GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Phillips State Prison: the public record, 2015 to 2026
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Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press
Generated: 2026-10-24 16:38:07 EDT

Research Date: 2026-10-21
Topic: Phillips State Prison (Buford): capacity, deaths and violence, prosecutions, lawsuits, staffing, money and audits
JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/phillips-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, national and multi-state 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 (76)
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- [reported] Shay Hatcher promoted to Warden of Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Shay Hatcher to Warden at Phillips State Prison, effective October 1, 2018.
  Date: 2018-10-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Warden at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden phillips state prison [1]

- [reported] Ahmed Holt promoted from Phillips Warden to Assistant Regional Director
  GDC Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Ahmed Holt, Warden at Phillips State Prison, to Assistant Regional Director of the North Region with Facilities Operations, effective January 1, 2018.
  Tags: staffing,operations,facilities
  Sources: New Assistant Regional Director for the North Region | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [confirmed] J. Kevin Perry promoted to Warden at Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of J. Kevin Perry to Warden at Phillips State Prison effective June 16, 2021.
  Date: 2021-06-16
  Tags: policy,facilities
  Sources: New Warden at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden phillips state prison [3]

- [reported] Gwinnett DA opened investigation into Phillips officer punching inmate after leaked video
  The Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office began an investigation into a correctional officer at Phillips State Prison who was punching an inmate after becoming aware of the conduct through a leaked inmate video. The DA's release is dated Lawrenceville, Ga., Aug. 27, 2021, and states the investigation began 'last month' (July 2021).
  Tags: violence,investigations,legal,facilities
  Sources: PHILLIPS STATE PRISON INVESTIGATION REGARDING INMATE INCIDENT - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett

- [confirmed] Kevin Perry promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the promotion of Kevin Perry to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison, effective July 16, 2016.
  Date: 2016-07-16
  Tags: policy,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security phillips state prison [3]

- [reported] December 17, 2023 stabbing and fire at Phillips State Prison
  On December 17, 2023, an incarcerated person at Phillips State Prison whom DOJ had interviewed earlier in 2023 required hospitalization for six or more stab wounds, and video circulated on social media that same day of a fire set by incarcerated persons the previous day in the sallyport area of a housing unit at Phillips.
  Date: 2023-12-17
  Tags: violence,conditions,facilities
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Aaron Pineiro reassigned as Warden of Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of Aaron Pineiro, Warden at Coastal State Prison, to Warden at Phillips State Prison, effective June 16, 2024.
  Date: 2024-06-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Warden at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden phillips state prison [2]

- [confirmed] Deshawn Jones reassigned as Warden at Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the reassignment of Deshawn Jones to Warden at Phillips State Prison, effective July 1, 2022, following the retirement of his predecessor J. Kevin Perry.
  Date: 2022-07-01
  Tags: policy,facilities
  Sources: New Warden at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden phillips state prison [4]

- [reported] Dorothy Andre promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Dorothy Andre, Unit Manager at Phillips State Prison, to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison, effective January 16, 2026.
  Date: 2026-01-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security phillips state prison [1]

- [reported] Remona Holloway reassigned to Deputy Warden of Administration at Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of Remona Holloway, Deputy Warden of Administration at Augusta State Medical Prison, to Deputy Warden of Administration at Phillips State Prison effective November 1, 2025.
  Date: 2025-11-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Administration at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden administration phillips state prison [1]

- [reported] Dave Stone homicide at Phillips, Nov. 20, 2021
  Dave Stone, 61, died Nov. 20, 2021, of closed head trauma with delayed effects; his sister told AJC he had been assaulted in a mental health ward, apparently with two pipes wrapped in a cloth, and was taken off life support after his brain stopped functioning.
  Date: 2021-11-20
  Tags: violence,death,mental_health
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Antonio Turner killed in stabbing at Phillips; suspect Allah Jahmal Ware, 23
  Antonio Turner, an inmate at Phillips State Prison, was stabbed to death; charges were expected against Allah Jahmal Ware, 23. At the time of the killing, Ware was serving a 30-year sentence for armed robberies and aggravated assault in Walker County, and Turner was serving a 10-year sentence for strong-arm robbery in Cherokee County, according to prison records.
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Charges Expected in Stabbing Death of State Prison Inmate in Gwinnett | Dacula, GA Patch

- [reported] Melinda Carter promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Melinda Carter to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison effective October 1, 2021.
  Date: 2021-10-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security phillips state prison [2]

- [reported] Jamal Cymonne Johnson homicide at Phillips, June 11, 2022
  Jamal Cymonne Johnson, 32, died June 11, 2022, of stab wounds to the head, injuring the brain, with delayed effects.
  Date: 2022-06-11
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Dejuan Cannon charged with felony murder in McBride death
  Dejuan Cannon, 22, was charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and riot in a penal institution in connection with the death of fellow inmate Quafabian McBride at Phillips State Prison.
  Tags: violence,legal
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [reported] First COVID-19 case at Phillips State Prison
  GDC reported one confirmed COVID-19 case in the offender population at Phillips State Prison in Buford, Georgia; the offender first exhibited flu-like symptoms on March 20 and the COVID-19 test was returned positive on March 26.
  Tags: medical,conditions,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections COVID-19 | Georgia Department of Corrections, georgia department corrections covid 19 [1]

- [reported] Sidney Sanchez Nealey homicide at Phillips, July 18, 2022
  Sidney Sanchez Nealey, 22, died July 18, 2022, of stab wounds to the torso.
  Date: 2022-07-18
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] August 3, 2020 hostage note at Phillips State Prison
  DOJ's findings report, in a sidebar titled 'Repeat Assaults at Phillips,' states that on August 3, 2020, an officer at Phillips State Prison was conducting rounds in a housing unit when an incarcerated person handed him a note stating that an incarcerated person in another cell had been held hostage for days.
  Date: 2020-08-03
  Tags: violence,conditions,facilities
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Courtney McDay promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Phillips State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Courtney McDay to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Phillips State Prison effective October 16, 2021.
  Date: 2021-10-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities,mental_health
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Jacob Kendall Daniels homicide at Phillips, Aug. 13, 2022
  Jacob Kendall Daniels, 19, died Aug. 13, 2022, of a stab wound to the neck, shoulder and arm.
  Date: 2022-08-13
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Correctional officer Geramy Antonio Brown fired after McBride killing
  Correctional officer Geramy Antonio Brown was fired for 'violating employee standards of conduct, staff misconduct and failure to comply with an investigation,' days after the killing of Phillips State Prison inmate Quafabian McBride; another correctional officer, Javaris Jones, was suspended.
  Tags: staffing,corruption,violence
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [reported] Hostage victim held and tortured for almost four days at Phillips
  DOJ's findings report states that in May 2023 DOJ interviewed the hostage victim at Phillips State Prison, who reported that he had been held and tortured for almost four days, had been stabbed from behind, his eye was pierced, and he suffered a traumatic brain injury.
  Date: 2023-05-01
  Tags: violence,conditions,medical
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Brandon Mincey found dead at Phillips State Prison
  Phillips State Prison inmate Brandon Mincey, serving 10 years on a 2021 aggravated battery conviction, was found dead on Oct. 11.
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: 2 inmates die weeks after DOJ admonishes Georgia prison officials | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [reported] Statewide GDC lockdown after gang-related fights
  All Georgia Department of Corrections prisons were placed under lockdown after a string of gang-related altercations across the state left multiple inmates injured, with fights at Smith, Wilcox, Hays, and Valdosta State Prisons sending five inmates to the hospital on Wednesday.
  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] Warden Ahmed Holt presented Phillips State Prison overview to Board of Corrections (Feb 2016)
  Board of Corrections minutes record that Ward introduced Warden Ahmed Holt of Phillips State Prison to present a facility overview.
  Date: 2016-02-01
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: Board Meeting Minutes February 2016

- [reported] Quafabian Melik McBride homicide at Phillips, Sept. 30, 2022
  Quafabian Melik McBride, 19, died Sept. 30, 2022, of a stab wound to the chest injuring the heart and sharp force injuries to head, torso and upper extremities, during a gang-related fight in the lockdown unit; the DOJ report says a gang war erupted following the homicide. McBride was housed elsewhere in the prison and had been brought to lockdown that day through the arrangements of officers.
  Date: 2022-09-30
  Tags: violence,death,gangs,corruption
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024); Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Two inmates charged with malice murder in Jacob Daniels death
  Cody Matthew Brock and James Ellis Collins, the alleged attackers of 18-year-old Jacob Daniels at Phillips State Prison, were charged with malice murder, aggravated assault and false imprisonment.
  Tags: violence,legal
  Sources: No Charges for Georgia Guards Who Allegedly Abetted Attack That Left Prisoner Dead

