GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Hays State Prison: the public record, 2015 to 2026
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Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press
Generated: 2026-10-24 16:38:18 EDT

Research Date: 2026-10-21
Topic: Hays State Prison (Trion): capacity, deaths and violence, prosecutions, lawsuits, staffing, money and audits
JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/hays-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 (95)
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- [reported] Former GDC officer Mark Edward Jeffery sentenced for smuggling methamphetamine into Hays State Prison
  Mark Edward Jeffery, a former Georgia Department of Corrections officer, was sentenced to federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine after smuggling alcohol, drugs, and contraband cellphones into Hays State Prison, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office press release dated Monday, April 29, 2019.
  Date: 2019-04-29
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,investigations
  Sources: Former correctional officer sentenced after smuggling narcotics into Hays State Prison, U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Georgia

- [reported] Hays State Prison demanded $250,000 for Open Records response
  Courthouse News Service reported that a Georgia prison demanded $250,000 to respond to Open Records requests concerning Hays State Prison, where four inmates had been murdered in the past four months, according to a dead inmate's mother's claim in court.
  Date: 2013-04-08
  Tags: legal,investigations,death,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Mum on Four Recent Prison Murders | Courthouse News Service

- [reported] Jeffery began work at Hays State Prison on April 17, 2017; contraband object found February 7, 2018
  Jeffery began working as a correctional officer at Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia on April 17, 2017. On February 7, 2018, a fellow correctional officer observed a large rectangular object wrapped in black electrical tape hidden in Jeffery's beverage container.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,investigations
  Sources: Former correctional officer sentenced after smuggling narcotics into Hays State Prison, U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Georgia

- [reported] Jorge Renberto Ventura murdered in his cell at Hays in June
  Jorge Renberto Ventura, a Hays State Prison inmate serving a sentence for molesting a thirteen-year-old girl he met online, was reportedly murdered in his cell at Hays in June. Chattooga County Coroner Earle Rainwater stated in June that Ventura was stabbed to death at Hays State Prison.
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Two Inmates Charged With Murder of Child Molestator At Hays State Prison - Coosa Valley News, two inmates charged with murder at hays state prison [2]

- [reported] Two Hays inmates charged in January 24 officer kidnapping and stabbing
  Chattooga County Magistrate Court records show Hays State Prison inmates David Omar Tyler, 31, of Atlanta, and Roman Christian Higdon, 31, of Philadelphia, Penn., were accused of kidnapping, beating and stabbing a correctional officer on January 24; both were transported to the Chattooga County Jail and booked.
  Tags: violence,staffing,legal,facilities
  Sources: Brutal attack on Hays Prison officer - AllOnGeorgia

- [confirmed] Gabriel Illa promoted to Warden at Hays State Prison effective September 1, 2026
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Gabriel Illa, Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison, to Warden at Hays SP effective September 1, 2026.
  Date: 2026-09-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Warden at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden hays state prison [2]

- [reported] Anthony L. McGhee Jr. homicide at Hays, March 2020
  Anthony L. McGhee Jr., 34, died March 29, 2020 at Hays State Prison of complications of blunt force head trauma and sharp force trauma of torso and extremities.
  Date: 2020-03-29
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Officer handcuffed to bed frame and beaten with carabiner and chain
  According to AllOnGeorgia's report citing court records, two inmates forced a Georgia Department of Corrections officer into a cell, locked the door, handcuffed the officer to a bed-frame with his own handcuffs, and beat him with a carabiner attached to a large chain.
  Tags: violence,staffing,facilities
  Sources: Brutal attack on Hays Prison officer - AllOnGeorgia

- [reported] Ventura stabbed in neck and back in his cell around 7 PM Tuesday
  The Summerville News reported that Chattooga County Coroner Earle Rainwater confirmed Jorge Renberto Ventura was stabbed in the neck and back in his cell at Hays State Prison around 7 PM on a Tuesday evening.
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Two Inmates Charged With Murder of Child Molestator At Hays State Prison - Coosa Valley News, two inmates charged with murder at hays state prison [2]

- [reported] Assault and death of Melvin Johnson at Hays State Prison
  The family of Melvin Johnson, a Coffee County man incarcerated at Hays State Prison, received a phone call on Jan. 26 informing them he was on life support at a Rome-area hospital after being assaulted at Hays State Prison; he was later taken off life support and died.
  Tags: violence,death,medical
  Sources: Coffee County family seeks answers after man dies while incarcerated

- [reported] Jorge Renberto Ventura-Cabrera homicide at Hays, June 2021
  Jorge Renberto Ventura-Cabrera, 35, died June 5, 2021 at Hays State Prison of stab wounds to neck, torso and upper extremities; an incident report shows two other inmates involved.
  Date: 2021-06-05
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Quintez Smith homicide at Hays, August 2022
  Quintez Smith, 25, died Aug. 29, 2022 at Hays State Prison of multiple sharp force injuries.
  Date: 2022-08-29
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Officer stabbed with sharpened metal in head, back and legs
  According to AllOnGeorgia's report citing court records, the two inmates then stabbed the officer with a sharpened piece of metal in the head, back and legs; Tyler and Higdon were charged with felony kidnapping, felony aggravated assault and felony obstruction of law officers.
  Tags: violence,staffing,legal
  Sources: Brutal attack on Hays Prison officer - AllOnGeorgia

- [reported] Scott Crickmar appointed warden of Hays State Prison
  Scott Crickmar was appointed warden of Hays State Prison in July; since his appointment the prison had remained on limited lockdown.
  Tags: staffing,operations,conditions
  Sources: Another year, another death: Danger, problems linger at Hays State Prison

- [reported] Family denied access to Melvin Johnson before and after death
  Family members of Melvin Johnson drove nearly six hours to the hospital, were denied access after being told they were not on his approved visitation list, and were still not allowed to see him after his death, according to the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia.
  Tags: death,conditions
  Sources: Coffee County family seeks answers after man dies while incarcerated

- [confirmed] Gabriel Illa began GDC career in 2007 as Correctional Officer at Hays State Prison
  Gabriel Illa began his career with GDC in 2007 as a Correctional Officer at Hays State Prison and was promoted through the ranks of CERT Sergeant, Lieutenant, Tactical Squad member, Chief of Security, and Unit Manager. In 2023 he was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security, where he was serving when promoted to Warden.
  Tags: staffing
  Sources: New Warden at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden hays state prison [2]

- [reported] Talore Stihles Blackford homicide at Hays, October 2023
  Talore Stihles Blackford, 31, died Oct. 28, 2023 at Hays State Prison of multiple stab wounds to the neck.
  Date: 2023-10-28
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Warden Clay Tatum replaced roughly 24 hours after fourth killing
  Hays State Prison warden Clay Tatum was replaced roughly 24 hours after the fourth killing in a spasm of violence at the prison.
  Tags: violence,death,staffing,operations
  Sources: Another year, another death: Danger, problems linger at Hays State Prison

- [reported] Murder charges filed against Montez Potts and Adrian Murdock
  Murder charges were filed against two former inmates, Montez Potts, 31, and Adrian Murdock, 35, in connection with the October killing of Lawrence Williams, 33, at Hays State Prison near Trion, Georgia; they are accused of participating in a gang-related killing inside the prison walls.
  Tags: violence,death,gangs,legal
  Sources: Two Former Hays Inmates Charged With Murder - Coosa Valley News

- [confirmed] Officer Nicholas Grindle's locker at Hays SP held 760 grams of methamphetamine and 222 grams of marijuana
  GDC's contraband arrest report states that on January 7 at Hays SP, security staff recovered 12 packages wrapped in electrical tape in Officer Nicholas Grindle's locker, consisting of 7 vape pens, 1 vape bottle, 1 wireless ear bud, 20 charging cables, 5 charging blocks, 14 cell phones, 222 grams of marijuana, and 760 grams of methamphetamine.
  Tags: contraband,drugs,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Facilities | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Jeremy Edward Price homicide at Hays, March 2024
  Jeremy Edward Price, 36, died March 2, 2024 at Hays State Prison of stab wounds to the neck and chest.
  Date: 2024-03-02
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Details of Lawrence Williams killing
  Montez Potts and Adrian Murdock are accused of being party to the crime of murder, aiding and abetting in the killing of Lawrence Williams by chasing him down, armed with a weapon, and trapping him on a stairwell where he was stabbed, leading to his death.
  Tags: violence,death,gangs
  Sources: Two Former Hays Inmates Charged With Murder - Coosa Valley News

- [confirmed] Aramark Food Service Director Diego Vega arrested at Hays State Prison for contraband
  GDC's contraband arrest report states that on December 5 at Hays State Prison, Aramark Food Service Director Diego Vega was arrested by the Office of Professional Standards after giving liquor and drugs to inmates and bringing a weapon onto prison grounds. He was transported to Chattooga County Sheriff's Office.
  Tags: contraband,drugs,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Contraband Arrest at Dodge State Prison and Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Freddie Lee Talley homicide at Hays, May 2024; multiple sharpened weapons
  Freddie Lee Talley, 31, died May 6, 2024 at Hays State Prison of a stab wound to the chest; the incident report shows a murder involving weapons described as 22-inch, 20-inch, 12-inch, 14-inch, 10.5-inch and 21.5-inch sharpened weapons, with four other prisoners involved.
  Date: 2024-05-06
  Tags: violence,death,contraband,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] December 2012 deaths of Derrick Stubbs and Damion MacClain at Hays State Prison
  The complaint in MacClain's case alleged that on December 19, 2012, prisoner Derrick Stubbs was found dead in his segregation cell after being assaulted in another part of the prison where the locks did not work, and that a week later, on December 26, MacClain, 27, was beaten and strangled to death.
  Date: 2012-12-01
  Tags: violence,death,conditions,legal
  Sources: $350,000 Settlement for Estate of Prisoner Murdered at Georgia Prison

- [reported] Hector DeJesus Torres indicted for murder of Quintez Deshon Smith
  A Chattooga County grand jury indicted Hays State Prison inmate Hector DeJesus Torres on charges including malice murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, and participating in a riot within a penal institution, in connection with the fatal stabbing of fellow prisoner Quintez Deshon Smith, 29, around 1 a.m. on August 29, 2022, in the prison's A-dormitory.
  Date: 2022-08-29
  Tags: violence,death,legal,investigations
  Sources: Hays State Prison Inmate Already Serving Multiple Life Sentences Indicted For Fellow Prisoner’s Murder | AM 1180 Radio

- [reported] Timothy Teasley charged with felony murder
  Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader said Timothy 'Green Light' Teasley was charged with felony murder and aggravated assault by Georgia Department of Corrections investigators in connection with a murder that happened on March 19th, 2020 at Hays Prison while Teasley was incarcerated.
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Hays State Prison Inmate Charged with Felony Murder - WEIS | Local & Area News, Sports, & Weather

- [reported] Hays inmate Jequaski Rashad Whitehead charged with aggravated assault and felony murder
  Jequaski Rashad Whitehead, a Hays State Prison inmate and native of Dougherty County, Georgia, was charged by Georgia Department of Corrections officials with aggravated assault and felony murder. He was already serving multiple sentences for drug possession.
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Hays Inmate Charged With Felony Murder | AM 1180 Radio

- [reported] Aug. 19, 2012 incident: inmates running with shanks, third inmate bleeding
  Incident reports cited in the MacClain lawsuit show that on Aug. 19, 2012, an officer at Hays observed two inmates running with what looked to be shanks and saw a third inmate stumble downstairs with blood on his back.
  Date: 2012-08-19
  Tags: violence,contraband,facilities
  Sources: Lawsuit Filed In Killing of Hays State Prison Inmate | Southern Center for Human Rights

- [reported] Jorge Renberto Ventura stabbed to death at Hays State Prison
  Chattooga County Coroner Earle Rainwater confirmed that Jorge Renberto Ventura was stabbed in the neck and back in his cell by another inmate at Hays State Prison. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported the death occurred on a Saturday, with the article posted June 14, 2021.
  Date: 2021-06-12
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Hays State Prison inmate was stabbed to death, hays state prison inmate stabbed 215900827 [1]; Hays State Prison inmate was stabbed to death, hays state prison inmate stabbed 215900827 [2]

- [reported] Murder at Hays State Prison on March 19, 2020
  The Department of Corrections had been investigating a murder that happened on March 19th, 2020 while Timothy Teasley was incarcerated at Hays State Prison.
  Date: 2020-03-19
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Hays State Prison Inmate Charged with Felony Murder - WEIS | Local & Area News, Sports, & Weather

- [confirmed] GDC signed $1 million emergency contract in February 2013 to replace Hays cell door locks
  Three years after an internal audit reported problems with locks, the Georgia Department of Corrections signed a $1 million emergency contract in February 2013 to replace cell door locks at Hays State Prison.
  Date: 2013-02-01
  Tags: facilities,budget,policy
  Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks

- [reported] Sept. 1, 2012 incident: inmate stabbed multiple times in back with sharp metal
  An incident report cited in the MacClain lawsuit states that on Sept. 1, 2012, an officer at Hays witnessed an inmate approach another inmate from behind and stab him in the back multiple times with a sharp piece of metal.
  Date: 2012-09-01
  Tags: violence,contraband,facilities
  Sources: Lawsuit Filed In Killing of Hays State Prison Inmate | Southern Center for Human Rights

