] All GDC facilities locked down after Dooly State Prison fight
  A GDC spokesperson said 'Out of an abundance of caution, all GDC facilities have been placed on lockdown until further notice' after a fight sent nine inmates to the hospital at Dooly State Prison.
  Tags: lockdown,violence,operations
  Sources: Georgia Corrections facilities on lockdown after prison altercation sends 9 inmates to hospital, officials say - CBS Atlanta

- [reported] Hancock SP among facilities without Memorial Day weekend visitation
  GDC said in a Facebook post that Dooly State Prison, Washington State Prison, Ware State Prison and Hancock State Prison 'will not hold visitation during the Memorial Day weekend,' while other prisons would hold regular visitation subject to change.
  Tags: visitation,lockdown,operations
  Sources: Georgia Corrections facilities on lockdown after prison altercation sends 9 inmates to hospital, officials say - CBS Atlanta

- [reported] All GDC facilities locked down after Smith State Prison altercation
  WTOC reported that two inmates were airlifted to local hospitals following a gang-related altercation at Smith State Prison, 'prompting officials to place all Georgia Department of Corrections facilities on lockdown,' and that 'All GDC facilities have been placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution, until further notice.'
  Tags: lockdown,violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: All GDC facilities on lockdown until further notice after altercation at Smith State Prison Wednesday

- [reported] FY2020 mental health services expansion
  GDC's FY2020 Annual Report lists Hancock SP among the facilities next to have Mental Health Services expanded, alongside Macon SP.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: mental_health,policy,facilities
  Sources: Fiscal year 2020 annual report

- [reported] FY2020 security upgrades at Hancock SP
  GDC's FY2020 Annual Report states that back-gate hardening, new interior sally port gates and fencing modifications were completed in FY2020 at state prisons including Autry, Calhoun, Hancock, Johnson, Smith, Telfair, Valdosta, Ware, and Washington.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations,policy
  Sources: Fiscal year 2020 annual report

LEGAL FACTS (30)
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- [reported] Sentencing date set for convicted former officers
  Sentencings for Jeremy Fluellen, Chelsey Mayweather, Tramaine Tucker, and Christopher Williams were set to occur July 25, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr.
  Date: 2017-07-25
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/jury

- [confirmed] Grant v. Ward appeal docketed in Eleventh Circuit
  Dayvon Grant appealed the Grant v. Ward judgment to the Eleventh Circuit, which docketed the appeal as USCA Case Number 25-13030-C.
  Date: 2025-09-03
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: GRANT v. WARD, 2025-01-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] DA confirmed Bolton stabbing was murder; cellmate charged
  Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney T. Wright Barksdale III confirmed the stabbing of Rashad Bolton was a murder, and the victim's cellmate was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses stemming from the slaying.
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Lincoln Co. man stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder

- [confirmed] Wrongful death lawsuit filed against GDC and officials
  Yemane Selassie filed suit individually and on behalf of the Estate of Amanuel Geberyesus against the Georgia Department of Corrections and Timothy Ward, Annettia Toby, and Derek Hill in their individual capacities, for failure to prevent Geberyesus's death, in case number 5:21-cv-41 (MTT).
  Date: 2021-06-16
  Tags: legal,death,conditions
  Sources: SELASSIE v. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, M.D. Ga., 2021-06-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Vershaun Smith sentenced to life without parole
  Vershaun Smith was convicted by a Hancock County jury of malice murder and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
  Tags: violence,legal
  Sources: Inmate sentenced to life without parole after malice murder conviction in Hancock County Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [confirmed] DOJ inspected Hancock State Prison beginning April 26, 2023
  The DOJ findings report lists Hancock State Prison among the facilities whose onsite inspections it conducted beginning April 26, 2023.
  Date: 2023-04-26
  Tags: investigations,legal
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Lawsuit filed over Charles 'Tristen' McKee's death at Hancock State Prison
  Lisa Spradlin, mother of Charles 'Tristen' McKee, who died in May 2022 at Hancock State Prison in Sparta, filed a lawsuit against the Georgia Department of Corrections and numerous prison officials alleging her son's civil rights were violated leading to his death. According to the complaint, McKee had a history of mental illness, suicidal thoughts, and gender dysphoria, and was placed in a dorm with known gang members hostile to LGBTQ inmates despite having reported threats to his safety.
  Date: 2023-08-01
  Tags: legal,mental_health,violence,gangs,death
  Sources: Mother sues Georgia prison officials over son's death, alleges civil rights violations and failure to protect Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [confirmed] Spradlin v. Toby court order on motions to dismiss
  In Spradlin v. Toby (Case 5:23-cv-00328-MTT), the court granted in part and denied in part MHM's and Roberts' motion to dismiss, and granted GDC's and the Board's motion to dismiss, dismissing Counts One through Nine against GDC and Board of Regents, all dismissals without prejudice, dated August 19, 2024.
  Date: 2024-08-19
  Tags: legal,mental_health,violence
  Sources: Case 5:23-cv-00328-MTT Document 59 Filed 08/19/24 Page 1 of 25

- [reported] Claims in McKee lawsuit
  The complaint, filed in late August 2023, brings claims of cruel and unusual punishment, failure to protect, deliberate indifference to medical needs, ADA violations, and supervisory liability, alleging McKee's civil rights were violated leading to his wrongful death.
  Date: 2023-08-01
  Tags: legal,mental_health,medical
  Sources: Mother sues Georgia prison officials over son's death, alleges civil rights violations and failure to protect Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [confirmed] Spradlin lawsuit allegations
  Lisa Spradlin, as administrator of the estate of Charles Tristen McKee, alleged in case 5:23-cv-328 that defendants violated the Eighth Amendment, ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and Georgia state law by failing to provide medical treatment for McKee's mental health conditions and failing to protect him from an inmate assault at Hancock State Prison.
  Tags: legal,mental_health,violence
  Sources: Case 5:23-cv-00328-MTT Document 59 Filed 08/19/24 Page 1 of 25