- [reported] August 12, 2021 repeat assault by same assailant at Phillips
  Almost exactly a year after the initial hostage-torture incident at Phillips State Prison, on August 12, 2021, the same assailant assaulted another incarcerated person at the same prison, and that second victim required outside medical treatment at a hospital.
  Date: 2021-08-12
  Tags: violence,medical,facilities
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Dooly State Prison altercation injured six inmates
  A GDC spokesperson said a separate altercation at Dooly State Prison injured six more inmates, with three transported via Life Flight, all with non-life-threatening injuries.
  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] Alim Rasheed Lovett homicide at Phillips, Dec. 8, 2022
  Alim Rasheed Lovett, 33, died Dec. 8, 2022, of stab wounds to the back injuring his right lung, plus sharp force injuries to head, torso and right thigh; the incident report shows four other prisoners involved.
  Date: 2022-12-08
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Jacob Daniels fatally brutalized by fellow prisoners
  One prisoner, Jacob Daniels, 18, was fatally brutalized by fellow prisoners Cody Matthew Brock and James Ellis Collins, who allegedly broke his wrists and feet, cutting him with an ink pen and a broken lightbulb before stuffing a shredded mattress down his throat.
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: No Charges for Georgia Guards Who Allegedly Abetted Attack That Left Prisoner Dead

- [reported] September 2022 gang war after Phillips homicide of Bloods member
  DOJ's findings report, in a sidebar titled 'GANG WAR AT MULTIPLE PRISONS,' states that in September 2022, following the homicide at Phillips State Prison of a young man who was a member of the Bloods, a gang war erupted at multiple other GDC prisons.
  Date: 2022-09-01
  Tags: gangs,violence,facilities
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Arthur James Wimbush Jr. homicide at Phillips, April 2, 2023
  Arthur James Wimbush Jr., 46, died April 2, 2023, of blunt force trauma with fracture of thyroid cartilage.
  Date: 2023-04-02
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Video shows guard beating inmate in mental health dorm at Phillips
  A video purporting to show a correctional officer brutally attacking an inmate took place inside a dormitory for inmates with mental health issues at Phillips State Prison, a medium-security prison in Buford, on a Thursday evening, according to Larry Drew, president of the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia.
  Tags: violence,mental_health,staffing
  Sources: Video Shows Guard Brutally Beating Inmate Inside Georgia Prison - Newsweek

- [reported] Dooly State Prison altercation sent nine inmates to hospital
  A GDC spokesperson said that out of an abundance of caution, all GDC facilities were placed on lockdown until further notice after a gang-related altercation at Dooly State Prison sent nine inmates to the hospital; seven of the nine had returned to the prison, and no staff were injured.
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: Georgia Corrections facilities on lockdown after prison altercation sends 9 inmates to hospital, officials say - CBS Atlanta

- [reported] David Fambro homicide at Phillips, July 24, 2024
  David Fambro, 69, died July 24, 2024, of complications of facial fractures with an interval of 26 days; incident report data shows a homicide.
  Date: 2024-07-24
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] David Cassady charged with mailing bombs from Phillips State Prison
  David Cassady, 55, an inmate at Phillips State Prison in Buford, was charged with making an unregistered destructive device, two counts of mailing a destructive device and two counts of attempted malicious use of an explosive.
  Tags: legal,investigations
  Sources: Metro Atlanta state prison inmate charged with mailing bombs to federal buildings, U.S. Attorney says

- [reported] Jamari McClinton killed five days after transfer from Phillips protective custody
  Jamari McClinton, 21, was stabbed to death Aug. 11, 2021, five days after being transferred from Phillips State Prison, where he had been in protective custody after threats from gang members; protection was removed when he was transferred.
  Date: 2021-08-11
  Tags: violence,death,gangs,transfers
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Sgt. Geramy Brown disciplinary history before firing
  Before Sgt. Geramy Brown was fired, he had been demoted from Lieutenant in 2020 for 'failure to follow policy,' and his file also contained three written reprimands, including one for leaving a handcuffed prisoner in a cell with another prisoner who was unrestrained.
  Tags: staffing,corruption,violence
  Sources: No Charges for Georgia Guards Who Allegedly Abetted Attack That Left Prisoner Dead

- [reported] Demitri Carter death investigated as apparent suicide at Phillips
  GDC investigated the death of inmate Demitri Carter (GDC #1001507614) at Phillips State Prison in Buford as an apparent suicide; he was found unresponsive in his cell at 2:10 p.m. on October 29 and pronounced deceased at 2:50 p.m.
  Tags: death,mental_health
  Sources: Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Shay Hatcher promoted to North Regional Director overseeing 16 facilities
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Shay Hatcher to North Regional Director, effective April 1, 2021. As North Regional Director, Hatcher will oversee the management of 16 facilities throughout the North Georgia region.
  Date: 2021-04-01
  Tags: staffing,operations,facilities
  Sources: New North Regional Director | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Demitri Carter sentenced for Aggravated Assault
  Demitri Carter was sentenced in 2014 in Cherokee County for Aggravated Assault.
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Former Phillips officer Michael Bostic charged with bribery and drug trafficking
  Michael Bostic, 32, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison, accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions, and attempted drug trafficking.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] Indictment expected for Allah Jahmal Ware in stabbing death of Antonio Maurice Turner
  The Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office said an indictment was expected for Allah Jahmal Ware for the Jan. 4 death of Antonio Maurice Turner, who was found stabbed four times in his cell at Phillips State Prison.
  Tags: violence,death,legal
  Sources: Charges Expected in Stabbing Death of State Prison Inmate in Gwinnett | Dacula, GA Patch

- [reported] Sgt. Geramy Brown fired three days after McBride attack
  Correctional officer Sgt. Geramy Brown was fired three days after the McBride attack for violating employee standards of conduct, staff misconduct, and failure to comply with an investigation.
  Date: 2022-10-01
  Tags: staffing,corruption,violence
  Sources: No Charges for Georgia Guards Who Allegedly Abetted Attack That Left Prisoner Dead

- [reported] Casey Felton promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Casey Felton to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison, effective May 1, 2019.
  Date: 2019-05-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security phillips state prison [4]

- [reported] Telfair gang fight confined to one dorm; statewide lockdown
  The fight at Telfair State Prison was gang related but was confined to one dorm, and all Georgia prisons were put on lockdown out of an abundance of caution, according to GDC.
  Tags: gangs,violence,operations,facilities
  Sources: Gang fight at Telfair State Prison prompts statewide prison lockdown, GA Department of Corrections says

- [reported] Former Phillips officer Patrick Coleman charged with bribery and drug trafficking
  Patrick Coleman, 43, of Tucker, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison, accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions, and attempted drug trafficking.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] Antonio Maurice Turner found stabbed four times in cell
  Antonio Maurice Turner, 27, of Canton, was found facedown in his cell and had been stabbed four times.
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Charges Expected in Stabbing Death of State Prison Inmate in Gwinnett | Dacula, GA Patch

- [reported] Former Phillips officer Justin Gennings charged with bribery to smuggle contraband
  Justin Gennings, 29, of Port Royal, South Carolina, formerly a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison.
  Tags: corruption,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/furt

- [reported] Inmates and contract employee named in Phillips State Prison smuggling indictment
  Corrections1 (republishing AJC reporting) named inmates Mims Morris, Johnathan 'Turtle' Silvers and Adam 'Scrap' Smith in the Phillips State Prison indictment for a prison smuggling and fraud scheme, allegedly assisted by Charonda Edwards, a contract employee who had worked in the prison's kitchen.
  Tags: contraband,corruption,legal
  Sources: Indictment: Ga. prison phone smugglers creative, dangerous

- [reported] Preston Crowder promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Preston Crowder to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison, effective February 15, 2022.
  Date: 2022-02-15
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security phillips state prison [5]

- [reported] Cassady sentenced to 80 years for mailing bombs
  David Dwayne Cassady, an inmate incarcerated in the Georgia Department of Corrections, was sentenced to 80 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of attempted malicious use of explosive materials.
  Tags: legal,violence,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-sc/pr/georgi