- [reported] Death of James Cannon at Hays State Prison under investigation
  James Cannon, 48, an inmate at Hays State Prison, died after an incident on Saturday, October 25, 2025. On Friday, October 31, 2025, the Chattooga County Coroner's office confirmed that the GDC was actively investigating the circumstances.
  Date: 2025-10-25
  Tags: death,investigations,violence
  Sources: Death of Hays State Prison Inmate Under Investigation; Foul Play Possible, Authorities Say | AM 1180 Radio

- [reported] Oct. 7, 2012 incident: bleeding man collapsed after being stabbed in chest, shoulder, head
  An incident report cited in the MacClain lawsuit states that on Oct. 7, 2012, a bleeding man collapsed on the sidewalk at Hays after being stabbed in the chest, shoulder and head.
  Date: 2012-10-07
  Tags: violence,facilities
  Sources: Lawsuit Filed In Killing of Hays State Prison Inmate | Southern Center for Human Rights

- [confirmed] Attorney arrest at Hays State Prison reported to Board of Corrections
  Board of Corrections minutes record that Mr. Wolfe's report discussed "an Attorney arrest at Hays State Prison," along with a Contract Counselor arrest at Wheeler Correctional Facility and a Juvenile Civilian arrest at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison.
  Date: 2023-06-01
  Tags: corruption,legal,investigations
  Sources: Board of Corrections

- [reported] Damion MacClain found unresponsive in dorm A after 1 a.m. fight on Christmas night
  Guards responding to a fight around 1 a.m. in dorm A at Hays found Damion MacClain, who was serving time on two armed robbery convictions, face down on a bed and unresponsive, an incident report shows; the fight broke out after prisoners should have been locked in their cells.
  Date: 2012-12-25
  Tags: violence,death,conditions,facilities
  Sources: Lawsuit Filed In Killing of Hays State Prison Inmate | Southern Center for Human Rights

- [reported] MacClain was second prisoner killed in a week; two more died in eight-week span before warden ousted
  Damion MacClain was the second prisoner killed in a week at Hays State Prison in December 2012; he was found stabbed, strangled and beaten at the hands of other inmates, and two more men would die in an eight-week span before the Department of Corrections ousted the warden and funneled millions of dollars to fix broken cell doors and harden cells.
  Date: 2012-12-01
  Tags: violence,death,facilities,budget
  Sources: Lawsuit Filed In Killing of Hays State Prison Inmate | Southern Center for Human Rights

- [reported] Two inmates charged with murder of Nathaniel Reynolds
  Two inmates at Hays State Prison, identified by GBI spokesman John Bankhead as Ricardo Beltran-Gonzales and Leonardo Ramos Rodriques, were charged with murder in the killing of fellow inmate Nathaniel Reynolds.
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: 2 charged in Hays State Prison killing

- [reported] Alisa Hammock promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Hays State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Brian Owens announced the promotion of Alisa Hammock to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Hays State Prison, effective January 16, 2014.
  Date: 2014-01-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment named at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hays officer Nicholas Grindle arrested for smuggling drugs and phones
  A thirty-one-year-old corrections officer, Nicholas Matthew Grindle, who worked at Hays State Prison in Trion, was arrested by Georgia Department of Corrections authorities on January 7th and charged with attempting to smuggle drugs and cell phones into Hays State Prison in Chattooga County; twelve packages wrapped in black electrical tape were found in his locker.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,staffing
  Sources: Hays prison officer arrested on contraband charges | Local News Now (WRGA AM)

- [reported] All GDC facilities placed on lockdown after multiple fights June 18
  All Georgia Department of Corrections facilities were placed on lockdown after multiple fights occurred across GDC facilities the evening of June 18, according to a GDC spokesperson, who said the lockdown was out of an abundance of caution and not uncommon.
  Tags: violence,operations,facilities
  Sources: All GDC facilities on lockdown after violent night | WSAV-TV

- [reported] Jacob Beasley promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Jacob Beasley to Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison, effective February 1, 2018, responsible for overseeing 156 staff at the facility housing over 1,800 close security male offenders.
  Date: 2018-02-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security named hays state prison

- [reported] Esteban Mosqueda-Romero died after doctor did not return calls
  On Jan. 2, 2014 at Hays State Prison, a nurse caring for Esteban Mosqueda-Romero twice tried to contact Dr. Monica Hill, but Hill, on her day off, did not return the calls; Mosqueda-Romero, suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis, was referred to a hospital after a physician at another facility on call gave the go-ahead, and died the next day.
  Date: 2014-01-02
  Tags: medical,death,neglect,staffing
  Sources: Georgia prison doctor promoted despite inmates' deaths

- [confirmed] Officer Tiffany Cook pleaded guilty to smuggling meth and marijuana into Hays
  Tiffany Cook, a former Georgia Department of Corrections officer, pleaded guilty to being paid by a prison inmate to smuggle methamphetamine and marijuana into Hays State Prison located in Trion, Georgia.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,staffing
  Sources: Former Georgia correctional officer sentenced to federal prison for smuggling drugs into state prison

- [reported] More than 250 violent inmates transferred out of Hays
  More than 250 violent inmates had been transferred out of Hays State Prison, as reported in a February 10, 2013 article.
  Date: 2013-02-10
  Tags: transfers,violence,operations
  Sources: 250 inmates out, stab-proof vests in at Hays State Prison | Chattanooga Times Free Press

- [reported] Shawn Emmons reassigned as Warden at Hays State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the reassignment of Shawn Emmons to Warden at Hays State Prison, effective March 1, 2022, responsible for overseeing all staff members and 1,101 close security male offenders.
  Date: 2022-03-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Warden at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden hays state prison [1]

- [confirmed] Inmate Marion Luke assaulted and killed at Hays State Prison on January 17, 2019
  GDC's press release dated January 17, 2019 states that at approximately 11:57 a.m. inmate Marion Luke (GDC#1117396) was assaulted by another inmate at Hays State Prison in Trion, Ga., and was pronounced deceased at approximately 12:05 p.m. in the medical unit by the facility physician. GDC investigated the death as a suspected homicide.
  Date: 2019-01-17
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Inmate Death Under Investigation | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Esteban Mosqueda-Romero, 63, died January 2014 after transfer to Rome hospital
  Esteban Mosqueda-Romero, 63, died in January 2014, a day after being transferred to Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome from Hays State Prison.
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: medical,death,transfers
  Sources: Georgia prison doctor promoted despite inmates' deaths

- [reported] Former Hays officer Mark Edward Jeffery pleaded guilty in April 2019 to federal meth trafficking, sentenced to five years
  Jeffery pleaded guilty in April 2019 to a federal methamphetamine trafficking charge and was later sentenced to five years in federal prison.
  Date: 2019-04-01
  Tags: drugs,corruption,legal,investigations
  Sources: Former Hays State Prison Corrections Officer Faces New Federal Drug, Firearms Charges – Discover Gordon County

- [reported] Christopher McAllister reassigned as Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of Christopher McAllister to Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison, effective February 1, 2023, responsible for overseeing security staff members and 1,100 medium security male offenders.
  Date: 2023-02-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Jequaski Rashad Whitehead charged with murdering cellmate
  Jequaski Rashad Whitehead, 34, a native of Dougherty County, an inmate at Hays State Prison in Chattooga County, was charged with murder after stabbing his cellmate to death with a homemade knife; he was booked on the assault and murder charge by Department of Corrections officers.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,contraband
  Sources: Hays State Prison Inmate Charged with Murdering Cellmate - Coosa Valley News

- [reported] Two guards stabbed during lockdown after Nathaniel Reynolds murder
  After the murder of prisoner Nathaniel Reynolds, Hays State Prison was placed on full lockdown, yet two guards were stabbed while prisoners were supposed to be locked in their cells.
  Tags: violence,staffing,death
  Sources: Violence Overruns Georgia’s Model Prison

- [reported] Former Hays State Prison officer indicted for drug smuggling
  Mark Edward Jeffery, a former GDC officer at Hays State Prison, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 2, 2018, and arraigned on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
  Date: 2018-10-02
  Tags: corruption,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/form, former correctional officer charged smuggling narcotics hays state prison

- [reported] Charles Lee Broady suicide attempt at Hays
  Charles Lee Broady, 41, an inmate at Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia, tried to kill himself in his dorm at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15, as reported in a Chattanooga Times Free Press article published November 23, 2017.
  Date: 2017-11-15
  Tags: death,mental_health,conditions
  Sources: Authorities investigate apparent suicide of Hays State Prison inmate | Chattanooga Times Free Press

- [confirmed] Officer Voltaire Pierre pleaded guilty to smuggling meth, crack, marijuana, tobacco
  Voltaire Peter Pierre, a former corrections officer at Hays State Prison, pleaded guilty to smuggling methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana past prison security and into the hands of inmates in exchange for payments.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,staffing
  Sources: Former state prison guard pleads guilty to smuggling methamphetamine and other drugs

- [confirmed] Hays guard Nicholas Grindle sentenced for meth conspiracy and bribery
  Nicholas Grindle, a Hays State Prison guard, was sentenced for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and bribery.
  Date: 2025-02-10
  Tags: drugs,corruption,legal,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/pris

- [reported] Beltran-Gonzales and Rodriques charged in Reynolds killing
  The AJC reported that inmate Beltran-Gonzales was serving time for cocaine trafficking with a 2038 release date, and inmate Rodriques was serving time for involuntary manslaughter with a 2018 release date, at the time both were charged with murder in the Reynolds killing at Hays State Prison.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,drugs
  Sources: 2 charged in Hays State Prison killing

- [reported] Contraband found on Hays State Prison officer
  A search of Hays State Prison officer Mark Edward Jeffery's person and belongings found one glass pipe, four cellular phone chargers, four smartphones, two bags containing 190 suspected ecstasy pills, a plastic bag with methamphetamine, and a water bottle with alcohol.
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: corruption,drugs,contraband
  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/form, former correctional officer charged smuggling narcotics hays state prison

- [reported] Hays among four prisons on complete lockdown during 2010 strike
  By December 13, 2010, the Georgia Department of Corrections reported that the four prisons with complete strikes, Hays State Prison in Northwest Georgia, Macon State Prison, Telfair State Prison, and Smith State Prison, were in lock-down, and no prisoners were permitted to leave their cells.
  Date: 2010-12-13
  Tags: conditions,operations,policy
  Sources: Georgia, USA, inmates strike for prison reform

- [confirmed] Pierre smuggled contraband June 2018 to October 1, 2018 arrest
  Beginning in June 2018, and continuing until his arrest on October 1, 2018, Pierre smuggled methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and tobacco into Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia, for distribution to inmates.
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs
  Sources: Former state prison guard pleads guilty to smuggling methamphetamine and other drugs

- [reported] Nathaniel Reynolds ambushed in Hays courtyard
  The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported that the third inmate killed at Hays State Prison in a month's time, 30-year-old Nathaniel Reynolds, was ambushed in the prison's courtyard by at least two other inmates as he was being escorted to another prison building, and that two inmates were charged in connection with Reynolds' death.
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: 2 prisoners charged in Hays inmate's death | Chattanooga Times Free Press

- [reported] Anthony L. McGhee Jr., 34, died at Hays State Prison March 29, 2020
  Anthony L. McGhee Jr., 34, died at Hays State Prison on March 29, 2020, of complications of blunt force head trauma and sharp force trauma of torso and extremities, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's list of Georgia prison homicides.
  Date: 2020-03-29
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [confirmed] Grindle sentenced February 10, 2025 after smuggling meth into Hays and taking bribes; falsely claimed combat injury
  Former prison officer Nicholas Grindle was sentenced on February 10, 2025 for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and bribery, after smuggling methamphetamine into Hays State Prison and taking bribes, and falsely claimed at his sentencing hearing that he had been injured in combat during military service.
  Date: 2025-02-10
  Tags: drugs,corruption,legal,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/pris

- [reported] Potts and Murdock charged in Lawrence Williams stabbing death
  Arrest records state that Potts and Murdock are charged as party to the crime of murder for aiding and abetting the killing of Lawrence Williams by chasing him down, armed with a weapon, and trapping him on a stairwell where he was stabbed, leading to his death; prison investigators described the October 24th incident as a coordinated attack involving a crudely made knife.
  Tags: violence,death,legal,contraband
  Sources: Two Former Hays Inmates Charged With Murder - Coosa Valley News

- [confirmed] Hays State Prison inmate killed in 2011 group attack
  Inmate Alford Morris died from stab wounds after being kicked and stabbed by a crowd of inmates who surrounded him in the Hays State Prison yard yelling 'Allahu Akbar' on August 20, 2011.
  Date: 2011-08-20
  Tags: violence,death,gangs
  Sources: Hill v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2020-05-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Jorge Renberto Ventura-Cabrera, 35, died at Hays State Prison June 5, 2021
  Jorge Renberto Ventura-Cabrera, 35, died at Hays State Prison on June 5, 2021, of stab wounds to the neck, torso and upper extremities. An incident report showed two other inmates involved, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's homicide list.
  Date: 2021-06-05
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Tactical squads deployed to Macon and Hays during 2010 strike
  At Macon and Hays State Prisons in particular, during the Georgia prison strike, tactical squads arrived in response to the strike.
  Date: 2010-12-01
  Tags: operations,violence,conditions
  Sources: Georgia, USA, inmates strike for prison reform

- [reported] Freddie Talley stabbed to death at Hays May 6; seven weapons recovered
  The AJC reported that Freddie Talley was incarcerated at Hays State Prison when he was stabbed to death on May 6, and that the incident led officers to recover seven weapons ranging in length from 9 to 22 inches, according to the incident report.
  Date: 2024-05-06
  Tags: violence,death,contraband,facilities
  Sources: Georgia state prison deaths hit record number for first half of 2024