- [confirmed] Georgia Supreme Court upholds murder convictions for 2017 Hancock slaying
  The Georgia Supreme Court upheld the malice murder convictions and life sentences for Demarco Draughn, Xavier Levatte, and Benny Hayward for the stabbing death of fellow inmate Bobby Ricks at Hancock State Prison; evidence at trial showed Ricks was approached by four inmates while showering at the prison on Oct. 11, 2017, and fatally stabbed.
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: High court upholds convictions in slaying at Hancock County prison

- [confirmed] Court compelled production of Hancock night shift roster for Nov. 6, 2020
  In discovery in Grant v. Ward, the magistrate judge granted a motion to compel and ordered defendants to produce the Hancock State Prison night shift roster for November 6, 2020, within seven days and to file a copy with the court, with a supporting affidavit.
  Date: 2025-01-14
  Tags: legal,staffing,operations
  Sources: GRANT v. WARD, 2025-01-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Grand jury indicted four inmates for 2017 Hancock murder
  On Sept. 25, 2018, a Hancock County grand jury indicted Draughn, Levatte, Hayward and Diante Thompson for malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault in connection with the killing of Bobby Ricks at Hancock State Prison.
  Date: 2018-09-25
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: High court upholds convictions in slaying at Hancock County prison

- [confirmed] Grant v. Ward dismissed on judgment on the pleadings
  In Grant v. Ward, the court adopted the report and recommendations, granted the defendants' motion for judgment on the pleadings, and denied as moot the plaintiff's and defendants' summary judgment motions, the plaintiff's motion for default judgment, and other pending motions.
  Date: 2025-01-14
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: GRANT v. WARD, 2025-01-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Garrison filed letter with court regarding death threats
  In Garrison v. Ivey, plaintiff Danny Garrison filed a letter with the court regarding death threats, with attachments including family member contact information.
  Date: 2023-11-08
  Tags: legal,violence,conditions
  Sources: GARRISON v. IVEY, 2023-11-08 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] 23 SMM gang members and associates indicted
  A 12-count indictment was unsealed in the Northern District of Georgia, charging 23 defendants, all alleged Sex Money Murder gang members and associates, with racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms violations.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: gangs,legal,drugs
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/twen

- [confirmed] Daniels v. McLaughlin claims dismissed against warden and deputies
  In Daniels v. McLaughlin, a prison-conditions suit, the court dismissed claims against Warden McLaughlin, Deputy Warden Hinton, and Deputy Warden Moody, dismissed those parties from the action, and dismissed the plaintiff's equal protection and state-law claims.
  Date: 2015-04-08
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: DANIELS v. MCLAUGHLIN, 2015-04-08 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Warden George Ivey Jr. listed as Hancock cc recipient on DOJ CRIPA letter
  DOJ's CRIPA letter to Governor Kemp lists George Ivey Jr. as Warden, Hancock State Prison, among its cc recipients.
  Tags: legal,investigations,staffing
  Sources: Notice Letter — Georgia Department of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, October 1, 2024

- [confirmed] Leigh v. Hancock State Prison Warden dismissed without prejudice
  In Leigh v. Hancock State Prison Warden, the court dismissed the case without prejudice due to the plaintiff's failure to follow the court's orders and prosecute the action.
  Date: 2024-10-02
  Tags: legal
  Sources: LEIGH v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON WARDEN, 2024-10-02 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Hogan v. Hancock State Prison recommended for dismissal
  In Hogan v. Hancock State Prison, the magistrate judge recommended denying Ricky Lamar Hogan's motion to proceed in forma pauperis and dismissing the action without prejudice.
  Date: 2025-06-06
  Tags: legal
  Sources: HOGAN v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON, 2025-06-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Barnett v. Hancock State Prison default order served on warden
  In Barnett v. Hancock State Prison, the magistrate judge ordered the clerk to serve a copy of an order of default upon the defendant and also upon the Warden of Hancock State Prison.
  Date: 2024-09-05
  Tags: legal
  Sources: BARNETT v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON, 2024-09-05 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] First Boyd v. Hancock State Prison case dismissed without prejudice
  In one of the Boyd v. Hancock State Prison cases, the court dismissed the complaint without prejudice because the plaintiff failed to comply with the court's orders or otherwise prosecute his case.
  Date: 2023-08-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: BOYD v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON, 2023-08-28 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Selassie v. GDC: only Section 1983 claims against Doe defendants remain
  In Selassie v. Georgia Department of Corrections, the court dismissed Counts I and III without prejudice and left only the section 1983 claims against Doe defendants for violations of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to proceed.
  Date: 2021-06-16
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: SELASSIE v. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, 2021-06-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Second Boyd v. Hancock State Prison case dismissed without prejudice
  In a second, separately filed Boyd v. Hancock State Prison case, the court dismissed the action without prejudice because the plaintiff failed to respond to the court's orders and otherwise failed to prosecute the case.
  Date: 2024-06-10
  Tags: legal
  Sources: BOYD v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON, 2024-06-10 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Spradlin v. Toby (McKee wrongful-death case) motions to dismiss ruled on
  In Spradlin v. Toby, the McKee wrongful-death case, the court granted in part and denied in part one motion to dismiss and granted a second motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim or lack of jurisdiction, per an order by U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell.
  Date: 2024-08-19
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: SPRADLIN v. TOBY, 2024-08-19 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Snipes v. Hancock State Prison: failure-to-protect claims against wardens proceed
  In Snipes v. Hancock State Prison, the court dismissed the plaintiff's claims against Hancock State Prison and the State of Georgia but allowed his failure-to-protect claims against Wardens Ivey and Sellers to proceed.
  Date: 2016-04-14
  Tags: legal,conditions,violence
  Sources: SNIPES v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON, 2016-04-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Garrison indicted on malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault
  Danny Garrison had been indicted by a Hancock County grand jury on charges of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Former Hancock State Prison inmate acquitted in murder case | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Garrison case presided over by Judge Terry N. Massee
  The Garrison murder case was presided over by Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Terry N. Massee; Garrison was accused of stabbing to death his cellmate, Rolland Phillips.
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Former Hancock State Prison inmate acquitted in murder case | The Union-Recorder