- [reported] Former Phillips officer Tavia Trammer charged with bribery and drug trafficking
  Tavia Trammer, 34, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison, was charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and attempted drug trafficking.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] Tikara Brown reassigned to Deputy Warden of Administration at Phillips
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the reassignment of Tikara Brown to Deputy Warden of Administration at Phillips State Prison, effective April 16, 2022.
  Date: 2022-04-16
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Administration at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden administration phillips state prison [2]

- [reported] More than 45 GDC officers charged in federal contraband and bribery operation
  More than 45 current and former Georgia Department of Corrections officers and contract correctional officers were charged in seven separate federal indictments with smuggling contraband into prisons and accepting bribe payments in exchange for providing protection for drug deals that were part of a federal undercover operation.
  Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,investigations
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] Mary Rankin resigned as health services administrator at Phillips
  Mary Rankin, the health services administrator at Phillips State Prison, resigned in October 2022, writing in her resignation letter that there had been little to no security staff covering the medical department and that she did not feel safe working there.
  Date: 2022-10-01
  Tags: staffing,medical,conditions
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Officer Alyssa Hudson arrested June 4 at Phillips SP
  GDC's contraband report dated July 08, 2026 states that on June 4 at Phillips SP, Officer Alyssa Hudson was arrested by the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office for violation of oath and trading with an offender without consent, after leads developed by the Office of Professional Standards.
  Date: 2026-06-04
  Tags: contraband,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Prisons | Georgia Department of Corrections, contraband arrests multiple state prisons [1]

- [reported] Officer Shakira Bethea arrested August 7 at Phillips State Prison
  GDC's contraband report dated August 12, 2019 states that on August 7 at Phillips State Prison, a warrant was obtained for Correctional Officer Shakira Bethea following an investigation by GDC's Office of Professional Standards, and Officer Bethea was arrested by Gwinnett County Police Department.
  Date: 2019-08-07
  Tags: contraband,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Prisons | Georgia Department of Corrections, contraband arrests multiple state prisons [2]

- [reported] Oxycontin and pipe found in vehicle at Phillips TC; driver arrested
  GDC's published contraband-arrest report states that on June 1, 2014 at Phillips Transitional Center, staff found a pipe with residue and Oxycontin tablets in a suspicious vehicle in the lower parking lot, and the driver, Justin McKnight, was arrested by Gwinnett County police.
  Date: 2014-06-01
  Tags: contraband,drugs,operations
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at GDC Facilities | GDC, 140601

- [reported] Three officers removed after McBride death; two later linked to fatal fight
  Records obtained by the AJC show three officers were removed from their posts in the days after McBride's death, and two of them were later linked to the fatal fight.
  Tags: violence,corruption,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [reported] Marijuana and meth found in visitor's vehicle at Phillips TC
  GDC's published contraband-arrest report states that on Saturday, July 9, 2011, Crystal Bell was arrested at Phillips Transitional Center in Buford while visiting an inmate, after her vehicle was searched and officers found substances that tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine, with the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department assisting.
  Date: 2011-07-09
  Tags: contraband,drugs,operations
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at GDC Facilities | GDC, 110709

- [reported] Sergeant Ontario Tolbert saves resident with Narcan at Phillips Transitional Center
  Board of Corrections minutes record that Sergeant Ontario Tolbert of Phillips Transitional Center responded to an emergency of an unconscious resident, instructed fellow officers to call 911 while he administered Narcan Nasal Spray and performed CPR until EMS arrived, saving the resident's life.
  Date: 2020-03-01
  Tags: overdose,medical,staffing
  Sources: GDC Board Meeting Minutes March 2020

- [reported] McBride killed Sept. 30 in lockdown unit at Phillips State Prison
  McBride was killed Sept. 30 in the lockdown unit at Phillips State Prison, according to AJC's reporting.
  Tags: violence,death,solitary
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [reported] Two inmates airlifted after Smith State Prison altercation
  Two inmates were airlifted to local hospitals following what officials believe to have been a gang-related altercation at Smith State Prison, prompting officials to place all Georgia Department of Corrections facilities on lockdown.
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: All GDC facilities on lockdown until further notice after altercation at Smith State Prison Wednesday

- [reported] Phillips inmate indicted for building and mailing bombs
  A man serving a life term at Phillips State Prison in Buford was indicted on charges of constructing and mailing bombs to two federal buildings.
  Date: 2024-04-04
  Tags: violence,legal,investigations
  Sources: Inmate At Buford's Phillips State Prison Charged With Building, Mailing Bombs | News | gwinnettdailypost.com

- [reported] Statewide prison lockdown due to violence at Telfair State Prison
  Georgia's Department of Corrections said that the state's entire prison system is on lockdown because of violence at Telfair State Prison.
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: Gang fight at Telfair State Prison prompts statewide prison lockdown, GA Department of Corrections says

- [reported] Tavia Trammer sentenced to 29 months on Count 4
  Tavia Trammer was sentenced on Count 4 to 29 months custody with the Bureau of Prisons followed by 3 years of supervised release, with Counts 2, 3, and 5 dismissed on the government's motion.
  Date: 2016-12-12
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: United States v. Bostic, 2016-12-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Jacob Daniels, 18, killed at Phillips State Prison in gruesome attack
  18-year-old Jacob Daniels died at Phillips State Prison after being attacked by two inmates who, per arrest warrants, stuffed mattress filling in his mouth, stabbed him in the throat with an ink pen, and cut his wrists with glass from a broken light bulb.
  Tags: violence,death
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [reported] Tavia Trammer pleaded guilty to Count 4
  Tavia Trammer entered a guilty plea to Count 4 in a change of plea hearing before Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr.
  Date: 2016-12-12
  Tags: legal,corruption
  Sources: United States v. Bostic, 2016-12-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Cellphone-enabled crime ring run from Phillips SP
  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that one of two federal indictments against 12 people for cellphone-enabled crime rings run from inside Georgia state prisons involved a crime ring run out of Phillips State Prison in Gwinnett County.
  Tags: contraband,corruption,investigations,gangs
  Sources: Feds say inmates ran crime rings from inside Georgia prisons

- [reported] Ahmed Holt reassigned as Warden of Phillips State Prison effective July 1, 2014
  GDC Commissioner Brian Owens announced the reassignment of Ahmed Holt as the new Warden of Phillips State Prison effective July 1, 2014.
  Date: 2014-07-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Warden Named at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Guards from six prisons named in corruption indictments
  Federal indictments alleged corruption by prison guards from Phillips, Macon, Dooly, Hancock, Pulaski and Baldwin state prisons, part of a continuing federal crackdown on drugs, corruption and contraband cell phones in Georgia's prison system.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,contraband,investigations
  Sources: Dozens of Georgia prison guards arrested in corruption case

- [reported] Inmate stabbed to death in Phillips sallyport
  A Phillips State Prison inmate was stabbed to death during an altercation with another inmate in a sallyport (a controlled entryway) within the prison at about 6:30 on a Wednesday night; the GBI's John Bankhead said the suspect had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment for a prior murder and the victim was serving time for burglary.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Inmate stabbed to death at Phillips State Prison - Gainesville Times

- [reported] DOJ: incarcerated person hospitalized for six or more stab wounds at Phillips, Dec. 17
  DOJ's findings report states that on December 17 an incarcerated person at Phillips State Prison, whom DOJ had interviewed earlier in 2023, required hospitalization for six or more stab wounds, and that same day video circulated of a fire set the previous day in the sallyport area of a housing unit at Phillips while incarcerated people milled around it.
  Date: 2023-12-17
  Tags: violence,conditions,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [confirmed] DA investigation began after leaked inmate video
  The Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office announced that, after an investigation, there was insufficient evidence to criminally prosecute a correctional officer at Phillips State Prison who was seen punching an inmate in a leaked inmate video, while finding the incident 'profoundly regrettable' though the officer acted within use-of-force guidelines.
  Date: 2021-08-27
  Tags: violence,legal,staffing,investigations
  Sources: PHILLIPS STATE PRISON INVESTIGATION REGARDING INMATE INCIDENT - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett

STATISTICS (50)
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- [reported] Phillips State Prison had most homicides of any Georgia prison in 2022
  DOJ's findings report states that in 2022, Phillips State Prison had the most homicides of any Georgia prison, with five, while Macon State Prison had four that year.
  Value: 5.0 homicides (vs. 4 Macon State Prison homicides in 2022)
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] GCI Print Plant equipment investment at Phillips State Prison FY25
  GDC's FY2025 annual report states that Georgia Correctional Industries made improvements within the Phillips State Prison Print Plant during FY25 with the purchase and installation of print-related equipment including a Perfecta 45" Cutter, Duplo Booklet Maker and two Canon printers, with an anticipated 25.66% return on investment by the end of FY26.
  Value: 25.66 percent ROI
  Tags: operations,budget,facilities
  Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov)

- [reported] Phillips SP combined FY10-FY11 maintenance expenditures
  The State Auditor special examination 'Maintenance of State Prisons' reports Phillips SP's combined FY10 and FY11 maintenance expenditures as a 2-Year Total of $1,318,289.47, consisting of $1,167,286.78 in-house and $151,002.69 contractor, at 88.5% in-house and 11.5% contractor.
  Value: 1318289.47 USD
  Tags: facilities,budget,operations
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison warden oversees 375 staff and 851 inmates (2018)
  As Warden of Phillips State Prison, Shay Hatcher would be responsible for overseeing 375 staff members and 851 special mission medium security inmates.
  Value: 375.0 staff members (vs. 851 inmates)
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Warden at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden phillips state prison [1]

- [reported] Phillips SP in-house maintenance expenditures FY10-FY11
  Phillips SP's in-house maintenance expenditures for FY10 and FY11 combined totaled $1,167,286.78, representing 88.5% of the 2-year maintenance total.
  Value: 1167286.78 USD
  Tags: facilities,budget,operations
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] GDC correctional officer vacancy rates systemwide 2021-2023
  GDC's average correctional officer vacancy rate was 49.3% in 2021, 56.3% in 2022, and 52.5% in 2023, systemwide.
  Value: 52.5 percent (vs. 49.3 2021 vacancy rate)
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Phillips SP contractor maintenance expenditures FY10-FY11
  Phillips SP's contractor maintenance expenditures for FY10 and FY11 combined totaled $151,002.69, representing 11.5% of the 2-year maintenance total.
  Value: 151002.69 USD
  Tags: facilities,budget,operations
  Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02)

- [reported] AJC lists 8 homicides at Phillips State Prison
  AJC's statewide list of Georgia prison homicides reports: "Phillips State Prison: 8 homicides."
  Value: 8.0 homicides
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Phillips SP designed facility capacity (PREA audit)
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center lists a designed facility capacity of 1122.
  Value: 1122.0 people
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips SP current facility population (PREA audit)
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center lists a current population of facility of 1029.
  Value: 1029.0 people
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips SP staff assigned in last 12 months (PREA audit)
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center lists the number of staff assigned to the facility in the last 12 months as 369.
  Value: 369.0 staff
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] FBI: criminal and corrupt activities found in 11 of 35 state corrections facilities
  In the FBI's Operation Ghost Guard announcement, the FBI's Atlanta Special Agent in Charge stated that criminal and corrupt activities were found in 11 of the 35 state corrections facilities.
  Value: 11.0 facilities (vs. 35 total state corrections facilities)
  Tags: corruption,investigations,contraband,drugs,operations
  Sources: Operation Ghost Guard — FBI

- [reported] Phillips State Prison deputy warden oversees more than 832 medium-security male offenders (2021)
  As Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison, Melinda Carter would be responsible for overseeing security staff members at the facility and more than 832 medium-security male offenders.
  Value: 832.0 medium-security male offenders
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security phillips state prison [2]

- [reported] Phillips SP PREA standards exceeded
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center found the number of standards exceeded to be 5.
  Value: 5.0 standards
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips SP PREA standards met
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center found the number of standards met to be 34.
  Value: 34.0 standards
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips SP PREA standards not met
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center found the number of standards not met to be 0.
  Value: 0.0 standards
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips SP PREA standards not applicable
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center found the number of standards not applicable to be 4.
  Value: 4.0 standards
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison constructed 1988, opened 1990, capacity 918
  GDC's own facility page for Phillips State Prison states it was constructed in 1988 and opened in 1990, with a capacity of 918.
  Value: 918.0 capacity
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Twenty hospitalized in gang-related violence after September 2022 gang war
  DOJ's findings report states that with Bloods attacking Crips in the several days that followed the September 2022 gang war, twenty incarcerated people were hospitalized following gang-related violence, including 13 from Macon State Prison on October 2, 2022.
  Value: 20.0 hospitalizations (vs. 13 Macon State Prison hospitalizations on October 2, 2022)
  Tags: gangs,violence,medical
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Phillips SP full-time positions (PREA audit)
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center states that the facility has 379 full-time positions.
  Value: 379.0 positions
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips SP vacant positions (PREA audit)
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center states that there are 36 positions vacant.
  Value: 36.0 positions
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison has 100 isolation/segregation cells
  GDC's facility page for Phillips State Prison states the prison has a total of 100 isolation/segregation cells.
  Value: 100.0 isolation/segregation cells
  Tags: solitary,facilities
  Sources: Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Phillips SP cameras in designated living areas (PREA audit)
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center states that there are 86 cameras in 11 designated living areas that assist with supervision.
  Value: 86.0 cameras
  Tags: operations,facilities
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips homicides in 2020 and 2021 per AJC
  According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, only one killing was reported at Phillips State Prison in 2021 and zero in 2020.
  Value: 1.0 homicides
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: No Charges for Georgia Guards Who Allegedly Abetted Attack That Left Prisoner Dead

- [reported] Phillips SP designated living areas with cameras (PREA audit)
  A GDC PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center states that the 86 cameras are in 11 designated living areas.
  Value: 11.0 living areas
  Tags: operations,facilities
  Sources: PREA Phillips TC - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison housing configuration: 10 living units, 100 segregation cells, Transitional Center 310 beds
  GDC's facility page for Phillips State Prison describes its housing as 10 living units each with two dormitories, with seven and a half of the units having two-man cells and the remainder a combination of two single-man cells housing MH/SM inmates, plus a total of 100 isolation/segregation cells, and the Phillips State Prison Transitional Center having 310 beds.
  Value: 310.0 beds (Transitional Center) (vs. 100 isolation/segregation cells)
  Tags: facilities,solitary,mental_health
  Sources: Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Energy performance contract at Phillips State Prison
  GDC's FY2014 fiscal report states that under the Guaranteed Savings Energy Performance contract, the project includes installation of $4,500,000 of energy efficiency improvements at Phillips State Prison and offers guaranteed savings of over $7,300,000 in utility costs over the 15-year contract term with Johnson Controls Incorporated.
  Value: 4500000.0 USD (vs. 7300000 guaranteed savings in utility costs)
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: budget,facilities
  Sources: GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2014

- [reported] Phillips State Prison physical capacity 918, operational capacity 696, security level close (archival)
  GDC's facility description for (Clyde N.) Phillips State Prison states it was constructed in 1988, opened in 1990, has physical capacity 918, operational capacity 696, and security level close.
  Value: 918.0 physical capacity (vs. 696 operational capacity)
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Five prisoners killed at Phillips in 2022, four after Warden Jones arrived
  McBride was one of five prisoners killed at Phillips State Prison in 2022, four of them since the July 1, 2022 arrival of Warden Deshawn Jones.
  Value: 5.0 homicides (vs. 4 homicides after July 1, 2022)
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: No Charges for Georgia Guards Who Allegedly Abetted Attack That Left Prisoner Dead

- [reported] Sanitary sewer rehabilitation projects at multiple facilities
  GDC's FY2014 fiscal report states that sanitary sewer collection system rehabilitation and related projects (sewage lift stations, screening structure upgrades, grease trap interceptors) at Whitworth Women's Facility, Phillips State Prison, Augusta State Medical Prison, Dodge State Prison, and Johnson State Prison had a combined cost of $5,370,000.
  Value: 5370000.0 USD
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: budget,facilities
  Sources: GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2014

- [reported] Phillips State Prison security staff supervised in 2019
  As Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison, Felton would be responsible for overseeing 285 security staff.
  Value: 285.0 security staff
  Date: 2019-04-29
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security phillips state prison [4]