- [reported] Contraband cache recovered near Hays after drone-assisted search
  A large backpack recovered from a wooded area near Hays State Prison contained 21 packages of marijuana and tobacco, more than 20 cell phones, an electric dremel tool with metal cutting blades, a set of security bits, and a handheld driver.
  Tags: contraband,drugs,operations,investigations
  Sources: Suspect Arrested Near Hays State Prison After Drone-Assisted Search Uncovers Large Contraband Cache - Coosa Valley News

- [confirmed] Co-defendant pleaded guilty mid-trial in Hays State Prison murder case
  Hjalmar Rodriquez, co-defendant in the joint trial for the killing of Hays State Prison inmate Alford Morris, pleaded guilty in the middle of the proceeding.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: violence,legal
  Sources: Hill v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2020-05-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Quintez Smith, 25, died at Hays State Prison August 29, 2022
  Quintez Smith, 25, died at Hays State Prison on Aug. 29, 2022, of multiple sharp force injuries, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's homicide list.
  Date: 2022-08-29
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Rick Jacobs named acting warden at Hays State Prison; Clay Tatum reassigned
  Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens named Rick Jacobs acting warden at Hays State Prison in Trion, and Hays State warden Clay Tatum was being reassigned within the department.
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Hays State Prison Has A New Warden | Georgia Public Broadcasting

- [confirmed] Hjalmar Rodriguez killed another inmate by stabbing him with a knife during a fight at Hays
  In the 11th Circuit's published opinion in Rodriguez v. Burnside, Hjalmar Rodriguez was imprisoned at Hays State Prison after being convicted of voluntary manslaughter; while there, Rodriguez killed another inmate by stabbing him with a knife during a fight.
  Date: 2022-06-30
  Tags: violence,death,legal,facilities
  Sources: USCA11 Case: 20-11218 Date Filed: 06/30/2022 Page: 1 of 20

- [reported] Demarco Letroy Statham Jr. arrested near Hays State Prison
  The suspect in the Hays State Prison drone-assisted contraband search was identified as 22-year-old Demarco Letroy Statham Jr. of Atlanta. Chattooga County deputies, Trion Police, Warden Jones and staff set up a perimeter after a suspicious male was seen entering the woods off Underwood Drive carrying a duffle bag; a Sheriff's Investigator launched a thermal drone to locate him.
  Tags: contraband,operations,investigations
  Sources: Suspect Arrested Near Hays State Prison After Drone-Assisted Search Uncovers Large Contraband Cache - Coosa Valley News

- [confirmed] Inmate witness testified under plea deal in Hays State Prison murder case
  Inmate Michael Lucas, who had also been indicted for Alford Morris's murder at Hays State Prison, testified pursuant to a plea deal after pleading guilty to aggravated assault and receiving a ten-year sentence with five years to be served on probation.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: violence,legal
  Sources: Hill v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2020-05-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Talore Stihles Blackford, 31, died at Hays State Prison October 28, 2023
  Talore Stihles Blackford, 31, died at Hays State Prison on Oct. 28, 2023, of multiple stab wounds to the neck, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's homicide list.
  Date: 2023-10-28
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Two correction officers stabbed at Hays on a Saturday night
  AM 1180 Radio reported that several reliable sources told it two correction officers were stabbed at Hays State Prison on Saturday night, and that the officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
  Tags: violence,staffing,facilities
  Sources: Two Officers Stabbed at Hays Prison Saturday Night – UPDATE | AM 1180 Radio

- [reported] Statewide GDC lockdown after gang-related fights at Hays and other prisons (April 2026)
  All GDC prisons, including Hays State Prison, were placed on lockdown after gang-related fights at Smith, Wilcox, Hays, and Valdosta State Prisons injured multiple inmates, per an article published Friday, April 3, 2026.
  Date: 2026-04-03
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Jeremy Edward Price, 36, died at Hays State Prison March 2, 2024
  Jeremy Edward Price, 36, died at Hays State Prison on March 2, 2024, of stab wounds to the neck and chest, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's homicide list.
  Date: 2024-03-02
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Freddie Lee Talley, 31, died at Hays State Prison May 6, 2024, with six sharpened weapons used
  Freddie Lee Talley, 31, died at Hays State Prison on May 6, 2024, of a stab wound to the chest. An incident report showed a murder in which weapons used included sharpened implements of 22-inch, 20-inch, 12-inch, 14-inch, 10.5-inch and 21.5-inch lengths, with four other prisoners involved, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's homicide list.
  Date: 2024-05-06
  Tags: violence,death,contraband
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Hays warden Clay Tatum replaced 24 hours after fourth inmate killing
  Roughly 24 hours after a fourth Hays State Prison inmate was killed, Georgia corrections officials ordered the warden of the maximum-security facility replaced.
  Tags: violence,death,staffing,facilities
  Sources: Hays State Prison warden, Clay Tatum, ousted | Chattanooga Times Free Press

- [reported] Officer and sergeant stabbed around 1 AM during inmate altercation
  Chattooga County radio station WZQZ reported that the stabbing at Hays Prison happened around 1 AM on Sunday morning when a correction officer and a sergeant were stabbed during an altercation involving an inmate.
  Tags: violence,staffing,facilities
  Sources: Two Officers Stabbed at Hays Prison Saturday Night – UPDATE | AM 1180 Radio

- [reported] Hays inmates used contraband cell phones and coded email to arrange contraband drops at officer Pierre's home
  The Hays State Prison inmates communicated via contraband cell phones and through coded email messages sent via the prison email system with conspirators outside the prison to arrange for drugs and other contraband to be dropped at the home of Pierre, a Hays State Prison corrections officer who later smuggled the items into the prison.
  Tags: drugs,contraband,corruption,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/four

- [reported] Inmate Marion Luke assaulted at 11:57 a.m.; death investigated as homicide
  A GDC spokesperson said Hays State Prison inmate Marion Luke was assaulted by another inmate around 11:57 a.m. on a Thursday, and GDC was investigating his death as a homicide.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Death of Hays State Prison inmate being investigated as a homicide | | local3news.com

- [reported] Kevin Sprayberry reassigned as Warden at Hays, effective July 1, 2016
  On July 1, 2016, GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the reassignment of Kevin Sprayberry to Warden at Hays State Prison, effective July 1, 2016.
  Date: 2016-07-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: Kevin Sprayberry Named Warden at Hays | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Fourth Hays prisoner death reported by WRCB-TV
  WRCB-TV (Chattanooga) reported that another prisoner from Hays State Prison had died, following a period during which guards had been stabbed and inmates killed, in an incident the state said happened at a transfer prison in Butts County, Georgia.
  Tags: death,violence,transfers
  Sources: Fourth Hays State prisoner killed | | local3news.com

- [reported] Eight Georgia prisons locked down in June 2016 due to gang tensions
  GDC reported that between June 19-24, 2016, a total of eight facilities statewide were placed on lockdown due to rising tensions among gangs; Smith and Telfair State Prisons remained on lockdown until further notice while Autry, Calhoun, and Ware State Prisons had lockdown partially lifted on July 7.
  Date: 2016-06-01
  Tags: gangs,operations,facilities
  Sources: GDC Facilities Lockdown Update, Georgia Department of Corrections, July 11, 2016

- [reported] Scott Crickmar reassigned as Warden of Hays State Prison effective July 1, 2013
  GDC Commissioner Brian Owens announced the reassignment of Scott Crickmar as Warden of Hays State Prison effective July 1, 2013.
  Date: 2013-07-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Warden Named at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Contraband arrest at Hays: Nikita Pitts
  At Hays State Prison, visitor Nikita Pitts was arrested by the Chattooga County Sheriff's Office for attempting to enter the facility with contraband hidden under the insoles of her shoes.
  Tags: contraband,operations
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at Hays and Ware State Prisons | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Lawrence Williams killed in fight at Hays; GBI investigating
  An inmate named Lawrence Williams from Lowndes County, Georgia, was killed in a fight at Hays State Prison in Trion; the cause of death was under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed Williams' death, with his body sent for further examination.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Inmate Killed At Hays State Prison In Trion | AM 1180 Radio

- [confirmed] Former Hays officer Mark Edward Jeffery sentenced to five years for smuggling narcotics
  Mark Edward Jeffery, 34, of Fairmount, Georgia, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Harold L. Murphy to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment; a federal grand jury indicted Jeffery and he pleaded guilty on February 11, 2019.
  Date: 2019-01-01
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,legal
  Sources: Former correctional officer sentenced after smuggling narcotics into Hays State Prison, U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Georgia

- [reported] $650,000 Broady Jr. settlement for GDCP slashing
  The AJC's settlements investigation attributes the $650,000 (2021) Broady Jr. settlement to an incident at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in which six gang members with razor blades slashed his face.
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: violence,gangs,legal
  Sources: Prison system failures cost Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars

- [confirmed] Mark Edward Jeffery began as Hays correctional officer April 17, 2017
  On April 17, 2017, Mark Edward Jeffery began working as a correctional officer at Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia.
  Date: 2017-04-17
  Tags: corruption,staffing,contraband
  Sources: Former correctional officer sentenced after smuggling narcotics into Hays State Prison, U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Georgia

- [reported] Broady Jr. moved to Hays while lawsuit pending
  The AJC reported a $650,000 settlement in 2021 for Charles Lee Broady Jr., who, after being slashed by six gang members with razor blades at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, was moved to Hays State Prison while his lawsuit over the slashing was pending.
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: transfers,violence,legal
  Sources: Prison system failures cost Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars

STATISTICS (64)
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- [reported] Hays State Prison FY18 Average Standard Bed Count
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit of the Georgia Department of Corrections lists Hays State Prison with an FY18 Average Standard Bed Count of 699.
  Value: 699.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Hays State Prison correctional officer vacancy rate, July–November
  From July through November, Hays State Prison averaged a 17.5 percent vacancy rate among correctional officers, according to monthly reports Hays sent to the Georgia Department of Corrections.
  Value: 17.5 percent
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: Another year, another death: Danger, problems linger at Hays State Prison

- [reported] Hays State Prison constructed 1989
  GDC's facility page for Hays State Prison states it was constructed in 1989.
  Value: 1989.0 year
  Date: 1989-01-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Hays State Prison facility page (confirms Aramark), GDC

- [reported] Hays State Prison inmate population in 2022
  As of March 2022, Hays State Prison housed 1,101 close security male offenders, according to a GDC press release announcing Shawn Emmons as warden.
  Value: 1101.0 inmates
  Date: 2022-03-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Warden at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden hays state prison [1]

- [reported] Georgia prison homicides reached record 38 in 2023
  The AJC reported that Georgia prisons saw an unprecedented 38 homicides in 2023, topping the previous record of 31 the year before.
  Value: 38.0 homicides (vs. 31 homicides in 2022)
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Hays State Prison FY18 Average Special Use Bed Count
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit of the Georgia Department of Corrections lists Hays State Prison with an FY18 Average Special Use Bed Count of 343.
  Value: 343.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Four Hays inmates murdered in four months (2013 claim)
  According to a court claim by a deceased inmate's mother, four inmates were murdered at Hays State Prison in the four months preceding April 8, 2013.
  Value: 4.0 inmates murdered
  Date: 2013-01-01
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Mum on Four Recent Prison Murders | Courthouse News Service

- [reported] Inmates treated in Hays medical ward during five-month limited lockdown
  During a five-month period of limited lockdown at Hays State Prison, 223 inmates were treated in the prison's medical ward.
  Value: 223.0 inmates
  Tags: medical,violence,conditions
  Sources: Another year, another death: Danger, problems linger at Hays State Prison

- [reported] Hays State Prison capacity 1,101 (GDC facility page)
  GDC's facility page for Hays State Prison lists its capacity as 1,101.
  Value: 1101.0 beds
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Hays State Prison facility page (confirms Aramark), GDC

- [reported] Hays State Prison inmate population in 2023
  As of February 2023, Hays State Prison housed 1,100 medium security male offenders, according to a GDC press release announcing Christopher McAllister as Deputy Warden of Security.
  Value: 1100.0 inmates
  Date: 2023-02-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Six homicides recorded at Hays State Prison in AJC list
  The AJC's list of Georgia prison homicides records a total of 6 homicides at Hays State Prison.
  Value: 6.0 homicides
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Hays State Prison opened in 1990 and held approximately 1,680 male prisoners
  According to the U.S. Attorney's Office press release, Hays State Prison opened in 1990 and currently holds approximately 1,680 male prisoners.
  Value: 1680.0 prisoners
  Date: 2019-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: Former correctional officer sentenced after smuggling narcotics into Hays State Prison, U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Georgia

- [reported] Hays State Prison FY18 Average Physical Bed Count
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit of the Georgia Department of Corrections lists Hays State Prison with an FY18 Average Physical Bed Count of 1,042.
  Value: 1042.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Inmates transported to local hospital from Hays medical ward
  Of the 223 inmates treated in Hays State Prison's medical ward during a five-month limited lockdown, 11 had conditions severe enough that they were transported to a local hospital.
  Value: 11.0 inmates
  Tags: medical,violence,conditions
  Sources: Another year, another death: Danger, problems linger at Hays State Prison

- [reported] Hays State Prison opened 1990
  GDC's facility page for Hays State Prison states it opened in 1990.
  Value: 1990.0 year
  Date: 1990-01-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Hays State Prison facility page (confirms Aramark), GDC