- [reported] Battle v. Hancock State Prison judgment
  In Battle v. Hancock State Prison, an ADA employment-discrimination suit by a former Hancock State Prison employee, the court granted the defendant's motion for judgment on the pleadings and entered judgment in favor of the Georgia Department of Corrections.
  Date: 2021-08-27
  Tags: legal,employment
  Sources: BATTLE v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON, 2022-06-03 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Battle v. Hancock State Prison counsel appointment
  The Eleventh Circuit granted a motion for appointment of counsel, appointing Howard W. Anderson III as counsel for appellant as to a notice of appeal filed by Detrich Battle.
  Date: 2022-06-03
  Tags: legal
  Sources: BATTLE v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON, 2022-06-03 (court record via CourtListener)

METHODOLOGY NOTES (5)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] Methodology: negative-match search log for Hancock State Prison public record
  The document records a systematic negative-match search of four external sources for Hancock State Prison, Hancock County, and named individuals (Bishop, Samples, Melgar, Gary). All searches returned no match, establishing that these specific sources do not contribute to the Hancock State Prison public record for the searched terms.
  Tags: investigations,facilities
  Sources: Operation Ghost Guard — FBI; Inmate murdered at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder; D.A. releases names of defendants yet to be tried on murder charges | The Union-Recorder; Rats, insects and mold: How bad food leaves prisoners hungry and sick | News | wyomingnewsnow.tv

- [reported] WGXA article date on Steven Wood death
  A WGXA article dated Tuesday, January 27, 2026 reported that Steven Wood died at Hancock State Prison after an altercation with his cellmate, with the Hancock County Coroner confirming the altercation caused his death.
  Date: 2026-01-27
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: Hancock State Prison inmate dies after altercation with another inmate Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: final report submission
  A PREA audit of Hancock State Prison was signed by auditor Mable P. Wheeler, with the final report submitted 04/26/2021.
  Date: 2021-04-26
  Tags: operations,methodology
  Sources: PREA Hancock Audit Cycle 3

- [reported] Audit site visit to Hancock State Prison
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit of GDC conducted a site visit to Hancock State Prison, described as one close security state prison, to better understand bed space utilization in practice.
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: final report submission
  A PREA audit report for Hancock State Prison was signed by auditor Darla P. OConnor, with a Date Final Report Submitted of 03/23/2024.
  Date: 2024-03-23
  Tags: operations,methodology
  Sources: PREA Hancock SP Audit Cycle 4

FINDINGS (3)
----------------------------------------
- [confirmed] Hancock State Prison housing: 9 general population dorms, 2 segregation units, tent unit, annex
  GDC's facility description for Hancock State Prison describes its housing as 9 general population dormitories housing 96 each, 2 segregation units with a combined total of 133 beds, a J Unit open bay tent housing unit housing 70 inmates, and an Annex containing 4 open bay dorms housing 50 inmates each.
  Tags: facilities,conditions
  Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia said Mincey and Walthour were stabbed to death
  The Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia, which tracks in-prison deaths, said both Mincey and Walthour were stabbed to death; their deaths came two weeks after DOJ's statement, and the DOJ investigation into Georgia prisons had been announced in September 2021.
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: death,violence,investigations
  Sources: 2 inmates die weeks after DOJ admonishes Georgia prison officials | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: over capacity status
  That PREA audit report for Hancock State Prison stated the facility had not been over capacity at any point in the past 12 months.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Hancock SP Audit Cycle 4

DATASETS (5)
----------------------------------------
# Hancock State Prison staffing and inmate counts at warden transitions, 2014 and 2016
  Staff and close security male inmate counts stated in GDC press releases announcing new wardens at Hancock State Prison.
  Year  Warden         Staff members  Close security male inmates  
  -----------------------------------------------------------------
  2014  Eric Sellers   351            1037                         
  2016  Annettia Toby  357            1191                         

# Hancock State Prison bed capacity by type
  Bed counts at Hancock State Prison from Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit
  Bed Type     Count  
  --------------------
  Standard     813    
  Special Use  255    
  Total        1068   

# Hancock State Prison facility specifications (2012 audit)
  Facility characteristics for Hancock State Prison from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts 'Maintenance of State Prisons' report, February 2012.
  Metric                Value    
  -------------------------------
  Gross Square Feet     287,244  
  Capacity              1,454    
  Maintenance Staff     9        
  Security Level        Close    
  Facility Age (years)  21       
  Region                Central  

# Hancock State Prison annual staff turnover rates, 2010-2013
  Annual turnover rates for Hancock State Prison as reported in the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' 2013 Special Examination (Report No. 13-21).
  Year  Turnover Rate  
  ---------------------
  2010  14             
  2011  15             
  2012  35             
  2013  22             

# Inmate deaths reported at Hancock State Prison in 2026
  Inmate deaths at Hancock State Prison reported in 2026 by WGXA, The Union-Recorder, and 41NBC, with available details on cause or circumstances.
  Inmate           Age  Month reported  Circumstances                                  Serving sentence                                                               
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Steven Wood      55   January         Altercation with cellmate                      Life with parole for murder (Cherokee County)                                  
  Jaylin Bell      32   February        Stabbed                                                                                                                       
  Gerrod Johnson   27   February        Stabbed                                                                                                                       
  Jacorey Pearson  36   April           Found deceased in cell; cause pending autopsy  Four years for criminal firearm possession by convicted felon (Coweta County)  
  Andre Weems                           Altercation with multiple offenders            Life with parole for murder (Clayton County)                                   