- [reported] Phillips State Prison housing configuration (archival)
  GDC's facility description for Phillips State Prison describes its housing as consisting of 10 living units each with two dormitories, seven and a half of the units having two-man cells and the remainder a combination of two single-man cells housing MH/SM inmates, with a total of 100 isolation/segregation cells, and that the Phillips State Prison Transitional Center has 310 beds.
  Value: 310.0 beds (Transitional Center) (vs. 100 isolation/segregation cells)
  Tags: facilities,solitary,mental_health
  Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] PREA audit records Phillips State Prison capacity 918 and current population 887
  A PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Phillips Transition Center records Designated Facility Capacity of 918 and Current Population of Facility of 887.
  Value: 887.0 current population (vs. 918 designated capacity)
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: GDC, PREA Phillips SP - Audit (Cycle 2)

- [reported] PREA audit records Phillips State Prison physical plant: 17 buildings, 4 single cell units, 7 multiple occupancy units, 75 segregation cells
  A PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Phillips Transition Center records the facility's physical plant as 17 buildings, 4 single cell housing units, 7 multiple occupancy cell housing units, 0 open bay/dorm housing units, and 75 segregation cells (administrative and disciplinary).
  Value: 75.0 segregation cells (vs. 17 buildings)
  Tags: facilities,solitary
  Sources: GDC, PREA Phillips SP - Audit (Cycle 2)

- [reported] PREA Cycle 3 audit: Phillips capacity 918, population 845, ADP 860
  A PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison & Transitional Center records Designed facility capacity of 918, Current population of facility 845, and Average daily population for the past 12 months of 860.
  Value: 918.0 capacity (vs. 845 current population)
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips - Audit (Cycle 3)

- [reported] PREA audit records 369 staff with inmate contact at Phillips State Prison
  GDC's PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Phillips Transition Center found that the number of staff currently employed by the facility who may have contact with inmates was 369.
  Value: 369.0 staff
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: GDC, PREA Phillips SP - Audit (Cycle 2)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison security classification mismatch
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance audit found that Phillips State Prison is a close security special mission facility, but 73.1% of offenders placed within are minimum or medium security level, according to an offender count obtained for June 30, 2018.
  Value: 73.1 percent
  Date: 2018-06-30
  Tags: facilities,operations,policy
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison housed about 920 prisoners in 10 buildings
  Phillips State Prison has about 920 prisoners housed in 10 buildings, according to AJC reporting.
  Value: 920.0 prisoners
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: demographics,facilities
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] FY1991 Phillips CI average inmate count and inmate days
  Georgia's FY1991 annual report lists Phillips CI with an average inmate count of 403, 147,095 inmate days, and marks it as one of the institutions in start-up phase that year.
  Value: 403.0 average inmates (vs. 147095 inmate days)
  Date: 1991-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: 1991 annual report

- [reported] Phillips State Prison bed capacity
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts special examination's facility bed-space table lists Phillips State Prison as a male Special Mission facility with 773 beds in one listed category and 89 in another, totaling 862.
  Value: 862.0 beds
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison had five homicides, most of any facility
  Gang violence has been particularly prevalent at the Buford facility, which had more homicides, five, than any other, according to AJC reporting.
  Value: 5.0 homicides
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: violence,gangs,death
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] PREA Cycle 3 audit: 187 staff with inmate contact
  GDC's PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison and Phillips Transitional Center found that the number of staff currently employed at the facility who may have contact with inmates was 187.
  Value: 187.0 staff
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips - Audit (Cycle 3)

- [reported] Five men slain at Phillips State Prison in one year, most of any GDC facility
  Quafabian McBride, 19, was one of five men slain last year at Phillips State Prison, the most for any Georgia Department of Corrections facility.
  Value: 5.0 homicides
  Tags: violence,death,facilities
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: Phillips capacity 1042, population 910, ADP 939
  A PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison & Transitional Center records Designed facility capacity of 1042, Current population of facility 910, and Average daily population for the past 12 months of 939.
  Value: 1042.0 capacity (vs. 910 current population)
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips SP & TC - Audit (Cycle 4)

- [reported] Federal probe charged about 130 people
  The federal investigation that charged the four former Phillips State Prison officers resulted in charges against about 130 prison employees, inmates, and non-incarcerated co-conspirators in total.
  Value: 130.0 people
  Tags: corruption,investigations,contraband
  Sources: Gwinnett Prison Workers Nabbed in Vast Corruption Probe | Lawrenceville, GA Patch

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: 6 standards exceeded, 39 met, 0 not met
  GDC's PREA audit of Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center found 6 standards exceeded, 39 standards met, and 0 standards not met.
  Value: 6.0 standards exceeded (vs. 39 standards met)
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations,investigations
  Sources: PREA Phillips SP & TC - Audit (Cycle 4)

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: 145 staff, medical via Well Path, mental health via Centurion
  GDC's PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison & Transitional Center states that on day one of the audit, the facility employed (145) staff members to include management, administrative, food service, and security, with medical services contracted through Well Path and mental health staff contracted through Centurion.
  Value: 145.0 staff
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: staffing,medical,mental_health,facilities
  Sources: PREA Phillips SP & TC - Audit (Cycle 4)

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: number of standards exceeded is 6
  GDC's PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison & Transitional Center found the number of standards exceeded to be 6.
  Value: 6.0 standards exceeded
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations,investigations
  Sources: PREA Phillips SP & TC - Audit (Cycle 4)

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: number of standards met is 39
  GDC's PREA audit report for Phillips State Prison & Transitional Center found the number of standards met to be 39.
  Value: 39.0 standards met
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations,investigations
  Sources: PREA Phillips SP & TC - Audit (Cycle 4)

- [reported] DOJ: Phillips had most homicides of any Georgia prison in 2022, five
  DOJ's findings report states that in 2022, Phillips State Prison had the most homicides of any Georgia prison that year, five; there were four homicides at Macon that year.
  Value: 5.0 homicides (vs. 4 homicides at Macon)
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

POLICYS (20)
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- [confirmed] Phillips State Prison designated as Acute Care Facility/Regional Infirmary
  GDC SOP 507.04.42 lists Phillips State Prison among facilities designated as Acute Care Facilities or Regional Infirmaries providing 24-hour nursing care, between Macon State Prison and Pulaski State Prison.
  Tags: medical,policy,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 507.04.42, Infirmary Care, Observation, Accommodative Living Unit (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison listed as host for mental health and medical missions
  GDC's Special and Unique Missions fact sheet lists Phillips State Prison in Buford, Georgia as providing a Supportive Living Unit for Mental Health Offenders and as host facility for Atlanta Medical Center and Phillips TC.
  Tags: mental_health,medical,facilities,policy
  Sources: Special and Unique GEORGIA

- [reported] Foothills Education Charter High School operates at Phillips State Prison
  A Foothills Education Charter High School is hosted at Phillips State Prison in Buford, Georgia, per a GDC press release describing the facility as the host site of the charter high school.
  Tags: facilities,policy,operations
  Sources: Phillips State Prison Hosts Charter High School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Phillips provides crisis stabilization and acute mental health care
  GDC's Special and Unique Missions fact sheet states Phillips State Prison in Buford, Georgia provides Crisis Stabilization and Acute care for the mental health population, a Supportive Living Unit for Mental Health Offenders, and is host facility for Atlanta Medical Center and Phillips TC.
  Tags: mental_health,medical,facilities,policy
  Sources: Special and Unique GEORGIA

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

- [reported] GDC offered alternative communication during visitation suspension
  GDC said offenders would continue to have access to loved ones via mail, phone calls and GOAL devices during the statewide visitation suspension.
  Date: 2020-03-12
  Tags: policy,conditions
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Suspends Visitation Statewide | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Board of Corrections approves utility easements at Phillips State Prison
  The Georgia Board of Corrections considered a resolution granting the Gwinnett County Water and Sewerage Authority a Permanent Utility Easement and a Temporary Construction Easement at Phillips State Prison for the Cascade Falls Gravity Sewer and Pump Decommissioning Project, determining GDC could accommodate the request without harm to operations.
  Tags: facilities,policy,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections

- [reported] Phillips State Prison on restricted movement after COVID-19 case
  GDC reported that Phillips State Prison was on restricted movement following its COVID-19 case, while offenders continued to have access to medical care, showers, meals and hygiene products.
  Tags: medical,conditions,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections COVID-19 | Georgia Department of Corrections, georgia department corrections covid 19 [1]