- [reported] Hays State Prison inmate population in 2018
  As of January 2018, Hays State Prison housed over 1,800 close security male offenders, according to a GDC press release announcing Jacob Beasley as Deputy Warden of Security.
  Value: 1800.0 inmates
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security named hays state prison

- [reported] Hays State Prison overtime payouts, July–October
  From July through October, Hays State Prison paid out nearly $700,000 in overtime.
  Value: 700000.0 dollars
  Tags: staffing,budget,operations
  Sources: Another year, another death: Danger, problems linger at Hays State Prison

- [reported] Hays State Prison warden oversees approximately 1,086 male offenders
  As Warden at Hays State Prison, Gabriel Illa was to be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,086 male offenders.
  Value: 1086.0 male offenders
  Date: 2026-01-01
  Tags: demographics,facilities
  Sources: New Warden at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden hays state prison [2]

- [reported] Hays State Prison inmate population in 2014 (January)
  As of January 2014, Hays State Prison housed 1,266 male inmates, according to a GDC press release announcing Alisa Hammock as Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment.
  Value: 1266.0 inmates
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment named at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hays preventive maintenance work orders Feb-Aug 2011
  The Georgia DOAA's 'Maintenance of State Prisons' audit reported that at Hays, preventive maintenance work orders totaled 2,146 (91% of total orders) for the period February through August 2011.
  Value: 2146.0 work orders (vs. 91 percent of total orders)
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hays corrective maintenance work orders Feb-Aug 2011
  The Georgia DOAA's 'Maintenance of State Prisons' audit reported that at Hays, corrective maintenance work orders totaled 216 (9% of total orders) for the period February through August 2011.
  Value: 216.0 work orders (vs. 9 percent of total orders)
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [confirmed] Hays State Prison capacity: 1,101
  A GDC Close Security Facilities fact sheet lists Hays State Prison, located in Trion, with a capacity of 1,101.
  Value: 1101.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections, "Close Security Facility Fact Sheet"

- [reported] Hays FY10 maintenance expenditures
  A State Auditor report on Maintenance of State Prisons shows Hays State Prison had FY10 maintenance expenditures of $881,596.22.
  Value: 881596.22 USD
  Tags: facilities,budget
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [confirmed] Hays State Prison opened in 1991
  A GDC Close Security Facilities fact sheet states Hays State Prison opened in 1991.
  Value: 1991.0 year opened
  Date: 1991-01-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections, "Close Security Facility Fact Sheet"

- [reported] Hays FY11 maintenance expenditures
  A State Auditor report on Maintenance of State Prisons shows Hays State Prison had FY11 maintenance expenditures of $868,838.65.
  Value: 868838.65 USD
  Tags: facilities,budget
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hays State Prison staff count in 2018
  As of January 2018, Hays State Prison had 156 staff members, according to a GDC press release announcing Jacob Beasley as Deputy Warden of Security.
  Value: 156.0 staff
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security named hays state prison

- [reported] Hays 2-year maintenance total and in-house/contractor split
  A State Auditor report on Maintenance of State Prisons shows Hays State Prison had a 2-year maintenance total of $1,750,434.87, with $1,288,498.35 (73.6%) in-house and $461,936.52 (26.4%) contractor.
  Value: 1750434.87 USD
  Tags: facilities,budget
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hays gross square footage
  A State Auditor report on Maintenance of State Prisons lists Hays State Prison with 370,654 gross square feet.
  Value: 370654.0 square feet
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Hays capacity per maintenance audit
  A State Auditor report on Maintenance of State Prisons lists Hays State Prison with a capacity of 1,698 and Close security level.
  Value: 1698.0 inmates
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] PREA audit: designated capacity 1,101; current population 1,029
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison records Designated Facility Capacity as 1101 and Current Population of Facility as 1029.
  Value: 1029.0 people (vs. 1101 designated facility capacity)
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2

- [confirmed] 184 of 442 locks failed inspection at Hays State Prison in September state audit
  A state audit in September found that 184 locks failed out of 442 locks inspected at Hays State Prison. Inspectors reported a 'high number of cell door locks that will not deadlock.' Other state prisons also struggled with locks, the AJC found in a review of audits at each of the state's highest-security prisons.
  Value: 184.0 locks failed (vs. 442 locks inspected)
  Date: 2013-09-01
  Tags: facilities,investigations
  Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: 982 total inmates on first day of onsite audit
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison recorded 982 total inmates/residents/detainees in the facility as of the first day of the onsite portion of the audit.
  Value: 982.0 inmates
  Date: 2021-11-01
  Tags: demographics,facilities
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [reported] Hays cost per inmate per maintenance audit
  A State Auditor report on Maintenance of State Prisons lists Hays State Prison with a calculated cost per inmate of $515.44 and cost per square foot of $2.36.
  Value: 515.44 USD per inmate
  Tags: facilities,budget
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] PREA audit: 1,129 inmates admitted in past 12 months
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison records the number of inmates admitted to the facility during the past 12 months as 1129.
  Value: 1129.0 people
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: design capacity 1101, current population 958, average daily population 982
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison records Designed facility capacity as 1101, Current population of facility as 958, and Average daily population for the past 12 months as 982.
  Value: 1101.0 design capacity (vs. 958 current population)
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3 standards: 2 exceeded, 43 met, 0 not met
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison found the number of standards exceeded was 2, the number of standards met was 43, and the number of standards not met was 0.
  Value: 2.0 standards exceeded
  Tags: policy,investigations
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [reported] PREA audit: 438 allotted positions, 96 vacancies; 268 security positions, 89 vacancies
  Hays State Prison had a total of 438 allotted positions including security and non-security with 96 overall vacancies, and 268 allotted positions for security with 89 vacancies, per a GDC PREA audit.
  Value: 96.0 vacancies (vs. 438 allotted positions)
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2

- [reported] New 126-bed modular unit at Hays estimated at $24,155,096
  The estimated cost for the new 126-bed modular correctional unit under construction at Hays State Prison is $24,155,096.
  Value: 24155096.0 USD
  Tags: facilities,budget,construction
  Sources: New 126-Bed Correctional Unit Under Construction At Hays State Prison | AM 1180 Radio

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: 192 Correctional I Officers at Hays
  A GDC PREA facility audit report for Hays State Prison lists 192 Correctional I Officers in the facility's staffing.
  Value: 192.0 officers
  Tags: staffing
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [reported] ModCorr modular housing adds 524 beds total
  GDC's press release states that the ModCorr modular housing project, which includes Hays State Prison among the facilities equipped, adds 524 beds in total.
  Value: 524.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Opens New Modular Housing Units | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [confirmed] 118 grams of 90% pure meth and 150 grams marijuana recovered from officer Cook
  Pursuant to their search of Tiffany Cook at Hays State Prison, correctional officers recovered more than 118 grams of actual methamphetamine with a purity of 90%, and more than 150 grams of marijuana from Cook's vaginal cavity and bra.
  Value: 118.0 grams methamphetamine (vs. 150 grams marijuana)
  Tags: contraband,drugs,corruption
  Sources: Former Georgia correctional officer sentenced to federal prison for smuggling drugs into state prison

- [confirmed] Grindle sentenced to 87 months plus three years supervised release
  Grindle, 32, of Summerville, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Judge William M. Ray, II to 87 months of confinement, followed by three years of supervised release, after being convicted on these charges on November 21, 2024, having pleaded guilty.
  Value: 87.0 months
  Date: 2025-02-10
  Tags: drugs,corruption,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/pris

- [reported] FY2027 budget: $1,760,207 for five modular unit operations
  The House Budget and Research Office's FY2027 track sheet (Governor's Recommendation) includes a Department of Corrections line item of $1,760,207 to provide funds for operations at five modular correctional units.
  Value: 1760207.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities
  Sources: HB 974 Track Sheet FY2027

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: HR Specialist 1 position; total staffing 268
  A GDC PREA facility audit report for Hays State Prison's security-division staffing table lists an HR Specialist position and a total of 268.
  Value: 268.0 staff
  Tags: staffing
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [reported] Amended FY2026 budget: $880,104 for five modular unit operations
  The House Budget and Research Office's Amended FY2026 track sheet (Governor's Recommendation) includes a Department of Corrections line item of $880,104 to provide funds for operations at five modular correctional units.
  Value: 880104.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities
  Sources: HB 973 Track Sheet FY2026A

- [reported] Annex Building approximately 131,261 square feet (BLLIP ID#7317)
  Board of Corrections minutes describe the Annex Building as BLLIP ID#7317, consisting of approximately 131,261 square feet.
  Value: 131261.0 square feet
  Date: 2025-02-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes february 2025

- [reported] Three inmates died at Hays State Prison since mid-December before warden change
  Hays State warden Clay Tatum was being reassigned within the department after three inmates had died at Hays State Prison since mid-December.
  Value: 3.0 deaths
  Tags: death,violence,facilities
  Sources: Hays State Prison Has A New Warden | Georgia Public Broadcasting

- [reported] 41% of inspected locks failed at Hays and Valdosta
  GPB/AP reported that an internal audit found about 41 percent of inspected locks failed at both Hays and Valdosta State Prison.
  Value: 41.0 percent
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Locks Failing On High Security Cells | Georgia Public Broadcasting

- [confirmed] GDC correctional officer vacancy ~50% systemwide, over 70% at ten largest facilities
  According to the DOJ's Georgia prisons investigation report, staffing levels vary across the prisons, with correctional officer vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities.
  Value: 50.0 percent vacancy (vs. 70 percent vacancy at ten largest facilities)
  Tags: staffing,investigations,operations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Four Hays inmate deaths in one month, three homicides per GDC
  Chattooga County radio station WZQZ reported that over the past month, four inmates had died at Hays State Prison, with three of those deaths being homicides according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.
  Value: 4.0 inmate deaths (vs. 3 homicides)
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Two Officers Stabbed at Hays Prison Saturday Night – UPDATE | AM 1180 Radio

- [reported] Five inmates hospitalized after fights at Smith, Wilcox, Hays, Valdosta
  A GDC spokesperson told WGXA that fights at Smith, Wilcox, Hays, and Valdosta State Prisons resulted in a total of five inmates being sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries on Wednesday, prompting all GDC prisons to go under lockdown.
  Value: 5.0 inmates hospitalized
  Date: 2026-04-01
  Tags: violence,gangs
  Sources: GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: design capacity 1101, current population 1085
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison records Designed facility capacity as 1101 and Current population of facility as 1085.
  Value: 1101.0 design capacity (vs. 1085 current population)
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays sp audit cycle 4

- [reported] Hays FY1991 average inmate count
  The Georgia State Board of Corrections' FY1991 annual report's Costs Per Inmate Day table lists Hays CI with an average inmate count of 457.
  Value: 457.0 inmates
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: 1991 annual report

- [reported] Hays State Prison recorded six homicides since 2020 per AJC list
  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's list of those killed in Georgia's prison system counts six homicides at Hays State Prison since 2020: Anthony L. McGhee Jr. (2020), Jorge Renberto Ventura-Cabrera (2021), Quintez Smith (2022), Talore Stihles Blackford (2023), Jeremy Edward Price (2024), and Freddie Lee Talley (2024).
  Value: 6.0 homicides
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4 standards: 0 exceeded, 45 met, 0 not met
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison found 0 standards exceeded, 45 standards met, and 0 standards not met.
  Value: 0.0 standards exceeded
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: policy,investigations
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays sp audit cycle 4

- [reported] Hays FY1991 inmate days
  The Georgia State Board of Corrections' FY1991 annual report's Costs Per Inmate Day table lists Hays CI with 166,805 inmate days for the fiscal year.
  Value: 166805.0 inmate days
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: 1991 annual report

- [reported] Hays population 1,097, high-security, per AJC staffing analysis
  Hays State Prison is a high-security facility with 1,097 inmates, per the AJC's prison staffing analysis.
  Value: 1097.0 inmates
  Tags: facilities,demographics,staffing
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: 323 filled security positions, 104 security vacancies; 12 filled/12 vacant non-security
  A GDC PREA facility audit of Hays State Prison found current staffing levels that included 323 filled positions and 104 vacancies for security roles, and 12 filled versus 12 vacant non-security positions.
  Value: 323.0 filled security positions (vs. 104 security vacancies)
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: staffing
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays sp audit cycle 4

- [reported] Hays warden oversaw 285 staff and 1,100 close security male offenders (2016)
  As Warden at Hays State Prison, Kevin Sprayberry was to be responsible for overseeing 285 staff members and 1,100 close security male offenders.
  Value: 285.0 staff members (vs. 1100 close security male offenders)
  Date: 2016-01-01
  Tags: staffing,demographics
  Sources: Kevin Sprayberry Named Warden at Hays | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hays correctional officer vacancy rate 67.42%
  The AJC's prison staffing analysis found a correctional officer vacancy rate of 67.42% at Hays State Prison.
  Value: 67.42 percent vacancy
  Tags: staffing,operations,facilities
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hays PREA staffing plan built around daily inmate population of 1,273
  Hays State Prison's PREA staffing plan reviewed in a GDC facility audit is built around a daily inmate population of 1,273, as verified by both the Facility Head and PAQ.
  Value: 1273.0 inmates
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: staffing,demographics,facilities
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays sp audit cycle 4

- [reported] AFY2025 appropriation: $80,220,240 for four 126-bed modular units
  An AFY2025 appropriations bill enacted $80,220,240 for sitework and construction of four 126-bed modular correctional units to facilitate offender population movement necessary for capital and security improvements.
  Value: 80220240.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities,legislation
  Sources: Hb 67 FY2025A