KEY ENTITIES (187)
----------------------------------------
- Albert Chapa [person]: 56-year-old inmate found dead in his cell at Hancock State Prison on July 30; former Florida resident convicted in Georgia.
- Alison T. Burleson [person]: Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge who sentenced Vershaun Smith.
- Amanda S. Petty [person]: Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge who presided over the Compton murder trial and imposed life without parole.
- Amanuel Geberyesus [person]: Deceased inmate on whose behalf the wrongful death lawsuit was filed.
- Andre Weems [person]: Inmate who died at Hancock State Prison following an altercation with multiple offenders; serving life with parole for murder out of Clayton County.
- Angela Denise Dinkins [person]: Former officer arrested on February 5, 2026, near Hancock State Prison with contraband.
- Annettia Toby [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Johnson State Prison in 2010, returned to Telfair State Prison in 2012 as Deputy Warden of Security.
- Anthonika Fraley [person]: Correctional officer arrested in 2018 for attempting to introduce contraband into Hancock State Prison. (aka: Officer Anthonika Fraley)
- Anthony Jernigan [person]: Defendant who ordered the murder of an inmate at Hancock State Prison.
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution [organization]: Georgia newspaper that conducted multi-year investigation into GDC corruption, drug trafficking, and overdose deaths. (aka: AJC)
- Augusta Transitional Center [facility]: GDC transitional center; source of a 2024 promotion to Hancock State Prison. (aka: Augusta TC)
- Autry State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison with GCI shoe/boot manufacturing and garment operations.
- Barnett v. Hancock State Prison [case]: Prisoner case in which an order of default was entered and served on the defendant and the Hancock State Prison Warden.
- Battle v. Hancock State Prison [case]: ADA employment-discrimination lawsuit filed by former Hancock State Prison employee Detrich Battle against the Georgia Department of Corrections.
- Benny Hayward [person]: Inmate convicted of malice murder for the stabbing death of Bobby Ricks.
- Blood gang [organization]: Gang involved in the attack on Charles McKee.
- Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board overseeing the Georgia Department of Corrections, chaired by Larry Haynie.
- Bobby Ricks [person]: An inmate murdered at Hancock State Prison in 2019; stabbed 11 times by gang members.
- Boyd v. Hancock State Prison [case]: Two separately filed prisoner cases, both dismissed without prejudice for failure to comply with court orders or prosecute.
- Brandon Mincey [person]: Phillips State Prison inmate found dead on Oct. 11, 2024; serving 10 years for 2021 aggravated battery.
- Brian Hargrove [person]: Assistant special agent in-charge of GBI Region 6 Office in Milledgeville.
- Brian Owens [person]: Vice Chairman of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles for FY2019. Appointed to the Parole Board on February 1, 2015 by Governor Nathan Deal. Former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. (aka: Brian Owens, Vice Chairman)
- Calhoun State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where two female correctional officers were arrested in 2020 for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine in Hot Pockets; cases dismissed due to GDC failure to test evidence.
- Calpurnia Washington [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison effective April 16, 2022.
- Cesar Arnold Pastrana Morales [person]: Inmate who died at Hancock State Prison on March 13, 2020, from a stab wound to the chest.
- Cesar Pastrana [person]: Inmate (GDC#1000914143) who died March 13, 2020 at Hancock State Prison in a suspected homicide.
- Charles 'Tristen' James McKee [person]: Inmate who died at Hancock State Prison on May 23, 2022, after being stabbed 13 times; lawsuit alleges he was placed in a dorm with gang members hostile to LGBTQ inmates. (aka: Tristen McKee)
- Charles 'Tristen' McKee [person]: Inmate who died May 22, 2022 at Hancock State Prison; subject of a civil rights lawsuit filed by his mother. (aka: Tristen McKee)
- Charles McKee [person]: Hancock State Prison inmate stabbed with a homemade weapon May 22-23, 2022; subject of the Spradlin v. Toby wrongful-death case.
- Charles Tristen McKee [person]: Inmate at Hancock State Prison whose estate brought the Spradlin lawsuit alleging failure to provide medical treatment and protect from assault.
- Chelsey Mayweather [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Baldwin State Prison, age 24, of Milledgeville, charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and attempted drug trafficking.
- Chercaria Paschal [person]: Officer at Hancock State Prison arrested by Hancock County Sheriff's Department after being found with four cellphones and loose tobacco.
- Christopher Tate Williams [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, age 25, of Sparta, GA, charged with bribery and attempted drug trafficking.
- Christopher Williams [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison convicted of drug distribution and extortion.
- Cleveland Gary [person]: Inmate charged with murder and aggravated assault in the stabbing of Charles McKee.
- Compton [person]: Inmate convicted of malice murder at Hancock State Prison and sentenced to life without parole by Judge Amanda S. Petty.
- Corey July [person]: Inmate at Hancock State Prison fatally stabbed in June 2025; death ruled homicide by GDC standards. (aka: Corey Jose July)
- Coweta County Superior Court [organization]: Court in Newnan where Jacorey Pearson was convicted of firearm possession by a convicted felon.
- Crystal Sasha Brooks [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, age 22, of Tennille, GA, charged with bribery and attempted drug trafficking.
- Daniels v. McLaughlin [case]: Prison-conditions suit in which claims against Warden McLaughlin, Deputy Warden Hinton, and Deputy Warden Moody were dismissed.
- Danny Garrison [person]: Inmate originally from Douglasville charged with felony murder in Phillips's death; later acquitted by a Hancock County Superior Court jury.
- Darla P. OConnor [person]: PREA auditor for Smith State Prison audit cycle 4.
- Darrion Williams [person]: Inmate charged with aggravated assault for hitting Charles McKee with a broom.
- Dayvon Grant [person]: Plaintiff in Grant v. Ward who appealed the judgment to the Eleventh Circuit (USCA Case No. 25-13030-C).
- Demarco Draughn [person]: Inmate who murdered Bobby Ricks at Hancock State Prison on October 11, 2017, on orders from Anthony Jernigan; convicted of malice murder.
- Dennis Brown [person]: Warden of Hancock State Prison effective July 1, 2013.
- Derek Hill [person]: Defendant in Selassie v. GDC, sued in individual capacity.
- Derrick Daniels [person]: Plaintiff in Daniels v. McLaughlin prison-conditions case who filed a change of address to Hancock State Prison in August 2015. (aka: Derrick John Raymond Daniels)