- [reported] Phillips State Prison visitation hours and capacity
  GDC's current facility page for Phillips State Prison lists visitation hours as 9:00AM to 3:00PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays, and a capacity of 918.
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Phillips State Prison mission: housing management-problem offenders and all levels of mental health service
  GDC's facility page for Phillips State Prison describes its mission as housing offenders who have had management problems at other prisons or centers, and providing all levels of mental health service including Level IV, Crisis Stabilization, with host facility Atlanta Medical Center and Phillips Transitional Center.
  Tags: mental_health,facilities,policy
  Sources: Phillips State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Phillips State Prison mission includes all levels of mental health service (archival)
  GDC's facility description for Phillips State Prison states its mission includes providing all levels of mental health service to include Level IV, Crisis Stabilization, and that it is the host facility for Atlanta Medical Center and Phillips Transitional Center.
  Tags: mental_health,facilities,policy
  Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Phillips State Prison has a Tactical Squad (TAC) unit
  GDC's Special Operations Fact Sheet lists Phillips State Prison among the facilities with a Tactical Squad (TAC) unit.
  Tags: operations,facilities
  Sources: Special Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov)

- [reported] Reentry Dorm at Phillips named after Chaplain Katie Wright
  Board of Corrections minutes record that the Reentry Dorm at Phillips State Prison was named after Chaplain Katie Wright under Board Rule 125-2-2-.04.
  Date: 2016-10-01
  Tags: reentry,policy,facilities
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes october 2016

- [reported] Phillips State Prison part of North Interdiction Response Team
  GDC's Special Operations Fact Sheet lists Phillips State Prison as part of the North Interdiction Response Team (Regional), alongside Rogers State Prison.
  Tags: operations,facilities,contraband
  Sources: Special Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov)

- [reported] Facilities Committee recommends naming Reentry Dorm after Chaplain Katie Wright
  Board of Corrections minutes record that Duke Blackburn, Chairman of the Facilities Committee, gave the Facilities Committee's recommendation on naming the Reentry Dorm at Phillips State Prison after Chaplain Katie Wright.
  Date: 2016-09-01
  Tags: reentry,policy,facilities
  Sources: GDC Board Meeting Minutes September 2016

- [reported] Phillips SP on restricted movement during COVID-19
  GDC's March 27, 2020 COVID-19 press release stated Phillips State Prison was placed on restricted movement, with offenders still having access to medical care, showers, meals and hygiene products.
  Date: 2020-03-27
  Tags: conditions,medical,operations,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections COVID-19 | Georgia Department of Corrections, georgia department corrections covid 19 [2]

- [reported] Commissioner's report includes Phillips State Prison Update
  A Board of Corrections meeting summary records that Commissioner Tyrone Oliver's report included a Phillips State Prison Update.
  Date: 2026-06-01
  Tags: policy,operations
  Sources: Board Meeting Summary June 2026

- [reported] Phillips charter high school was third Foothills program in GDC
  Phillips State Prison's charter high school program with Foothills Education Charter High School was the third such GDC facility program, after one that opened in September 2015 at Lee Arrendale State Prison and a second established in 2016 at Burruss Correctional Training Center.
  Tags: reentry,policy,operations
  Sources: Phillips State Prison Hosts Charter High School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | GDC

- [reported] Phillips State Prison designated Acute Care Facility/Regional Infirmary
  GDC's SOP 507.04.42, Infirmary Care, Observation, Accommodative Living Unit, designates Phillips State Prison as one of the facilities that is an Acute Care Facility or Regional Infirmary providing twenty-four hour nursing care.
  Tags: medical,policy,facilities
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 507.04.42, Infirmary Care, Observation, Accommodative Living Unit (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [reported] All GDC facilities locked down after Smith State Prison altercation
  All GDC facilities were placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution, until further notice, after the altercation at Smith State Prison.
  Tags: operations,violence
  Sources: All GDC facilities on lockdown until further notice after altercation at Smith State Prison Wednesday

LEGAL FACTS (10)
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- [reported] Gwinnett DA: insufficient evidence to prosecute Phillips officer; within use-of-force guidelines
  Upon conclusion of its review, the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office determined there was insufficient evidence to criminally prosecute the Phillips State Prison correctional officer seen punching an inmate. The DA found the officer was within use-of-force guidelines, while stating the incident 'as it played out, was profoundly regrettable' and that 'as a community, it is critical that persons who are incarcerated are treated humanely.'
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: violence,legal,investigations,conditions
  Sources: PHILLIPS STATE PRISON INVESTIGATION REGARDING INMATE INCIDENT - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett

- [reported] Burgest v. Bouchie concerns Phillips State Prison
  A Northern District of Georgia magistrate judge directed the Clerk to transmit an in forma pauperis order in Akeim Burgest's prisoner civil rights suit to the Warden of Phillips State Prison in Buford, Georgia, confirming the case concerns Phillips State Prison.
  Date: 2025-09-15
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: Burgest v. Bouchie, 2025-09-15 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Doe v. Georgia Department conditions-of-confinement case
  Doe v. Georgia Department is a conditions-of-confinement civil-detainee case with no termination date recorded on the docket.
  Date: 2023-12-06
  Tags: legal,conditions
  Sources: Doe v. Georgia Department, 2023-12-06 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Williams v. Georgia Department of Corrections proceeding on Third Amended Complaint
  Williams v. Georgia Department of Corrections was proceeding on a Third Amended Complaint filed August 28, 2024, with no termination date recorded on the docket.
  Date: 2024-08-28
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Williams v. Georgia Department of Corrections, 2024-08-28 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] $700,000 settlement for Demitri Carter suicide at Phillips
  The State of Georgia paid a $700,000 settlement in 2021 after Demitri Carter, who had multiple previous suicide attempts, took his own life at Phillips State Prison in October 2017.
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: death,mental_health,legal,budget
  Sources: Prison system failures cost Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars

- [confirmed] Federal indictment in United States v. Bostic names four defendants
  The federal indictment in United States v. Bostic charged Michael Bostic with Counts 1, 6, 7; Tavia Trammer with Counts 2, 3, 4, 5; Patrick Coleman with Counts 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; and Cornelius Sanders with Counts 2, 4, 6.
  Date: 2016-12-12
  Tags: legal
  Sources: United States v. Bostic, 2016-12-12 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] No criminal charges filed against guards over McBride killing; DOJ attention
  No criminal charges had been filed against the guards over McBride's killing, but the circumstances had attracted DOJ attention as part of its ongoing investigation of the Georgia prison system.
  Tags: legal,corruption,investigations,violence
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [confirmed] Gwinnett DA declines to prosecute officer seen punching inmate
  The Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office will not prosecute a correctional officer at Phillips State Prison seen on camera punching an inmate.
  Date: 2021-08-27
  Tags: violence,legal,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Gwinnett County DA not charging officer seen on camera hitting inmate | FOX 5 Atlanta; PHILLIPS STATE PRISON INVESTIGATION REGARDING INMATE INCIDENT - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett

- [confirmed] DA found insufficient evidence; officer within use-of-force guidelines
  The Gwinnett County District Attorney determined there was 'insufficient evidence' to criminally proceed against the Phillips State Prison correctional officer seen punching the inmate, finding the incident 'profoundly regrettable' but that the officer was within use of force guidelines.
  Date: 2021-08-27
  Tags: violence,legal,staffing,investigations
  Sources: Gwinnett County DA not charging officer seen on camera hitting inmate | FOX 5 Atlanta; PHILLIPS STATE PRISON INVESTIGATION REGARDING INMATE INCIDENT - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett

- [reported] Emery v. Holt pending with qualified protective order
  Emery v. Holt remained pending with a qualified protective order entered by the court, and the docket records no termination date.
  Date: 2025-04-08
  Tags: legal
  Sources: Emery v. Holt, 2025-04-08 (court record via CourtListener)

QUOTES (5)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] Quote: Gwinnett DA on Phillips officer punching incident
  "We do find that the incident, as it played out, was profoundly regrettable. However, the correctional officer was within use of force guidelines. As a community, it is critical that persons who are incarcerated are treated humanely."
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: violence,legal,conditions
  Sources: PHILLIPS STATE PRISON INVESTIGATION REGARDING INMATE INCIDENT - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett

- [reported] Quote: FBI Atlanta SAC on Operation Ghost Guard scope
  "criminal and corrupt activities were found in 11 of the 35 state corrections facilities"
  Tags: corruption,investigations,operations
  Sources: Operation Ghost Guard — FBI