- [reported] Hays houses about 750 Level II mental health offenders
  The AJC reported that Hays State Prison houses about 750 Level II mental health offenders throughout the prison.
  Value: 750.0 offenders
  Tags: mental_health,demographics,facilities
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Hays warden oversees 353 staff and 1,683 close security male inmates (2013)
  As Warden of Hays State Prison, Scott Crickmar was to be responsible for overseeing 353 staff members and 1,683 close security male inmates.
  Value: 353.0 staff (vs. 1683 close security male inmates)
  Date: 2013-01-01
  Tags: staffing,demographics,facilities
  Sources: New Warden Named at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

FINDINGS (24)
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- [reported] GDC confirmed active investigation into Hays stabbing death but named no suspects
  The Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed to a local newspaper that there was an active investigation into the stabbing death of a Hays State Prison inmate but did not identify any suspects at that time.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Two Inmates Charged With Murder of Child Molestator At Hays State Prison - Coosa Valley News, two inmates charged with murder at hays state prison [2]

- [reported] Four of the prisoners slain in late 2012 and early 2013 were at Hays State Prison
  Four of the prisoners killed in late 2012 and early 2013 were at Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia, where audits revealed many cell door locks had not worked in years, according to a 2014 article on a Georgia legislative hearing.
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Families testify at Hays State Prison hearing

- [reported] No GDC officials attended April 2014 legislative hearing on prison violence
  About 70 people attended an April 2014 legislative hearing on prison violence that included testimony about Hays State Prison deaths, but no one from the Georgia Department of Corrections attended, and no invited North Georgia legislators attended. GDC spokeswoman Gwendolyn Hogan said in an email that officials understood there would be a follow-up hearing.
  Date: 2014-04-11
  Tags: investigations,policy,violence
  Sources: Families testify at Hays State Prison hearing

- [reported] Lawsuit alleged 40% of cell door locks at Hays were broken before three prisoners were killed
  The lawsuit over MacClain's death alleged that prison officials knew 40% of the cell door locks at Hays State Prison were broken but did not fix the problem until three prisoners had been killed.
  Tags: conditions,violence,death,legal
  Sources: $350,000 Settlement for Estate of Prisoner Murdered at Georgia Prison

- [reported] GDC had not released official statement on Ventura murder or arrests
  The Georgia Department of Corrections had not released an official statement on the murder of Jorge Renberto Ventura at Hays State Prison or the arrests of the two charged inmates.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Two Inmates Charged With Murder At Hays State Prison | WRGA

- [reported] Attorneys cite state audits showing five years of known broken cell doors and locks at Hays
  RoHonda MacClain's attorneys cite state audits showing officials were aware for five years that cell doors and locks at Hays State Prison were broken and could be manipulated with fingers or scraps of toilet paper.
  Date: 2012-01-01
  Tags: conditions,facilities,legal,violence
  Sources: Lawsuit Filed In Killing of Hays State Prison Inmate | Southern Center for Human Rights

- [reported] Hays State Prison on partial lockdown as of July 2013 after three prisoner deaths
  As of July 2013, Hays State Prison remained on partial lockdown, meaning prisoners' movements were limited, after three prisoners died there within a little over a month between December and January.
  Date: 2013-07-01
  Tags: violence,death,conditions,operations
  Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks

- [reported] Southern Center for Human Rights reported prisoners slept in unassigned cells at Hays
  The Southern Center for Human Rights complained that prisoners at Hays State Prison routinely slept in cells to which they were not assigned and were able to move undetected across the prison campus, with gang leaders exercising control over housing assignments.
  Date: 2013-01-01
  Tags: gangs,conditions,facilities
  Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks

- [reported] GDC spokeswoman said locks a concern for years given increasingly violent prison population
  A spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Corrections said locks had been a concern for several years, 'especially given the increasingly violent prison population.'
  Date: 2013-07-01
  Tags: facilities,violence,policy
  Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks

- [reported] PREA audit: 4 standards exceeded, 42 met, 0 not met
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison found the Number of Standards Exceeded was 4 (115.11; 115.33; 115.34; 115.87), Number of Standards Met was 42, and Number of Standards Not Met was 0.
  Tags: legal,policy,investigations
  Sources: PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2

- [reported] Two Hays inmates died of undiagnosed diabetic ketoacidosis three years apart
  Two inmates died three years apart at Hays State Prison from the same easily treatable condition, diabetic ketoacidosis, and neither had been diagnosed with diabetes, raising the possibility that signs of the disease had been overlooked.
  Tags: medical,death,neglect
  Sources: Georgia prison doctor promoted despite inmates' deaths

- [reported] PREA audit: 20 blind spots identified and 20 mirrors installed
  In the PREA audit, the auditor and accompanying team identified 20 blind spots at Hays State Prison where installation of a mirror might help mitigate the blind spot, and the facility ordered and installed 20 mirrors in the identified blind spots.
  Tags: facilities,investigations
  Sources: PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2

- [reported] SCHR: daily reports of broken cell doors at Hays
  The Southern Center for Human Rights said it received daily calls and letters reporting that cell doors at Hays State Prison remained broken, did not lock, or could be manipulated with a card or a finger, allowing prisoners to roam hallways and enter other cells or buildings.
  Tags: conditions,violence,facilities
  Sources: Violence Overruns Georgia’s Model Prison

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: staffing standard originally non-compliant for undocumented deviations
  A GDC PREA facility audit report found that a staffing-related standard at Hays State Prison was originally rated non-compliant because the facility had not consistently documented deviations from the staffing plan.
  Tags: staffing,policy
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [reported] Heat and hot water cut to striking prisoners in 2010
  The Global Nonviolent Action Database lists 'cutting off heat and hot water to campaigners' as a nonviolent response by opponents, identified as the Georgia Governor, GDC Commissioner Brian Owens, and prison guards, to the Georgia prison strike in which Hays State Prison was one of the facilities with a complete strike placed on lockdown.
  Date: 2010-12-01
  Tags: conditions,operations,policy
  Sources: Georgia, USA, inmates strike for prison reform

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: several priority-one posts not staffed with no deviations noted
  A GDC PREA facility audit report for Hays State Prison found several priority-one posts not staffed with no deviations noted, in reviewing deviations from the minimum staffing required.
  Tags: staffing,policy
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [confirmed] Grindle case investigated by DEA, GDC Office of Professional Standards, Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force
  This Nicholas Grindle federal case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards, and the Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Drug Task Force.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: drugs,corruption,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/pris

- [confirmed] DOJ documents naked inmate held in Hays suicide-watch cell after assault
  The DOJ findings report describes an incarcerated individual placed in a suicide-watch cell at Hays after being assaulted and suffering a cut to his eye; all his property had been stolen by other incarcerated individuals, and he was held naked in the suicide cell with no mattress or blanket. After he continuously beat on the suicide-cell window, staff moved him to administrative segregation for refusing housing.
  Tags: conditions,solitary,mental_health,violence
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] Inmate testified Morris had reputation for attacking Muslim inmates
  Inmate Michael Lucas testified that Alford Morris, the Hays State Prison inmate killed in a 2011 group attack, had a reputation for attacking Muslim inmates.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: violence,gangs
  Sources: Hill v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2020-05-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] GDC: incidents believed gang-related; lockdown 'out of an abundance of caution'
  WGXA reported that GDC said all of the incidents involving Smith, Wilcox, Hays, Valdosta and Dooly State Prisons were believed to be 'gang-related,' and that 'out of an abundance of caution,' all GDC facilities had been placed on lockdown until further notice.
  Date: 2026-04-03
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Hays opened October 1990
  The Georgia State Board of Corrections' FY1991 annual report states Hays opened in October 1990 and was among the institutions in start-up phase that fiscal year.
  Date: 1990-10-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: 1991 annual report

- [reported] Hays living areas: dorms, Fast Track, Tier I/II, fire station, infirmary
  The AJC's prison staffing investigation lists Hays State Prison's living areas as seven general population dorms with 64 beds per dorm, one Fast Track building housing 256, six Tier II dorms consisting of 218 beds, three Tier I dorms with 160 beds, an outside fire station with 10 beds, and an infirmary with nine beds.
  Tags: facilities,conditions,operations
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Scott Crickmar listed as Southwest Regional Director
  The Georgia Board of Corrections' meeting minutes list Scott Crickmar as Southwest Regional Director.
  Date: 2018-11-01
  Tags: operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes november 2018

- [reported] Rick Jacobs left GDC for State Board of Pardons & Paroles
  Rick Jacobs, Director of Facilities Operations, had accepted another position at the State Board of Pardons & Paroles, per the Board of Corrections' meeting minutes.
  Date: 2015-06-01
  Tags: operations,staffing
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes june 2015

LEGAL FACTS (19)
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- [confirmed] Indictment of Esco Hill for murder of Alford Morris
  On October 6, 2014, a Chattooga County grand jury indicted Esco Hill for malice murder, felony murder predicated on aggravated assault, and aggravated assault in connection with the stabbing death of fellow Hays State Prison inmate Alford Morris.
  Date: 2014-10-06
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Hill v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2020-05-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] GDC paid $350,000 to settle estate of Damion MacClain, murdered at Hays State Prison
  The Georgia Department of Corrections agreed to pay $350,000 to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit brought by the estate of Damion MacClain, a prisoner murdered at Hays State Prison.
  Tags: legal,violence,death,conditions
  Sources: $350,000 Settlement for Estate of Prisoner Murdered at Georgia Prison

- [reported] Jackson v. Owens settled in 2015 for $110,000
  A Prison Legal News litigation table lists Jackson v. Owens, U.S.D.C. (N.D. Georgia), Case No. 4:14-cv-00254-HLM, concluded in 2015 by settlement, with damages of $110,000.
  Date: 2015-01-01
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: $350,000 Settlement for Estate of Prisoner Murdered at Georgia Prison

- [reported] SCHR filed civil rights lawsuit against eight GDC officials over Damion MacClain killing
  The Southern Center for Human Rights, on behalf of RoHonda MacClain, filed a civil rights lawsuit against eight Department of Corrections officials, from state corrections Commissioner Brian Owens to former Hays Warden Clay Tatum and the two guards on shift when 27-year-old Damion MacClain was slain in December 2012.
  Date: 2012-12-01
  Tags: legal,violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Lawsuit Filed In Killing of Hays State Prison Inmate | Southern Center for Human Rights

- [reported] MacClain v. Owens settled in 2014 for $350,000
  A Prison Legal News litigation table lists MacClain v. Owens, U.S.D.C. (N.D. Georgia), Case No. 4:13-cv-00210-HLM, concluded in 2014 by settlement, with damages of $350,000.
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: $350,000 Settlement for Estate of Prisoner Murdered at Georgia Prison

- [reported] RoHonda MacClain lawsuit against Hays officials and GDC
  RoHonda MacClain sued Hays State Prison officials and the Georgia Department of Corrections in September, claiming the warden and other supervisors knew about escalating violence at Hays but chose to ignore it. The Southern Center for Human Rights brought the suit on her behalf.
  Tags: legal,violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Another year, another death: Danger, problems linger at Hays State Prison

- [reported] Jackson v. Owens settled in February 2015
  The lawsuit over Hall-Jackson's and Reynolds' deaths -- Jackson v. Owens -- settled in February 2015.
  Date: 2015-02-01
  Tags: legal,violence,death
  Sources: $350,000 Settlement for Estate of Prisoner Murdered at Georgia Prison

- [confirmed] Georgia Supreme Court reverses murder conviction due to visible shackles
  The Georgia Supreme Court reversed the murder conviction of a man charged with orchestrating the attack of a fellow Hays State Prison inmate in 2011; at their trial in 2016, Esco Hill and his codefendant Hjalmar Rodriguez objected to the visibility of their shackles and requested their removal.
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: High court reverses murder conviction for Hays State Prison stabbing death | | northwestgeorgianews.com

- [reported] Lawsuit alleges supervisors warned inmates of shakedowns
  The lawsuit alleges that two supervisors -- Deputy Warden Shay Hatcher and Capt. Timothy Clark -- contributed to the increase in violence at Hays State Prison by warning inmates of upcoming shakedowns for contraband weapons.
  Tags: corruption,violence,contraband,legal
  Sources: Lawsuit Filed In Killing of Hays State Prison Inmate | Southern Center for Human Rights

- [reported] Alfred Days lawsuit names Warden Crickmar and Deputy Warden Hammock
  A lawsuit by former Hays State inmate Alfred Days, who says he was raped, named Hays State Warden Scott Crickmar, Deputy Warden Alisa Hammock, and a member of the medical department as defendants.
  Tags: legal,violence,medical,conditions
  Sources: Former Hays State inmate says he was raped, sues warden, other prison officials

- [reported] Hays guards settle excessive-force suit for $93,000
  A lawsuit accusing a dozen prison guards of beating, kicking and knocking out several handcuffed inmates at Hays State Prison was dismissed Friday after officers agreed to pay a $93,000 settlement.
  Tags: legal,violence,staffing,corruption
  Sources: Hays State Prison guards settle abuse suit for $93,000 | Chattanooga Times Free Press

- [reported] GDC emergency funding request said Hays inmates defeated cell door locks to conduct assaults
  GDC's request for emergency funding for the Hays State Prison lock contract stated that inmates at Hays had been able to defeat the locks installed in the cell doors, allowing them to open cell doors after being locked and conduct assaults on others.
  Date: 2013-01-01
  Tags: facilities,violence,budget
  Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks

- [confirmed] Tiffany Cook sentenced to 7 years 8 months
  Tiffany Cook, 34, of Summerville, Georgia, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Harold L. Murphy to seven years, eight months in prison to be followed by five years supervised release.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,legal
  Sources: Former Georgia correctional officer sentenced to federal prison for smuggling drugs into state prison

- [reported] New federal indictment returned against Mark Edward Jeffery on September 8, 2026
  A federal grand jury returned a new indictment against Mark Edward Jeffery on September 8, 2026, charging him with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  Date: 2026-09-08
  Tags: drugs,corruption,legal,investigations
  Sources: Former Hays State Prison Corrections Officer Faces New Federal Drug, Firearms Charges – Discover Gordon County

- [confirmed] Georgia Supreme Court reversed murder conviction due to visible shackling
  The Georgia Supreme Court reversed Esco Hill's murder conviction because the trial court committed reversible error by requiring Hill to be visibly shackled for the duration of his six-day trial.
  Date: 2020-05-04
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: Hill v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2020-05-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Pierre charged October 2, 2019
  On October 2, 2019, Voltaire Peter Pierre, 39, of Norcross, Georgia, was charged via criminal information with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where a minor resided.
  Date: 2019-10-02
  Tags: corruption,drugs,legal
  Sources: Former state prison guard pleads guilty to smuggling methamphetamine and other drugs

- [reported] Rodriguez De Mosqueda v. GDC dismissed with prejudice
  The N.D. Ga. court entered a Clerk's Entry of Dismissal approving a Stipulation of Dismissal with prejudice in Rodriguez De Mosqueda v. Georgia Department of Corrections.
  Date: 2018-05-07
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Rodriguez De Mosqueda v. Georgia Department of Corrections, 2018-05-07 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Eleventh Circuit decided Rodriguez v. Burnside, No. 20-11218, opinion filed 06/30/2022
  The Eleventh Circuit decided case No. 20-11218, Hjalmar Rodriguez, Jr. v. Edward H. Burnside, et al., with the opinion dated filed 06/30/2022.
  Date: 2022-06-30
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: USCA11 Case: 20-11218 Date Filed: 06/30/2022 Page: 1 of 20

- [reported] Hays inmates and accomplice indicted on federal drug trafficking and bribery charges
  Octavius Henry, Alexis Jay Stokley, and Khalid Eugene Mouton, inmates at Hays State Prison, along with Jeffery Deroy Lewis, an inmate at Valdosta State Prison, and accomplice Jessica Corley Stokley, were indicted and arraigned on federal drug trafficking and bribery charges.
  Tags: drugs,corruption,legal,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/four

DATA GAPS (6)
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- [confirmed] No Hays/Trion/Chattooga references in FY2021 HB 793 appropriations bill
  A search of the FY2021 HB 793 appropriations bill at opb.georgia.gov for the terms 'Hays', 'Trion', and 'Chattooga' returned no match, indicating no line-item reference to Hays State Prison in that budget document.
  Tags: budget,facilities,policy
  Sources: FY2021 HB 793 Appropriations Bill

- [confirmed] No Hays references in FY2023 Amended HB 18 appropriations bill
  A search of the FY2023 Amended HB 18 appropriations bill at opb.georgia.gov for 'Hays' and 'Hays State Prison' returned no match.
  Tags: budget,facilities,policy
  Sources: FY2023A Hb 18

- [confirmed] No Hays references in Amended FY2026 conference committee highlights
  A search of the House Budget and Research Office Amended FY2026 Conference Committee Highlights document for 'Hays' and 'Hays State' returned no match.
  Tags: budget,facilities,policy
  Sources: Amended FY2026 Conference Committee Highlights

- [confirmed] No Hays/ModCorr/GDC references in GSFIC June 2025 board summary
  A search of the Georgia State Financing & Investment Commission board meeting summary dated June 23, 2025 for 'Hays', 'ModCorr', 'Department of Corrections', and 'modular' returned no match.
  Date: 2025-06-23
  Tags: budget,facilities,policy
  Sources: GSFIC Board Meeting Summary, June 23, 2025

- [confirmed] No Hays references in DOJ Georgia prisons investigation announcement
  A search of the U.S. Department of Justice press release announcing its investigation into conditions in Georgia prisons for 'Hays' and 'Hays State Prison' returned no match.
  Tags: investigations,legal,conditions
  Sources: DOJ Press Release: Justice Department Announces Investigation into Conditions in Georgia Prisons

- [confirmed] No Hays/Georgia references in Nevada Current prison deaths lawsuit article
  A search of a Nevada Current article on a lawsuit alleging guards fatally beat an inmate for 'Hays', 'Hays State Prison', and 'Georgia' returned no match.
  Tags: legal,death,violence
  Sources: Nevada Current: Lawsuit alleging guards fatally beat inmate prompts calls for state review of prison deaths

POLICYS (32)
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- [reported] Hays State Prison expansion plan: 400 beds
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit of GDC, in its Potential GDC Facility Expansion Plan exhibit, lists a Hays State Prison expansion of 400 beds, Male, Close security, with current status 'Operating' and projected cost to increase 'Not provided.'
  Tags: facilities,operations,budget
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Hays State Prison classified as State Prison, Close Security
  GDC's facility page for Hays State Prison lists it as a State Prison and lists Close Security among what it serves.
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: Hays State Prison facility page (confirms Aramark), GDC

- [reported] Hays housing breakdown: 10 GP dorms (620), Fast Track (256), 6 SMU dorms (218), Annex 8 dorms (400), Quonset Huts (170)
  GDC's Facility Descriptions document describes Hays State Prison's housing as comprised of 10 general population dorms with 62 beds per dorm (620 total), one Fast Track building housing 256, six Special Management Unit dorms totaling 218 beds, and a Hays Annex with 8 dorms of 50 beds each (400 beds), plus Quonset Huts with 170 beds.
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hays mission: close security, host for Paulding Probation Detention Center
  GDC's Facility Descriptions document states Hays State Prison is a close security facility serving the DOC through housing and managing some of the state's most challenging offenders, and also serves as the host facility for Paulding Probation Detention Center.
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hays listed as Close Security in Trion (1999 annual report)
  GDC's 1999 annual report lists Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia as a Close Security facility.
  Date: 1999-01-01
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: 1999 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia

- [confirmed] Hays is host facility to Paulding Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Center
  A GDC Close Security Facilities fact sheet lists Hays State Prison as host facility to Paulding Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Center.
  Tags: facilities,medical,operations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections, "Close Security Facility Fact Sheet"

- [reported] Hays held some maximum-security inmates (1999)
  GDC's 1999 annual report lists Hays SP among facilities that 'also hold some maximum-security inmates' alongside Arrendale SP, Augusta SMP, and Metro SP, under the Level VI maximum security category description.
  Date: 1999-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: 1999 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia

- [confirmed] Hays included in Phase II energy performance contracting upgrades
  GDC's Phase II energy performance contracting infrastructure upgrades covered five sites including Hays State Prison, Arrendale, Wilcox, GDCP and GSP.
  Date: 2017-12-01
  Tags: facilities,budget,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2017

- [reported] Hays is Level 5 Close security with Tier I/II segregation units
  A PREA audit report for Hays State Prison states Hays State Prison is a Level 5 Close security prison serving the Department through housing and managing some of the state's most challenging offenders, and that Tier I and II segregation units are utilized for Protective Custody and problematic offenders.
  Tags: facilities,solitary,policy
  Sources: PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2

- [confirmed] Chattooga County sought 7-acre portion of former GBI Crime Lab at Hays
  Board of Corrections minutes record a resolution for Chattooga County's transfer request of the GBI Crime Lab at Hays State Prison, describing the property as a portion of Hays State Prison previously the 5.25 acre Georgia Bureau of Investigations Northwest Crime Lab, with Chattooga County interested in acquiring a seven (7) acre portion of the parcel.
  Date: 2021-04-01
  Tags: facilities,legal,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes april 2021

- [reported] A Building houses administrative segregation; buildings typically 4 dorms
  A PREA audit report for Hays State Prison states the facility's buildings typically house 4 dormitories each, and that A Building houses administrative segregation, requiring one officer per unit (four officers assigned).
  Tags: facilities,solitary,staffing
  Sources: PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2

- [reported] Hays modular housing expansion: 126 beds, $20,173,811 contract
  Records associated with the Hays State Prison modular housing project indicate the expansion called for two 63-bed modular housing units, providing 126 additional beds, with a base contract amount of $20,173,811.
  Tags: facilities,budget,operations
  Sources: New Modular Housing Units Added At Hays State Prison | AM 1180 Radio

- [confirmed] Commissioner Oliver visited Hays State Prison (2024)
  Board of Corrections minutes record that Commissioner Tyrone Oliver's Commissioner's Report discussed "the facility visits at Walker State Prison and Hays State Prison."
  Date: 2024-06-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes june 2024

- [confirmed] Boot camp construction at Hays CI (1992)
  GDC's 1992 annual report states that construction of five new inmate boot camps included one at Hays CI, along with Phillips CI and Telfair CI.
  Date: 1992-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations,reentry
  Sources: 1992 annual report

- [confirmed] GDC suspended visitation through April 10, 2020 in COVID-19 response
  GDC's COVID-19 response suspended visitation through April 10, 2020.
  Date: 2020-03-16
  Tags: policy,operations,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Coronavirus (COVID - 19) Response | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] GDC plan to harden high-security prisons including Hays, Baldwin, Hancock, Macon, Smith, Telfair, Valdosta and Ware
  The Georgia Department of Corrections implemented a plan to 'harden' all of its high-security prisons, which include Hays, Baldwin, Hancock, Macon, Smith, Telfair, Valdosta and Ware state prisons, most of them also scenes of inmates killing inmates in the past year.
  Date: 2013-01-01
  Tags: facilities,policy,violence
  Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks

- [confirmed] GDC offered one free 15-minute phone call weekly from March 14, 2020 via Securus and JPay
  GDC's COVID-19 response announced one free fifteen-minute phone call each week beginning March 14, 2020 for each offender, through a partnership with Securus Technologies and JPay.
  Date: 2020-03-14
  Tags: policy,operations,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Coronavirus (COVID - 19) Response | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 3 final report submitted March 11, 2022; Warden Kevin Sprayberry
  A GDC PREA facility audit report for Hays State Prison, with final report submitted March 11, 2022, lists the Warden/Jail Administrator/Sheriff/Director as Kevin Sprayberry.
  Date: 2022-03-11
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [reported] ModCorr modular housing facilities include Hays
  GDC's press release announcing the ModCorr MaxMod modular housing project states that the facilities equipped with the modular units are Dodge State Prison, Lee State Prison, Montgomery State Prison and Hays State Prison.
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Opens New Modular Housing Units | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Hays security upgrades: electronic cell locks and hardened steel toilets
  New security installed at Hays State Prison, including cell doors with electronic and backup manual locking systems and hardened steel toilets replacing porcelain ones that prisoners had broken apart and used as weapons, proved effective enough by May 2013 that officials said prisoners could not breach it.
  Date: 2013-05-03
  Tags: facilities,operations,violence
  Sources: Hays State Prison security upgrades get good reviews | Chattanooga Times Free Press

- [reported] PREA audit: Hays mission statement
  GDC's PREA audit for Hays State Prison states the mission of Hays State Prison is a Close security facility serving the Department through housing and managing some of the state's most challenging offenders.
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2

- [confirmed] GDC Modcorr project at Hays State Prison includes modular units and 400 KW generator
  The Georgia Board of Corrections heard that GDC is undertaking infrastructure improvements at Hays State Prison as part of the Modcorr project, which includes installation of modular units and supporting systems. The City of Summerville requested a Non-Exclusive Utility Easement to install dedicated natural gas service to the Modcorr addition including a 400 KW generator with a gas demand of 4,231 CFH, new gas piping connections, and a separate gas meter.
  Date: 2025-12-01
  Tags: facilities,operations,budget
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2025

- [reported] GDC announces demolition of Hays annex for 126-bed hardened cell unit
  GDC Director of Communications Joan Heath stated that demolition work had begun on the existing annex building at Hays State Prison in advance of installation of a pre-manufactured, hardened prison cell unit that will contain 126 beds.
  Tags: facilities,construction,policy
  Sources: New 126-Bed Correctional Unit Under Construction At Hays State Prison | AM 1180 Radio

- [reported] Hays 2021 Staffing Plan reviewed; recruitment effort with 'The Rebel Radio' to fill vacancies
  A GDC PREA facility audit report for Hays State Prison records that Hays State Prison's 2021 Staffing Plan was provided for review, and that the facility had implemented a recruitment effort with 'The Rebel Radio' to fill current vacant positions.
  Tags: staffing,policy
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3

- [confirmed] Board of Corrections resolution titled 'Hays State Prison Gas Easement' presented for approval
  Georgia's Board of Corrections minutes list a Board resolution presented for approval titled 'Hays State Prison Gas Easement.'
  Date: 2025-12-01
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2025

- [reported] Kemp recommends four 126-bed modular units
  Governor Kemp's announcement of corrections budget recommendations included funding for sitework and construction of four 126-bed modular correctional units to facilitate offender population movement necessary for capital and security improvements.
  Tags: facilities,budget,policy
  Sources: Gov. Kemp Unveils Recommendations from System-wide Corrections System Assessment, Office of Governor Brian Kemp

- [reported] Board resolution: Hays Annex and Library buildings to be demolished
  GDC Board of Corrections minutes record a resolution for the 'Hays State Prison Building Demo,' stating the Department determined that the Annex and Library buildings at Hays State Prison must be demolished to make way for new construction.
  Date: 2025-02-01
  Tags: facilities,policy,budget
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes february 2025