- Detrich Battle [person]: Former Hancock State Prison employee who filed an ADA employment-discrimination suit against the Georgia Department of Corrections.
- Diante Thompson [person]: Inmate indicted for malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault in the killing of Bobby Ricks.
- District Attorney Barksdale [person]: District Attorney who prosecuted Bobby Ricks's murderers in 2019.
- Diversified Correctional Services, LLC [organization]: PREA auditing firm that conducted the 2019 GDCP audit.
- Dontrelle Andrews [person]: Hancock County Coroner who confirmed Steven Wood's death resulted from an altercation with his cellmate.
- Dooly State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where Jackie Kavaskia McMillan led drug trafficking network; second highest cell phone seizure count by end of 2016 (1,342 phones).
- Dwayne Zackery [person]: Inmate stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison; the alleged victim of Orlando Middlebrooks. (aka: Zachery)
- Dwayne Zackery Jr. [person]: Inmate who died at Hancock State Prison on February 12, 2021, from a stab wound to the chest with a homemade knife.
- Eric Sellers [person]: Reassigned to Warden at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison effective July 1, 2016, overseeing 488 staff and 1,326 close security inmates.
- Euelia Durden [person]: Sergeant at Hancock State Prison recognized in February 2019 Board of Corrections minutes for processing second-shift officers.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Federal law enforcement agency that led Operation Ghost Guard investigation. (aka: FBI)
- Felipe Diaz [person]: Inmate (GDC #1204634) found unresponsive at Hancock State Prison on July 14, 2018, pronounced deceased; death investigated as apparent suicide.
- Francisco Palacios Baras [person]: Inmate at Hancock State Prison, age 36, charged with conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and eleven counts of possession with intent to distribute. (aka: Chapparro, Shorty, Kiko)
- Francisco Zaldivar Melgar-Saldivar [person]: Inmate who died at Hancock State Prison on August 12, 2023, from strangulation and blunt force injuries; a claim alleges he wasn't provided appropriate medical care after being attacked.
- Gangster Disciples [organization]: Gang identified in DOJ findings as responsible for an assault on an incarcerated person at Baldwin State Prison.
- Garland Pittman [person]: Inmate charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a homemade weapon in the death of Kevin Deshawn Lamar.
- Garrison v. Ivey [case]: Prisoner case in which plaintiff Danny Garrison filed a letter regarding death threats.
- Gary [person]: Inmate charged with two counts murder, two counts felony murder, and aggravated assault in the stabbing of Charles McKee.
- GBI Crime Lab [organization]: State crime laboratory that determined causes of death for Telfair inmates. (aka: Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab)
- GBI Crime Laboratory [organization]: State crime lab in Decatur that received Albert Chapa's body to determine cause and manner of death. (aka: Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory)
- GDC Canine Unit [organization]: Unit notified after civilians fled near Macon State Prison on December 20.
- GDC Office of Professional Standards [organization]: GDC internal office that examines operations, gathers information, enforces departmental standards and laws through audits and investigations, and recommends solutions for complaints related to inmates, facility operations, and other Department of Corrections matters.
- GEO Group [organization]: Private prison company that owns and operates select prison facilities in Georgia under contract with GDC. (aka: GEO Group, Inc.)
- George Ivey [person]: GDC career employee; appointed Interim Warden at Hancock State Prison effective July 1, 2023; previously Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock since 2010.
- George Ivey Jr. [person]: Warden, Hancock State Prison, listed as cc recipient on DOJ CRIPA letter to Governor Kemp.
- Georgia Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board that issues rules for Georgia prison operations, including Rule 125-4-2-.08 (Library) and Rule 125-2-4-.17
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Georgia state law enforcement agency that conducts some criminal investigations involving the prisons (aka: GBI)
- Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts [organization]: State agency the committee recommended review all GDC contract renewals for the past five years. (aka: Georgia Department of Audits)
- Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC)
- Georgia Department of Public Health [organization]: State agency providing drug overdose surveillance data including statewide overdose statistics. (aka: DPH)
- Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission [organization]: State agency posting GDCP procurement solicitations.
- Georgia State Patrol [organization]: State law enforcement agency whose primary legal responsibility is traffic enforcement and highway safety. Operates 48 Patrol Posts throughout Georgia.
- Georgia Supreme Court [organization]: Highest court in Georgia; issued Cook v. State ruling and denied Bharadia's DNA evidence claim
- Gerald Florence, Jr. [person]: Inmate (GDC#1065177) found unresponsive at Hancock State Prison on July 7, 2019; death investigated as apparent suicide.
- Gerrod Johnson [person]: 27-year-old inmate who died after being stabbed at Hancock State Prison in February 2026.
- Gerrod Malik Johnson [person]: Inmate stabbed to death with a homemade weapon at Hancock State Prison.
- Grant v. Ward [case]: Federal prisoner civil-rights case involving Hancock State Prison; discovery included a court order compelling production of the Nov. 6, 2020 night shift roster; ultimately dismissed on judgment on the pleadings.
- Gregory C. Dozier [person]: GDC Commissioner who announced Shay Hatcher's promotion in 2018.
- Hancock County Coroner's Office [organization]: County coroner's office that pronounced and identified Hancock State Prison decedents. (aka: Hancock County Coroner)
- Hancock County Sheriff's Department [organization]: County law enforcement agency that arrested Officer Chercaria Paschal on contraband charges.
- Hancock County Sheriff's Office [organization]: County law enforcement agency involved in contraband arrests and interceptions at Hancock State Prison. (aka: HCSO)
- Hancock County Superior Court [case]: Court where Danny Garrison was tried and acquitted for the murder of Roland Lamont Phillips.
- Hancock State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where THC gummies, white powdery substances, and marijuana were recovered in January 2024.
- Hawks Ear [program]: GDC secure private LTE cellular network system that prevents use of wireless devices within facility grounds; implemented at Hancock State Prison in FY2021 and fully operational by FY2023.