- [reported] Annex and Library can be demolished without harming other structures
  GDC Board of Corrections minutes state the Annex and Library buildings at Hays State Prison can be demolished without harming other structures and must be demolished to make way for new construction.
  Date: 2025-02-01
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes february 2025

- [reported] GDC no longer needs Hays Annex Building
  The Georgia Board of Corrections' minutes state the Georgia Department of Corrections no longer needs the building referred to as the 'Annex' at Hays State Prison.
  Date: 2025-02-01
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes february 2025

- [reported] Hays remained on limited lockdown after Warden Scott Crickmar appointed in July
  After warden Scott Crickmar was appointed in July, Hays State Prison remained on limited lockdown, meaning prisoners were still escorted to and from the chow hall and limited in where they could go.
  Tags: conditions,operations,facilities
  Sources: Another year, another death: Danger, problems linger at Hays State Prison

- [reported] GDC heat mitigation measures during 2016 lockdown
  During a statewide facilities lockdown in summer 2016, GDC addressed excessive heat by allowing offenders to wear t-shirts instead of state-issued button-up uniforms, using larger box fans in addition to wall-mounted fans, and delivering ice with each meal.
  Date: 2016-07-01
  Tags: conditions,operations,policy
  Sources: GDC Facilities Lockdown Update, Georgia Department of Corrections, July 11, 2016

- [reported] GDC suspended statewide visitation through April 10, 2020 following Kemp directive
  Following Governor Kemp's directive, GDC suspended visitation at all correctional facilities statewide, with the suspension in effect through April 10, 2020, while offenders would continue to have access to loved ones via mail, phone calls and GOAL devices.
  Date: 2020-03-12
  Tags: policy,conditions,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Suspends Visitation Statewide | Georgia Department of Corrections

METHODOLOGY NOTES (2)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] Hays State Prison site visit in maintenance audit
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts special examination on maintenance of state prisons states that the audit team conducted six site visits to prisons including Hays (North Region) as part of its methodology.
  Date: 2011-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] PREA audit cycle 4 onsite audit started April 14, 2025
  A GDC PREA audit of Hays State Prison had an onsite audit starting April 14, 2025.
  Date: 2025-04-14
  Tags: investigations,policy
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays sp audit cycle 4

QUOTES (1)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] SCHR attorney on excessive force at Hays
  "We think this recognizes that there is a problem with excessive force at Hays State Prison," said Atteeyah Hollie, an attorney for the Southern Center for Human Rights.
  Tags: legal,violence,staffing
  Sources: Hays State Prison guards settle abuse suit for $93,000 | Chattanooga Times Free Press

TRENDS (1)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] Hays State Prison officer turnover: 23% (2010), 29% (2011), 35% (2012), 42% (2013)
  A 2013 Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit of GDC and DJJ facility turnover rates lists Hays State Prison's officer turnover rate as 23% in 2010, 29% in 2011, 35% in 2012, and 42% in 2013.
  Tags: staffing,budget
  Sources: DOAA State Corrections and Community Officers Audit (2013-12)

DATASETS (6)
----------------------------------------
# Hays State Prison officer turnover rates, 2010-2013
  Annual officer turnover rates at Hays State Prison as reported in a 2013 Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit.
  Year  Turnover Rate  
  ---------------------
  2010  23             
  2011  29             
  2012  35             
  2013  42             

# Hays State Prison maintenance expenditures FY10-FY11
  Maintenance expenditures at Hays State Prison for FY2010 and FY2011, with 2-year total and in-house/contractor split, from Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts 'Maintenance of State Prisons' audit.
  Fiscal Year  Expenditures  
  ---------------------------
  FY2010       881596.22     
  FY2011       868838.65     

# Georgia prison homicides by year (AJC)
  Annual count of homicides in Georgia prisons as reported by the AJC.
  Year  Homicides  
  -----------------
  2022  31         
  2023  38         

# Hays State Prison PREA audit facility characteristics across cycles
  Design capacity, current population, average daily population, and staffing figures from GDC PREA audits of Hays State Prison.
  Audit Cycle  Audit Year  Design Capacity  Current Population  Average Daily Population  Staff Assigned  
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cycle 1      2016        1100             1034                                          305             
  Cycle 3      2021        1101             958                 982                                       
  Cycle 4      2025        1101             1085                                                          

# Hays State Prison preventive and corrective work orders Feb-Aug 2011
  Counts and percentages of preventive and corrective maintenance work orders at Hays State Prison for February through August 2011, from Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts 'Maintenance of State Prisons' audit.
  Work Order Type  Count  Percent of Total  
  ------------------------------------------
  Preventive       2146   91                
  Corrective       216    9                 

# Hays State Prison PREA audit staffing
  Allotted positions and vacancies at Hays State Prison per PREA audit.
  Category                           Allotted Positions  Vacancies  
  ------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total (security and non-security)  438                 96         
  Security                           268                 89         

KEY ENTITIES (143)
----------------------------------------
- 2010 Georgia Prison Strike [case]: December 9–15, 2010 multi-facility prison work stoppage across at least 7 Georgia state prisons, then the largest in U.S. history. Organized via contraband cell phones, multiracial and nonviolent. Nine demands issued; none met. State retaliated with lockdowns, violence, and transfers. Seven guards later arrested for assault. (aka: 2010 Georgia prison work stoppage, Lockdown for Liberty)
- Adrian Murdock [person]: Former Hays State Prison inmate charged with murder in the killing of Lawrence Williams.
- Alexis Jay Stokley [person]: Hays State Prison inmate indicted on federal drug trafficking and bribery charges.
- Alford Morris [person]: Hays State Prison inmate killed on August 20, 2011, after being kicked and stabbed by a crowd of inmates in the prison yard.
- Alfred Days [person]: Former Hays State inmate who sued Warden Scott Crickmar, Deputy Warden Alisa Hammock, and a medical department member, alleging he was raped.
- Alisa Hammock [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Hays State Prison effective January 16, 2014.
- Anthony Dewberry [person]: Named Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison in November 2014.
- Anthony L. McGhee Jr. [person]: Inmate who died at Hays State Prison March 29, 2020, age 34.
- Aramark [organization]: Major privatized prison food service contractor serving approximately 450 prisons and jails nationwide. Acquired Union Supply Group commissary in 2022. Subject of widespread documented scandals. (aka: Aramark Correctional Services)
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution [organization]: Georgia newspaper that conducted multi-year investigation into GDC corruption, drug trafficking, and overdose deaths. (aka: AJC)
- Atteeyah Hollie [person]: Deputy Director of the Southern Center for Human Rights, testified before committee on conditions in GDC facilities
- Beltran-Gonzales [person]: Hays State Prison inmate serving time for cocaine trafficking with a 2038 release date; charged with murder in the Reynolds killing.
- Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board overseeing the Georgia Department of Corrections, chaired by Larry Haynie.
- Brian Kemp [person]: Governor of Georgia who proposed $600 million in emergency spending over 18 months for prison reform in January 2025. (aka: Governor Kemp)
- 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)
- Brian P. Kemp [person]: Governor of Georgia who announced the initiation of the GDC system-wide assessment on June 17, 2024. (aka: Governor Kemp)
- Cecil Williams [person]: Inmate (GDC #1307597) found unresponsive at Hays State Prison on January 13, 2018; death investigated as apparent suicide.
- Charles Lee Broady Jr. [person]: Prisoner slashed by gang members at GDCP and died after transfer to Hays State Prison in 2017. $650K settlement.
- Chattooga County [facility]: Georgia county with the sixty-first highest index crime rate in 1988 at 2,955.8 per 100,000 persons. (aka: Chattooga)
- Chattooga County Coroner's Office [organization]: County coroner's office that investigated and confirmed causes of inmate deaths at Hays State Prison. (aka: Chattooga County Coroner)
- Chattooga County Grand Jury [case]: Grand jury that indicted Hector DeJesus Torres for the murder of Quintez Deshon Smith.
- Chattooga County Sheriff's Office [organization]: Local law enforcement agency that arrested Officer Tiffany Cook in 2018.
- Christopher McAllister [person]: Reassigned to Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison effective February 1, 2023.
- City of Summerville [organization]: Georgia municipality that requested a utility easement for natural gas service to the Modcorr addition at Hays State Prison.
- Clay Tatum [person]: Hays State Prison warden replaced roughly 24 hours after the fourth killing at the facility.
- Dale Mitchell [person]: Hays State Prison maintenance worker with 25 years of service, killed in a 2015 accident on prison grounds.
- Damion MacClain [person]: 28-year-old incarcerated person strangled and beaten in his bed at Hays State Prison on Christmas night after his cell door should have been locked.
- David Omar Tyler [person]: Hays State Prison inmate, 31, of Atlanta, charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault and obstruction in the January 24 attack on a correctional officer.
- Davius Taylor [person]: 38-year-old inmate charged with murder in connection with the killing of Jorge Renberto Ventura at Hays State Prison.
- Demarco Letroy Statham Jr. [person]: 22-year-old from Atlanta arrested near Hays State Prison in December 2025 after a drone-assisted search uncovered a large contraband cache.
- Derrick Stubbs [person]: Prisoner found dead in segregation cell at Hays State Prison on December 19, 2012.
- Diego Vega [person]: Aramark Food Service Director at Hays State Prison arrested December 5, 2017, for giving liquor and drugs to inmates and bringing a weapon onto prison grounds.
- Dodge State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where 592 grams of marijuana were found with a drone operator in November 2025.
- 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).
- Drug Enforcement Administration [organization]: Federal law enforcement agency that led Operation Night Drop investigation. (aka: DEA)
- Earle Rainwater [person]: Chattooga County Coroner who confirmed Ventura was stabbed to death at Hays State Prison.
- Edward H. Burnside [person]: Respondent in Rodriguez v. Burnside, Eleventh Circuit case No. 20-11218.
- Esco Hill [person]: Inmate convicted of malice murder in the killing of Alford Morris at Hays State Prison; conviction reversed by the Georgia Supreme Court in 2020 due to visible shackling during trial.
- Esteban Mosqueda-Romero [person]: Inmate, 63, who died in January 2014 of diabetic ketoacidosis at Hays State Prison after a doctor did not return calls.
- Freddie Lee Talley [person]: Inmate who died at Hays State Prison May 6, 2024, age 31.
- Freddie Talley [person]: Hays State Prison inmate stabbed to death on May 6 (2024); seven weapons 9-22 inches long were recovered after the incident.
- Gabriel Illa [person]: Promoted to Warden at Hays State Prison effective September 1, 2026; began GDC career in 2007 as Correctional Officer at Hays SP.
- 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.
- 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 Bureau of Investigation Northwest Crime Lab [facility]: 5.25-acre GBI crime lab property at Hays State Prison; Chattooga County sought to acquire a 7-acre portion per April 2021 Board of Corrections minutes. (aka: GBI Crime Lab at Hays State Prison)
- 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 Corrections Office of Professional Standards [organization]: GDC internal investigative unit that participated in the Grindle investigation.
- Georgia Department of Public Health [organization]: State agency providing drug overdose surveillance data including statewide overdose statistics. (aka: DPH)
- Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison from which David 'Toro' Zavala operated drug trafficking while serving time for armed robbery.
- Georgia Procurement Registry [organization]: DOAS-operated registry of state procurement events, including GDC lock and door replacement solicitations. (aka: GPR)
- Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner [organization]: State office responsible for fire inspections; no publicly indexed inspection report for Hays State Prison was found.
- Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission [organization]: State agency posting GDCP procurement solicitations.
- Gregory C. Dozier [person]: GDC Commissioner who announced Shay Hatcher's promotion in 2018.
- GSFIC [organization]: Georgia agency directed to provide quarterly design reports for transition center facilities in the FY2027 budget. (aka: Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission)
- H.B. 973 (AFY2026) [legislation]: Georgia FY2026 appropriations bill; item 113.18 increases funds for a ladder truck for Hays State Prison. (aka: Conference Committee Substitute to H.B. 973, FY 2026 appropriations bill)
- Harold L. Murphy [person]: Federal judge who sentenced Mark Edward Jeffery. (aka: Senior U.S. District Judge Harold L. Murphy)
- Hays 126-bed modular unit construction [program]: GDC construction project replacing the Hays annex with a pre-manufactured, hardened 126-bed cell unit at an estimated cost of $24,155,096. (aka: 126-bed hardened prison cell unit)
- Hays State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Hays)
- Hector DeJesus Torres [person]: Hays State Prison inmate already serving multiple life sentences; indicted for malice murder and related charges in the August 2022 stabbing death of Quintez Deshon Smith.
- Hill v. State [case]: Georgia Supreme Court decision dated May 4, 2020, reversing Esco Hill's murder conviction because the trial court required him to be visibly shackled during his six-day trial.
- Hjalmar Rodriguez [person]: Hays State Prison inmate who killed another inmate by stabbing him with a knife during a fight; petitioner in Rodriguez v. Burnside. (aka: Hjalmar Rodriguez, Jr.)
- Hjalmar Rodriquez [person]: Co-defendant in the joint trial for the killing of Alford Morris; pleaded guilty in the middle of the proceeding.
- 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)
- Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia [organization]: Community stakeholder organization that shared Phillips State Prison fire video on social media
- Jackson v. Owens [case]: Federal civil rights lawsuit, U.S.D.C. (N.D. Georgia) Case No. 4:14-cv-00254-HLM, settled in 2015 for $110,000.
- Jacob Beasley [person]: Promoted from Warden at Smith State Prison to Warden at GDCP effective July 16, 2025.
- James Cannon [person]: 48-year-old Hays State Prison inmate who died after an incident on October 25, 2025; GDC investigated, with coroner citing possible foul play by his cellmate.
- Jeffery Deroy Lewis [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate indicted alongside Hays inmates on federal drug trafficking and bribery charges.
- Jequaski Rashad Whitehead [person]: Hays State Prison inmate charged with aggravated assault and felony murder.
- Jeremy Edward Price [person]: Inmate who died at Hays State Prison March 2, 2024, age 36.
- Jeremy McElhaney [person]: Chattooga County Coroner who commented on possible foul play in the October 2025 death of James Cannon at Hays State Prison.
- Jessica Corley Stokley [person]: Accomplice indicted alongside Hays State Prison inmates on federal drug trafficking and bribery charges.
- Joan Heath [person]: GDC Communications Officer who made statements about Autry State Prison water system replacement in October 2022.
- John Bankhead [person]: GBI spokesman quoted about the Phillips State Prison stabbing.
- Jorge Renberto Ventura [person]: Hays State Prison inmate murdered in his cell in June 2021; serving sentence for molesting a thirteen-year-old girl.
- Jorge Renberto Ventura-Cabrera [person]: Inmate who died at Hays State Prison June 5, 2021, age 35.
- Joshua Jones [person]: Warden of Hays State Prison, promoted effective July 1, 2023.
- JPay [organization]: Dominant provider of financial services to prisons/jails, serving 1.7+ million incarcerated people in 32 states; originally owned by Platinum Equity Partners, later acquired by Securus/Aventiv Technologies; penalized by CFPB in 2021
- Kendrick Monquell Cheeves [person]: 37-year-old inmate charged with murder in connection with the killing of Jorge Renberto Ventura at Hays State Prison.
- Kevin Sprayberry [person]: Reassigned as Warden at Hays State Prison effective July 1, 2016.
- Khalid Eugene Mouton [person]: Hays State Prison inmate indicted on federal drug trafficking and bribery charges.
- Lawrence Williams [person]: Inmate from Lowndes County, Georgia, killed in a fight at Hays State Prison; death investigated by GBI.
- Lee State Prison [facility]: Cycle 3 reports 16 cells with 32 beds.
- Leonardo Ramos Rodriques [person]: Inmate at Hays State Prison charged with murder in the killing of Nathaniel Reynolds.
- Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force [organization]: Georgia drug task force that investigated the Nicholas Grindle case. (aka: Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Drug Task Force)
- Lori Benoit [person]: GDC spokesperson quoted regarding the homicide investigation of Hays inmate Marion Luke.
- MacClain v. Owens [case]: Federal civil rights lawsuit, U.S.D.C. (N.D. Georgia) Case No. 4:13-cv-00210-HLM, settled in 2014 for $350,000.
- Macon State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Macon)
- Marion Luke [person]: Inmate (GDC#1117396) assaulted and killed at Hays State Prison on January 17, 2019.
- Mark Edward Jeffery [person]: Former Hays State Prison officer; sentenced to 5 years federal prison for meth distribution (2019)
- Mark Schrader [person]: Chattooga County Sheriff who confirmed the murder charges to WZQZ News.
- Melvin Johnson [person]: Coffee County man incarcerated at Hays State Prison who was assaulted and died in January 2026.
- Michael Lucas [person]: Inmate witness who testified pursuant to a plea deal in the Alford Morris murder case; pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and received a ten-year sentence with five years on probation.
- ModCorr [program]: A Georgia Department of Corrections modular housing project that added 524 beds across Dodge, Lee, Montgomery, and Hays State Prisons. (aka: ModCorr MaxMod)
- Modcorr project [program]: GDC infrastructure project at Hays State Prison involving installation of modular units and supporting systems. (aka: Modcorr)
- Monica Hill [person]: Prison doctor who was off duty and did not return calls during Esteban Mosqueda-Romero's medical emergency at Hays; later promoted despite inmates' deaths. (aka: Dr. Monica Hill)
- Montez Potts [person]: Former Hays State Prison inmate charged with murder in the killing of Lawrence Williams.
- Montgomery State Prison [facility]: GDC facility granted initial ACA accreditation in August 2018 with a score of 98.5 percent.
- Murdock [person]: Former Hays State Prison inmate charged as party to the crime of murder in the killing of Lawrence Williams.
- Nathaniel Reynolds [person]: Prisoner murdered at Hays State Prison, after which the facility was placed on lockdown.
- Nicholas Grindle [person]: Correctional officer at Hays State Prison whose locker was found containing contraband on January 7, 2024.
- Nicholas Matthew Grindle [person]: 31-year-old corrections officer at Hays State Prison arrested January 7, 2024 by GDC authorities and charged with attempting to smuggle drugs and cell phones into the prison.
- Nikita Pitts [person]: A visitor arrested at Hays State Prison in July 2016 for attempting to bring contraband hidden in her shoes.
- Octavius Henry [person]: Hays State Prison inmate indicted on federal drug trafficking and bribery charges.
- Paulding Probation Detention Center [facility]: Facility for which Hays State Prison serves as host, per GDC Facility Descriptions.
- Paulding Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Center [program]: Substance abuse treatment program for which Hays State Prison is the host facility, per GDC's close security fact sheet.
- Pierre [person]: Hays State Prison corrections officer alleged to have received contraband drops at his home and smuggled items into the prison.
- Potts [person]: Former Hays State Prison inmate charged as party to the crime of murder in the killing of Lawrence Williams.
- Quintez Deshon Smith [person]: 29-year-old Hays State Prison inmate fatally stabbed around 1 a.m. on August 29, 2022, in the prison's A-dormitory.
- Quintez Smith [person]: Inmate who died at Hays State Prison August 29, 2022, age 25.
- Redmond Regional Medical Center [facility]: Hospital in Rome, Ga., where Esteban Mosqueda-Romero died a day after transfer from Hays.
- Ricardo Beltran-Gonzales [person]: Inmate at Hays State Prison charged with murder in the killing of Nathaniel Reynolds.
- Rick Jacobs [person]: Field Services Director of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles in FY17.
- Rodriguez De Mosqueda v. Georgia Department of Corrections [case]: A federal lawsuit in the Northern District of Georgia against GDC, Georgia Regents University, and the Board of Regents over the death of Esteban Mosqueda-Romero, dismissed with prejudice in 2018.
- Rodriguez v. Burnside [case]: Eleventh Circuit case decided June 30, 2022, involving Hjalmar Rodriguez, who killed another inmate at Hays State Prison. (aka: Hjalmar Rodriguez, Jr. v. Edward H. Burnside, et al., USCA11 Case: 20-11218)
- Rodriques [person]: Hays State Prison inmate serving time for involuntary manslaughter with a 2018 release date; charged with murder in the Reynolds killing.
- RoHonda MacClain [person]: Mother of Damion MacClain; sued Hays officials and GDC in September claiming supervisors knew about escalating violence and ignored it.
- Roman Christian Higdon [person]: Hays State Prison inmate, 31, of Philadelphia, Penn., charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault and obstruction in the January 24 attack on a correctional officer.
- Scott Crickmar [person]: Reassigned as Warden of Hays State Prison effective July 1, 2013.
- Securus Technologies [organization]: Prison telecom and technology company that acquired JPay. Also known as Aventiv Technologies. (aka: Aventiv Technologies)
- Shawn Emmons [person]: Reassigned from Warden at Hays State Prison to Warden at GDCP effective July 1, 2023.
- Shay Hatcher [person]: Promoted to Warden of Phillips State Prison effective October 1, 2018.
- Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments.
- Sonny Perdue [person]: Former Governor of Georgia who appointed Terry Barnard to the Parole Board and Brian Owens as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. (aka: Governor Perdue)
- Southern Center for Human Rights [organization]: Legal advocacy organization that investigated food conditions at Gordon County Jail and sent a formal letter to Sheriff Mitch Ralston in October 2014. (aka: SCHR)
- State Board of Pardons & Paroles [organization]: The Georgia state agency responsible for parole and pardons.
- Talore Stihles Blackford [person]: Inmate who died at Hays State Prison October 28, 2023, age 31.
- Telfair State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison involved in Operation Ghost Busted (Desiree Briley) and Operation Night Drop drone smuggling network.
- Tiffany Cook [person]: GDC correctional officer arrested July 9, 2018 at Hays State Prison after a consented search found heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and tobacco. (aka: Officer Tiffany Cook)
- 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 Clark [person]: Captain at Hays State Prison named in a lawsuit alleging warning inmates of shakedowns.
- Timothy Teasley [person]: Hays State Prison inmate charged with felony murder and aggravated assault for a March 19, 2020 murder. (aka: Green Light)
- Timothy Turner [person]: Nurse Practitioner at Hays State Prison arrested on April 10, 2025, after contraband (cellphone, wireless earbuds, 2 homemade metal weapons) was found in his office. (aka: NP Timothy Turner)
- Trion Police Department [organization]: Local police department that assisted in the perimeter and search near Hays State Prison in December 2025. (aka: Trion Police)
- 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)
- U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ)
- Voltaire Peter Pierre [person]: Former Hays State Prison corrections officer, 39, of Norcross, Georgia, pleaded guilty to smuggling methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana and tobacco into the prison from June 2018 until his October 1, 2018 arrest.
- Warden Jones [person]: Warden of Hays State Prison who responded with staff to the December 2025 contraband incident near the facility.
- Wilcox State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Wilcox)
- William M. Ray, II [person]: United States District Judge who sentenced Nicholas Grindle.

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- Man killed in fight at Chattooga County state prison | Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga Times Free Press (2024-11-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/01/man-killed-in-fight-at-chattooga-county-state/
- Nevada Current: Lawsuit alleging guards fatally beat inmate prompts calls for state review of prison deaths, Nevada Current (2026-08-05) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260809032320id_/https://nevadacurrent.com/2026/08/05/lawsuit-alleging-guards-fatally-beat-inmate-prompts-calls-for-state-review-of-prison-deaths/
- New 126-Bed Correctional Unit Under Construction At Hays State Prison | AM 1180 Radio, AM 1180 Radio [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://chattooga1180.com/new-126-bed-correctional-unit-under-construction-at-hays-state-prison/
- New Deputy Warden of Security at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-02-01) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-02-01/new-deputy-warden-security-hays-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security named hays state prison, Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-01-29) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-01-29/new-deputy-warden-security-named-hays-state-prison
- New Modular Housing Units Added At Hays State Prison | AM 1180 Radio, AM 1180 Radio [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://chattooga1180.com/new-modular-housing-units-added-at-hays-state-prison/
- New Warden at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden hays state prison [1], Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-03-16) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2022-03-16/new-warden-hays-state-prison
- New Warden at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden hays state prison [2], Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-08-28) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-08-28/new-warden-hays-state-prison
- New Warden Named at Hays 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-hays-state-prison
- PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays audit cycle 3, Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-03-11) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-hays-audit-cycle-3/download
- PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea hays sp audit cycle 4, Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-hays-sp-audit-cycle-4/download
- PREA Hays Audit Cycle 2, Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-06-15) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-hays-audit-cycle-2/download
- Prison system failures cost Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars, Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Carrie Teegardin, Danny Robbins, Jennifer Peebles (2024-02-01) [journalism, primary]
  URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/prison-system-failures-cost-georgia-taxpayers-millions/RHPYSZBCBFHV5CZMLHH44Z3NA4/
- Rodriguez De Mosqueda v. Georgia Department of Corrections, 2018-05-07 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2018-05-07) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4243014/
- Rome Native Named Acting Warden at Hays State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2013-02-06) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2013-02-06/rome-native-named-acting-warden-hays-state-prison
- Suspect Arrested Near Hays State Prison After Drone-Assisted Search Uncovers Large Contraband Cache - Coosa Valley News, Coosa Valley News (2025-12-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://coosavalleynews.com/2025/12/suspect-arrested-near-hays-state-prison-after-drone-assisted-search-uncovers-large-contraband-cache/
- Two Former Hays Inmates Charged With Murder - Coosa Valley News, Coosa Valley News (2025-02-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://coosavalleynews.com/2025/02/two-former-hays-inmates-charged-with-murder/
- Two Inmates Charged With Murder At Hays State Prison | WRGA, WRGA (2021-09-15) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20251107122853id_/https://www.wrganews.com/2021/09/15/two-inmates-charged-with-murder-at-hays-state-prison/
- Two Inmates Charged With Murder of Child Molestator At Hays State Prison - Coosa Valley News, Coosa Valley News (2021-09-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/2021/https://coosavalleynews.com/2021/09/two-inmates-charged-with-murder-at-hays-state-prison/
- Two Inmates Charged With Murder of Child Molestator At Hays State Prison - Coosa Valley News, two inmates charged with murder at hays state prison [2], Coosa Valley News (2021-09-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20210918204105id_/https://coosavalleynews.com/2021/09/two-inmates-charged-with-murder-at-hays-state-prison/
- Two Officers Stabbed at Hays Prison Saturday Night – UPDATE | AM 1180 Radio, AM 1180 Radio (WZQZ) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://chattooga1180.com/two-officers-stabbed-at-hays-prison-saturday-night-update/
- USCA11 Case: 20-11218 Date Filed: 06/30/2022 Page: 1 of 20, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (2022-06-30) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/202011218.pdf
- Violence Overruns Georgia’s Model Prison, Prison Legal News (2015-01-13) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2015/jan/13/violence-overruns-georgias-model-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/