- Hays State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Hays)
- Hogan v. Hancock State Prison [case]: Prisoner case in which the magistrate recommended denying in forma pauperis status and dismissing without prejudice.
- Homer Bryson [person]: Former GDC Commissioner who supported transitional center phone policies, stating it was important for residents to learn responsible use of technology (aka: Commissioner Homer Bryson)
- Howard W. Anderson III [person]: Attorney appointed as counsel for appellant Detrich Battle in the Eleventh Circuit.
- Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia [organization]: Community stakeholder organization that shared Phillips State Prison fire video on social media
- Jacorey Pearson [person]: 36-year-old inmate found deceased in his cell at Hancock State Prison; serving four years for criminal firearm possession by a convicted felon out of Coweta County, with a maximum release date of September 2028.
- James Julius Watkins, Jr. [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, age 26, of Sparta, GA, charged with bribery and attempted drug trafficking.
- Jamirio Ray [person]: 27-year-old Macon resident arrested in March 2025 in connection with an attempt to smuggle drugs into Hancock State Prison.
- Jarrod Johnson [person]: 27-year-old inmate from Mitchell County stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison in February 2026; serving life for murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and knife possession.
- Jasmine Hall [person]: Correctional officer arrested at Hancock State Prison on January 13, 2019 for contraband.
- Javaris Compton [person]: Inmate convicted by a Hancock County jury of malice murder in the Jan. 4, 2021 stabbing death of cellmate Rashad Bolton at Hancock State Prison.
- Jaylin Bell [person]: 32-year-old inmate who died after being stabbed at Hancock State Prison in February 2026.
- Jehan Landau [person]: Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison arrested January 8, 2024, for attempting to bring contraband into the facility.
- Jeremiah Canty [person]: 42-year-old Macon resident arrested in March 2025 in connection with an attempt to smuggle drugs into Hancock State Prison.
- Jeremy Fluellen [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison and COBRA Squad member convicted of attempted cocaine distribution and extortion.
- Jeremy Foston [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Hancock State Prison effective May 1, 2019.
- Jerrod Johnson [person]: Inmate stabbed to death on February 18, 2026.
- Joe Williams [person]: SMU Warden named as a defendant in the SMU contempt litigation. (aka: SMU Warden Joe Williams)
- Joshua Andrew Brock [person]: 38-year-old inmate convicted of malice murder in the January 2025 death of Price/Prince Porter at Hancock State Prison; sentenced to life without parole.
- Katherine Wells [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Administration at Hancock State Prison effective February 1, 2018.
- Kevin Deshawn Lamar [person]: Prisoner, 44, who died Aug. 10, 2023, at Macon State Prison of sharp force chest trauma.
- Kevin M Maurer [person]: PREA auditor who conducted the 2015 audit of Hancock State Prison.
- Kortessia Gilbert [person]: Officer at Hancock State Prison who was found with a green leafy substance on February 14, 2021.
- Latarius Evans [person]: Investigator with the Georgia Department of Corrections who took out the murder warrant against Orlando Middlebrooks.
- Leigh v. Hancock State Prison Warden [case]: Prisoner case dismissed without prejudice for failure to follow court orders and prosecute.
- Lisa Spradlin [person]: Mother of Charles 'Tristen' McKee; plaintiff in lawsuit against GDC and prison officials.
- Lonnie Jacob Ragan [person]: Inmate indicted on malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault charges for killing Steven Wood on Jan. 24, 2026.
- Lonnie Ragan [person]: Inmate indicted for the January 24, 2026 stabbing death of Steven Wood.
- Lori Benoit [person]: GDC spokesperson quoted regarding the homicide investigation of Hays inmate Marion Luke.
- Lyles [person]: Inmate indicted on malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault charges in Hancock County.
- Mable P. Wheeler [person]: PREA auditor who signed the Cycle 4 audit of Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center.
- Macon State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Macon)
- Marc T. Treadwell [person]: Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Issued the 100-page contempt order in Gumm v. Jacobs (April 2024) finding GDC 'flagrantly violated' the settlement agreement. (aka: Chief Judge Treadwell)
- Matthew Wolfe [person]: Director, Office of Professional Standards at the Georgia Department of Corrections.
- Milledgeville Police Department [organization]: Local police department that responded to a January 2026 altercation at Hancock State Prison.
- Montarius Holliman [person]: Correctional officer arrested at Hancock State Prison on January 11, 2019 for contraband.
- Norman Samples [person]: Inmate who died at Hancock State Prison on December 27, 2022, from blunt force injuries to the head and torso.
- Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office [organization]: Prosecutorial office that announced indictments and convictions in Hancock State Prison homicide cases. (aka: Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney)
- Octavio Pugacerantes [person]: Inmate indicted for the February 6, 2026 stabbing death of Jaylin Bell.
- Office of Professional Standards [organization]: GDC's primary investigative division responsible for internal investigation of serious incidents including felonies related to deaths, assaults, riots, and drugs (aka: OPS)
- Omarion Lyles [person]: Inmate indicted for the February 18, 2026 stabbing death of Jerrod Johnson.
- Operation Ghost Guard [operation]: FBI two-year investigation (2016) into GDC corruption resulting in ~130 indictments including 46 current and former correctional officers across 11 facilities.
- Orlando Middlebrooks [person]: Defendant named among pending Hancock County murder cases as of January 2023.
- Paul Sanford [person]: Listed as Deputy Warden Security at Hancock State Prison in the October 2026 Facility Operations directory.
- Phillips State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Phillips)
- Pierre Hill [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, age 33, of Warrenton, GA, charged with bribery and attempted drug trafficking.
- Prince Porter [person]: Inmate killed at Hancock State Prison on January 30, 2025; serving 20 years for criminal attempt.
- Pugacerantes [person]: Inmate indicted on malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault charges in Hancock County.
- Rashad Bolton [person]: 29-year-old Lincoln County man stabbed to death in his cell at Hancock State Prison on January 4, 2021.
- Rashedah Mitchell [person]: Listed as Deputy Warden C&T at Hancock State Prison in the October 2026 Facility Operations directory.
- Ricky Lamar Hogan [person]: Plaintiff in Hogan v. Hancock State Prison whose in forma pauperis motion was recommended for denial.
- Riverbend Correctional Facility [facility]: Medium security facility operated by GEO Group with 25% recidivism rate and 66% post-release employment rate
- Robert Lanier [person]: PREA auditor with Diversified Correctional Services, LLC, who conducted Calhoun State Prison's Cycle 2 audit (facility visit March 20-21, 2019; report dated April 30, 2019).
- Roland Lamont Phillips [person]: Inmate who died at Hancock State Prison on June 28, 2023, from multiple sharp force injuries; a murder warrant was served against his cellmate.
- Rontavious Fowler [person]: Inmate at Hancock State Prison charged with RICO conspiracy. (aka: Lil Hot)
- Roy Bradshaw [person]: Inmate (GDC#141503) found unresponsive at Hancock State Prison on October 31, 2017, and pronounced deceased.
- Selassie v. Georgia Department of Corrections [case]: Court case regarding the suicide of an inmate (Geberyesus) at Hancock State Prison in March 2019. (aka: Selassie v. GDC)
- Sex Money Murder [organization]: Gang whose members and associates were charged in a 12-count federal racketeering, drug trafficking, and firearms indictment, including a beating at Ware State Prison. (aka: SMM)
- Shaquita Adams [person]: Listed as Deputy Warden Admin at Hancock State Prison in the October 2026 Facility Operations directory.
- Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments.
- SMM [organization]: Gang referenced in federal indictment; rules enforced through violence.
- Snipes v. Hancock State Prison [case]: Court case in which claims against Hancock State Prison and the State of Georgia were dismissed, but failure-to-protect claims against Wardens Ivey and Sellers proceeded.
- Special Management Unit [facility]: Georgia's primary long-term solitary confinement unit, located at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson. Subject of Gumm v. Jacobs litigation and described by experts as 'one of the harshest and most draconian' in the nation. (aka: SMU)
- Spradlin v. Toby [case]: Federal lawsuit alleging violations of Eighth Amendment, ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and Georgia law regarding failure to provide medical treatment and protect an inmate from assault at Hancock State Prison. (aka: Case 5:23-cv-00328-MTT)
- Steven Wood [person]: 55-year-old inmate who died after an altercation with his cellmate at Hancock State Prison in January 2026; serving life with parole for murder out of Cherokee County.
- T. Wright Barksdale III [person]: Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney who confirmed Rashad Bolton's death was a murder.
- Tamikia Mahoney [person]: Promoted from Assistant Superintendent at Augusta Transitional Center to Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison effective September 1, 2024; listed as Deputy Warden Security in the October 2026 Facility Operations directory. (aka: Tamika Mahoney)
- Telfair State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison involved in Operation Ghost Busted (Desiree Briley) and Operation Night Drop drone smuggling network.
- Terry Lee Bishop [person]: Inmate who died at Hancock State Prison on October 18, 2022, from blunt force trauma and acute toxicity of methamphetamine and cannabinoids.
- Terry N. Massee [person]: Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge who presided over the Garrison murder trial.
- Terry N. Massey [person]: Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge who presided over Dunigan's plea and sentencing. (aka: Judge Terry Massey, Terry Massey)
- The Union-Recorder [organization]: Milledgeville, Georgia news outlet; two of its articles were searched with no matches for the target terms.
- Thomas Resha [person]: Chief Investigator, Hancock County Sheriff's Office, quoted on the October 2026 contraband interception.
- Timothy C. Batten, Sr. [person]: Federal judge who presided over Tavia Trammer's change of plea hearing. (aka: Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr.)
- Timothy C. Ward [person]: Former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. The November 30, 2022 Central Office Appeal Response falsely denying Legionella was issued on letterhead bearing his name. Named defendant in Sullivan v. Ward. (aka: Commissioner Ward)
- Timothy Konzelman [person]: Special Agent with the Georgia Department of Corrections who filed charges against Cleveland Gary.
- Timothy Lamar Massengale [person]: Civilian arrested on February 5, 2026, near Hancock State Prison with contraband including marijuana and tobacco.
- Timothy Ward [person]: Former GDC Commissioner who retired before Tyrone Oliver took over in January 2023
- Tonya Thurman [person]: Hancock County Chief Deputy Coroner who spoke to WGXA about Jacorey Pearson's death.
- Tramaine Tucker [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison and Riverbend Correctional Facility convicted of attempted drug distribution and extortion.
- Travon Walthour [person]: Hancock State Prison inmate stabbed to death, as reported by the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia.
- Tydus Meadows [person]: Warden of Hancock Correctional Institution listed in GDC's FY1992 Annual Report.
- Tyrone Oliver [person]: Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections who in March 2024 stopped including preliminary cause of death in monthly mortality reports. (aka: Commissioner Oliver, GDC Commissioner)
- U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia [organization]: Federal prosecutor's office that announced the Jeffery sentencing. (aka: USAO-NDGA)
- Vershaun Smith [person]: Inmate convicted of malice murder for stabbing death; sentenced to life without parole.
- Warden Ivey [person]: Warden named as defendant in Snipes v. Hancock State Prison; failure-to-protect claims allowed to proceed.
- Warden Sellers [person]: Warden named as defendant in Snipes v. Hancock State Prison; failure-to-protect claims allowed to proceed.
- Ware State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison leading all GDC facilities in cell phone seizures by end of 2016, with 1,392 phones confiscated.
- Washington County Sheriff's Office [organization]: County law enforcement agency that responded to a January 2026 altercation at Hancock State Prison.
- Willcox State Prison [facility]: GDC prison named among facilities with gang-related fights preceding a statewide lockdown.
- William Holeman [person]: Inmate killed at Hancock State Prison on January 30, 2025; serving 20 years for armed robbery.
- Wyoming News Now [organization]: News outlet that published a national article on prison food quality; searched with no Hancock matches. (aka: wyomingnewsnow.tv)
- Xavier Levatte [person]: Inmate convicted of malice murder for the stabbing death of Bobby Ricks.
- Yazmeen Wilson [person]: Correctional officer arrested for contraband at Hancock State Prison on October 29, 2019.
- Yemane Selassie [person]: Plaintiff in wrongful death lawsuit against GDC and officials.

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  URL: https://www.wrdw.com/2026/01/13/inmates-receive-medical-attention-after-altercation-hancock-state-prison/
- Investigation underway after fourth Hancock State Prison inmate dies in custody Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA (2026-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/local/investigation-underway-after-hancock-state-prison-inmate-dies-in-custody-local-news-prison-prisoner-death-middle-georgia-coweta-county-jacorey-pearson
- Jury convicts Hancock State Prisoner after stabbing inmate, leads to life without parole Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/local/jury-convicts-hancock-state-prisoner-after-stabbing-inmate-leads-to-life-without-parole-joshua-brock-prince-porter-t-wright-barksdale-iii-oculmulgee-district-attorneys-office-ghostaface-gangster-fight-back-guilty-verdict-judge-terry-massey-armed-robbery
- Law enforcement stops 'massive' contraband shipment headed for Hancock State prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA (2025-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/local/law-enforcement-stops-massive-contraband-shipment-headed-for-hancock-state-prison-local-news-crime-drugs-narcotics-contrband-drones-inmates-trading-middle-georgia
- LEIGH v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON WARDEN, 2024-10-02 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-10-02) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68484296/
- Life-sentenced inmate dies after 'altercation' at Hancock State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT, 41NBC News | WMGT-DT (2026-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.41nbc.com/hancock-state-prison-inmate-death-andre-weems/
- Lincoln Co. man stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder, The Union-Recorder (2021-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.unionrecorder.com/news/lincoln-co-man-stabbed-to-death-at-hancock-state-prison/article_3298acea-6839-11eb-9790-9b38642bedfa.html
- Mother sues Georgia prison officials over son's death, alleges civil rights violations and failure to protect Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA News (2023-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/local/mother-sues-georgia-prison-officials-over-sons-death-alleges-civil-rights-violations-and-failure-to-protect
- New Deputy Warden of Administration Named at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-01-29) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-01-29/new-deputy-warden-administration-named-hancock-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-04-29) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2019-04-29/new-deputy-warden-care-and-treatment-hancock-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security hancock state prison [1], Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-04-16) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2022-04-16/new-deputy-warden-security-hancock-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Security at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security hancock state prison [2], Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-09-05) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-09-05/new-deputy-warden-security-hancock-state-prison
- New Interim Warden at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-06-08) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-06-08/new-interim-warden-hancock-state-prison
- New Warden at the Special Management Unit | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden special management unit [2], Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-05-18) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-05-18/new-warden-special-management-unit
- New Warden Named at Hancock State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2013-06-06) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2013-06-06/new-warden-named-hancock-state-prison
- New Warden of Hancock State Prison Named | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2014-06-27) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2014-06-27/new-warden-hancock-state-prison-named
- Notice Letter — Georgia Department of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, October 1, 2024, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (2024-10-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/media/1371691/dl?inline=
- Operation Ghost Guard — FBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260327095203id_/https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/-operation-ghost-guard
- Prea Audit Report  Interim , Georgia Department of Corrections by Kevin M Maurer (2015-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-hancock-audit-cycle-1/download
- PREA Hancock Audit Cycle 3, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-hancock-audit-cycle-3/download
- PREA Hancock SP Audit Cycle 4, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-hancock-sp-audit-cycle-4/download
- Project Funding (gsfic.georgia.gov), Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gsfic.georgia.gov/document/document/project-list-georgia-2022ab-general-obligation-bonds/download
- Rats, insects and mold: How bad food leaves prisoners hungry and sick | News | wyomingnewsnow.tv, Wyoming News Now [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260627055258id_/https://www.wyomingnewsnow.tv/news/national/rats-insects-and-mold-how-bad-food-leaves-prisoners-hungry-and-sick/article_3866bf3a-614e-574a-9fe8-46c786f2dccd.html
- SELASSIE v. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, 2021-06-16 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2021-06-16) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59296029/
- SELASSIE v. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, M.D. Ga., 2021-06-16 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2021-06-16) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/9657539/selassie-v-georgia-department-of-corrections/
- Smith convicted of stabbing to death fellow inmate at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder, The Union-Recorder (2026-08-20) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://unionrecorder.com/2026/08/20/smith-convicted-of-stabbing-to-death-fellow-inmate-at-hancock-state-prison/
- SNIPES v. HANCOCK STATE PRISON, 2016-04-14 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2016-04-14) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5357526/
- SPRADLIN v. TOBY, 2024-08-19 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-08-19) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67920755/
- State of Georgia General Obligation Bonds, 2023A and 2023B, Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (2023-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gsfic.georgia.gov/document/document/2023abc-project-list/download
- Three inmates indicted on murder charges in Hancock Co. | The Union-Recorder, The Union-Recorder (2026-03-26) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://unionrecorder.com/2026/03/26/three-inmates-indicted-on-murder-charges-in-hancock-co/
- Three men indicted in fatal stabbings at Hancock State Prison in month-long span, DA's office says, Yahoo News [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/three-men-found-guilty-fatal-214841341.html
- Two Georgia Inmates Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances Amidst DOJ, Hoodline (2024-10-15) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://hoodline.com/2024/10/two-georgia-inmates-dead-under-mysterious-circumstances-amidst-doj-critique-of-state-prisons/
- Two inmate deaths under investigation at Middle Georgia prisons, suspected homicides Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA (2025-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/local/two-inmate-deaths-under-investigation-at-middle-georgia-prisons-suspected-homicides
- Two Inmates Die Following Violent Altercations At Hancock State Prison in Georgia | Between Community News, Between Community News [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://betweencommunitynews.town.news/g/between-ga/n/292060/two-inmates-die-following-violent-altercations-hancock-state-prison-georgia
- Two year GDC & FBI investigation results in more than 45 Federal Indictments, Georgia Department of Corrections, February 11, 2016, Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-02-11) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2016-02-10/two-year-gdc-fbi-investigation-results-more-45-federal-indictments
- UPDATE: Authorities investigating murder at Hancock State Prison | The Union-Recorder, The Union-Recorder (2026-04-09) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://unionrecorder.com/2026/04/09/update-authorities-investigating-murder-at-hancock-state-prison/
- Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2022-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.ajc.com/sp/news/investigations/prisons-understaffed/