- [reported] Inmate asked why he hadn't been fed in 8 hours before alleged punch
  Terri Wells with the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia said that in the video, an inmate at Phillips State Prison steps out of his cell to ask why he hasn't been fed in 8 hours.
  Tags: violence,conditions,staffing
  Sources: State prison guard under investigation for allegedly punching inmate – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta

- [reported] Rankin cited increased inmate violence against medical staff
  Mary Rankin wrote in her letter of resignation from Phillips State Prison that there had been little to no security staff covering the medical department, and that inmate violence against medical staff had increased.
  Date: 2022-10-01
  Tags: staffing,medical,violence
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] GDC Commissioner: nearly all Phillips inmates considered violent, more than half need mental health treatment
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said Phillips State Prison presents a special challenge because nearly all its inmates are considered violent and more than half require some type of mental health treatment.
  Tags: mental_health,violence,demographics
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

FINDINGS (15)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] DOJ found CO vacancy rates around 50% systemwide, over 70% at ten largest facilities
  The DOJ found that correctional officer vacancy rates were around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest Georgia prison facilities.
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Phillips State Prison among facilities DOJ visited
  Phillips State Prison is named among the GDC prisons DOJ visited as part of its investigation in 2022 and 2023.
  Tags: investigations,facilities
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Brandon Mincey and Travon Walthour stabbed to death
  The Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia, which tracks in-prison deaths, said that Phillips State Prison inmate Brandon Mincey and Hancock State Prison inmate Travon Walthour were both stabbed to death.
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: 2 inmates die weeks after DOJ admonishes Georgia prison officials | FOX 5 Atlanta

- [reported] Phillips State Prison provides all levels of mental health services including Level IV and Crisis Stabilization (2016)
  At a Georgia Board of Corrections meeting, Warden Ahmed Holt of Phillips State Prison stated that Phillips State Prison provides all levels of Mental Health services to include Level IV, Crisis Stabilization and is the host facility for Atlanta Medical Center and Phillips Transitional Center.
  Date: 2016-02-01
  Tags: mental_health,facilities
  Sources: Board Meeting Minutes February 2016

- [reported] GDC attributed incidents to gangs and locked down all facilities
  The GDC said all of its incidents were believed to be gang-related, and out of an abundance of caution, all GDC facilities had been placed on lockdown until further notice.
  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] Commissioner Oliver 'zero tolerance' statement amid no charges
  As of the Prison Legal News report, no charges had been filed against any of the Phillips State Prison guards in the McBride case, despite GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver's statement that he has 'zero tolerance for compromised staff or staff cutting corners to allow inmates to attack one another or kill one another.'
  Tags: corruption,staffing,legal
  Sources: No Charges for Georgia Guards Who Allegedly Abetted Attack That Left Prisoner Dead

- [reported] First state agency Guaranteed Savings Energy Performance Contract
  GDC's FY2014 fiscal report describes a Guaranteed Savings Energy Performance Contract providing guaranteed savings of over $7.3 million in utility costs at Phillips State Prison, under a 15-year contract with Johnson Controls Incorporation, the first such contract entered into by a Georgia state agency.
  Date: 2014-01-01
  Tags: budget,facilities
  Sources: GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2014

- [reported] Sentences in federal Georgia prison corruption probe
  Of the one-time Georgia prison guards charged in the federal corruption and drug-smuggling investigation that included the Phillips State Prison officers, only two avoided prison and got probation instead; the rest received sentences ranging from 18 months to 9 1/2 years in a federal penitentiary.
  Tags: corruption,drugs,contraband,legal,investigations
  Sources: Georgia prison scandal wraps up as last guard is sentenced

- [reported] Aaron Pineiro listed as Warden of Phillips State Prison
  GDC's Facility Directory List updated 10/16/2026 lists Aaron Pineiro as Warden of Phillips State Prison.
  Date: 2026-10-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Facility Operations Updated: 10/16/2026

- [reported] Joshua Fulbright listed as Deputy Warden Security at Phillips
  GDC's Facility Directory List updated 10/16/2026 lists Joshua Fulbright as a Deputy Warden Security at Phillips State Prison.
  Date: 2026-10-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Facility Operations Updated: 10/16/2026

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: no substantial facility expansion since last audit
  A PREA audit of Phillips State Prison & Transitional Center states the facility reported in response to the Pre-Audit Questionnaire that it has not engaged in any substantial expansion or modification of its facility since the last PREA audit, and that interviews with the agency head and Warden indicated they have not had modifications to the facility.
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Phillips SP & TC - Audit (Cycle 4)

- [reported] Remona Holloway listed as Deputy Warden Admin at Phillips
  GDC's Facility Directory List updated 10/16/2026 lists Remona Holloway as Deputy Warden Admin at Phillips State Prison.
  Date: 2026-10-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Facility Operations Updated: 10/16/2026

- [reported] McBride placed in lockdown unit because officers arranged it, per AJC evidence
  McBride was in the lockdown unit at Phillips State Prison when he was killed Sept. 30, and he was there because officers arranged for it, according to AJC's evidence.
  Tags: violence,corruption,solitary
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [reported] Several Phillips killings point to lapses in oversight of inmates with severe mental health issues
  Several of the killings at Phillips State Prison point to critical lapses in the oversight of inmates with severe mental health issues, according to AJC reporting.
  Tags: mental_health,violence,investigations
  Sources: Deadly gang attack set in motion by guards at a state prison in Georgia - Investigation

- [reported] GBI spokesman details Phillips stabbing
  A GBI spokesman said the stabbing at Phillips State Prison occurred at about 6:30 in a sallyport, a controlled entryway, within the prison, and a suspect, not yet charged, had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment stemming from a previous murder.
  Tags: violence,death,investigations
  Sources: Inmate stabbed to death at Phillips State Prison - Gainesville Times

METHODOLOGY NOTES (6)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] DOJ investigated 17 GDC prisons in 2022-2023
  DOJ's investigation of Georgia prisons visited 17 GDC prisons between 2022 and 2023, about half of the state prisons.
  Tags: investigations,facilities
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] GDC COVID-19 press release date
  GDC's COVID-19 press release is dated March 27, 2020.
  Date: 2020-03-27
  Tags: operations,policy
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections COVID-19 | Georgia Department of Corrections, georgia department corrections covid 19 [2]

- [reported] PREA Cycle 3 audit conducted March 8-12, 2021
  The PREA audit of Phillips State Prison and the Phillips Transitional Center for cycle 3 was conducted 3/8/21 through 3/12/21.
  Date: 2021-03-08
  Tags: facilities,operations,investigations
  Sources: PREA Phillips - Audit (Cycle 3)

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit conducted Nov. 27-30, 2023, signed by Mable P. Wheeler
  GDC's PREA audit of Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center was signed by auditor Mable P. Wheeler, with the on-site audit conducted 11/27/2023 through 11/30/2023 and the final report submitted 01/05/2024.
  Date: 2023-11-27
  Tags: facilities,operations,investigations
  Sources: PREA Phillips SP & TC - Audit (Cycle 4)

- [reported] Gwinnett Daily Post bombing story attribution
  The Gwinnett Daily Post headlined the story 'Inmate At Buford's Phillips State Prison Charged With Building, Mailing Bombs,' attributed to Dave Williams of Capitol Beat News Service and published Apr 4, 2024.
  Date: 2024-04-04
  Tags: legal,investigations
  Sources: Inmate At Buford's Phillips State Prison Charged With Building, Mailing Bombs | News | gwinnettdailypost.com

- [confirmed] DA reviewed full footage, interviews, and toured facility
  The Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office announced on Aug. 27, 2021 that it had begun an investigation, after becoming aware via a leaked inmate video, regarding a correctional officer at Phillips State Prison who was punching an inmate; after reviewing all videos including full prison footage, investigative interviews, and touring the facility, it determined there was insufficient evidence to criminally proceed and found the correctional officer was within use-of-force guidelines, while calling the incident 'profoundly regrettable.'
  Date: 2021-08-27
  Tags: violence,legal,investigations
  Sources: PHILLIPS STATE PRISON INVESTIGATION REGARDING INMATE INCIDENT - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett

DATA GAPS (7)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] Phillips State Prison absent from FY2023 and FY2024 state appropriations bills
  Searches of the FY2023A HB 18 appropriations bill and the FY2024 HB 19 appropriations bill for 'Phillips' and 'Phillips State Prison' returned no match, indicating Phillips is not named in those line-item budget documents as examined.
  Tags: budget,facilities,policy
  Sources: FY2023A Hb 18; FY2024 HB 19

- [reported] Phillips State Prison absent from Georgia GO bond project lists (2021AB, 2022AB, 2023ABC)
  Searches of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission project lists for the 2021AB, 2022AB, and 2023A/2023B general obligation bond issuances for 'Phillips', 'Phillips State Prison', and 'Department of Corrections' returned no match, indicating no Phillips capital project appears in those bond project lists as examined.
  Tags: budget,facilities,policy
  Sources: Project Funding (gsfic.georgia.gov); State of Georgia General Obligation Bonds, 2023A and 2023B; gsfic.georgia.gov: project list georgia 2021ab general obligation bonds

- [reported] Phillips State Prison absent from HB 67 (FY2025A) capital projects and bonds document
  A search of the HB 67 (FY 2025A) Capital Projects and Bonds Governor House document for 'Phillips' and 'Phillips State Prison' returned no match.
  Tags: budget,facilities
  Sources: HB 67 (FY 2025A) - Capital Projects and Bonds Governor House

- [reported] Phillips State Prison absent from HB 18 (FY 2023A) Public Safety and Criminal Justice document
  A search of the HB 18 (FY 2023A) Public Safety and Criminal Justice Governor House document for 'Phillips' and 'Phillips State Prison' returned no match.
  Tags: budget,facilities
  Sources: HB 18 (FY 2023A) - Public Safety and Criminal Justice Governor House

- [reported] Phillips State Prison absent from WSAV report on all-facility GDC lockdown
  A search of the WSAV-TV report 'All GDC facilities on lockdown after violent night' for 'Phillips State Prison', 'Phillips SP', and 'Buford' returned no match.
  Tags: violence,operations,facilities
  Sources: All GDC facilities on lockdown after violent night | WSAV-TV

- [reported] Phillips State Prison absent from FBI Operation Ghost Guard announcement
  A search of the FBI's Operation Ghost Guard announcement for 'Phillips State Prison', 'Phillips SP', and 'Buford' returned no match, even though the same announcement states corrupt activity was found in 11 of 35 state facilities.
  Tags: corruption,investigations,operations
  Sources: Operation Ghost Guard — FBI

- [reported] DOJ NDGA press release did not contain expected sentencing/plea strings
  A search of the DOJ U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia press release 'Further corruption involving Georgia Department of Corrections guards exposed' for 'Bostic was sentenced', 'Coleman was sentenced', 'Gennings pleaded guilty', and 'Trammer was sentenced' returned no match.
  Tags: 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/furt

DATASETS (3)
----------------------------------------
# GDC correctional officer vacancy rates systemwide, 2021-2023
  Average correctional officer vacancy rates across the Georgia Department of Corrections, as reported in DOJ's findings report.
  Year  Vacancy Rate  
  --------------------
  2021  49.3          
  2022  56.3          
  2023  52.5          

# Phillips SP maintenance expenditures FY10-FY11
  Combined FY2010 and FY2011 maintenance expenditures at Phillips State Prison, split between in-house and contractor work, from the State Auditor special examination 'Maintenance of State Prisons.'
  Facility     Two_Year_Total_USD  In_House_Total_USD  Contractor_USD  In_House_Percent  Contractor_Percent  
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Phillips SP  1318289.47          1167286.78          151002.69       88.5              11.5                

# PREA audit facility metrics for Phillips State Prison & Transitional Center
  Facility capacity, population, average daily population, and staffing figures reported in PREA audits for Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center across audit cycles.
  Audit Cycle  Designed Facility Capacity  Current Population  Average Daily Population (12 months)  Staff Count  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cycle 3      918                         845                 860                                   187          
  Cycle 4      1042                        910                 939                                   145          

KEY ENTITIES (125)
----------------------------------------
- Aaron Pineiro [person]: Reassigned from Warden at Coastal State Prison to Warden at Phillips State Prison effective June 16, 2024.
- Adam Smith [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison named in a smuggling and fraud indictment. (aka: Scrap)
- Adam T Barnett [person]: PREA auditor who signed the Cycle 3 audit of Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center.
- Ahmed Holt [person]: Assistant Commissioner of Facilities, Georgia Department of Corrections
- Alim Rasheed Lovett [person]: Homicide victim at Phillips State Prison, died Dec. 8, 2022, age 33.
- Allah Jahmal Ware [person]: Suspect in the stabbing death of Antonio Turner at Phillips State Prison; age 23 at the time, serving a 30-year sentence for armed robberies and aggravated assault in Walker County.
- Alyssa Hudson [person]: Correctional officer at Phillips SP arrested June 4, 2026 for violation of oath and trading with an offender. (aka: Officer Alyssa Hudson)
- Antavious Simon [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison charged with stabbing Quafabian McBride; alleged Crips member.
- Antonio Maurice Turner [person]: 27-year-old inmate at Phillips State Prison found stabbed to death in his cell.
- Antonio Turner [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison stabbed to death; was serving a 10-year sentence for strong-arm robbery in Cherokee County.
- Arthur James Wimbush Jr. [person]: Homicide victim at Phillips State Prison, died April 2, 2023, age 46.
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution [organization]: Georgia newspaper that conducted multi-year investigation into GDC corruption, drug trafficking, and overdose deaths. (aka: AJC)
- Atlanta Medical Center [facility]: Facility for which Phillips State Prison serves as host.
- Augusta State Medical Prison [facility]: Georgia state medical prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Augusta State Medical)
- Autry State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison with GCI shoe/boot manufacturing and garment operations.
- Baldwin State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where 26 grams of methamphetamine were found on a visitor in November 2025.
- Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board overseeing the Georgia Department of Corrections, chaired by Larry Haynie.
- Brandon Mincey [person]: Phillips State Prison inmate found dead on Oct. 11, 2024; serving 10 years for 2021 aggravated battery.
- 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)
- Burgest v. Bouchie [case]: Prisoner civil rights suit filed by Akeim Burgest concerning Phillips State Prison.
- Burruss Correctional Training Center [facility]: Georgia facility hosting Common Good Atlanta courses. (aka: Burruss)
- Calhoun State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where two female correctional officers were arrested in 2020 for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine in Hot Pockets; cases dismissed due to GDC failure to test evidence.
- Capitol Beat News Service [organization]: News service that produced the Phillips bombing indictment story.
- Carl Franklin [person]: Board of Corrections member listed as attending the October 17, 2017 Foothills Education Charter High School ribbon cutting at Phillips State Prison.
- Casey Felton [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison effective May 1, 2019.
- Centurion [organization]: Current GDC physical healthcare contractor, replacing Wellpath
- Chaney McDay [person]: Deputy Warden named as defendant in Wright v. McDay.
- Chaplain Katie Wright [person]: Chaplain after whom the Reentry Dorm at Phillips State Prison was named.
- Charonda Edwards [person]: Former Aramark contract worker at Valdosta SP; terminated July 2015 for contraband plans; indicted in federal case
- Coastal State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Coastal)
- Cody Matthew Brock [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison charged with malice murder in the death of Jacob Daniels.
- Cornelius Sanders [person]: Defendant in United States v. Bostic (2016).
- Courtney McDay [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Phillips State Prison effective October 16, 2021.
- Crystal Bell [person]: Visitor arrested at Phillips Transitional Center on July 9, 2011 after marijuana and methamphetamine were found in her vehicle.
- Dave Stone [person]: Homicide victim at Phillips State Prison, died Nov. 20, 2021, age 61.
- Dave Williams [person]: Reporter with Capitol Beat News Service who wrote the Gwinnett Daily Post bombing story.
- David Cassady [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison charged and convicted of mailing destructive devices to federal buildings.
- David Clark [person]: State Representative, Republican Lt. Governor candidate. Immigration-focused crime framing.
- David Dwayne Cassady [person]: GDC inmate sentenced to 80 years in federal prison for attempted malicious use of explosive materials.
- David Fambro [person]: Homicide victim at Phillips State Prison, died July 24, 2024, age 69.
- Dejuan Cannon [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison charged with felony murder in connection with McBride's death.
- Demitri Carter [person]: Inmate who died at Phillips State Prison on October 29, 2017, in an apparent suicide; sentenced in 2014 in Cherokee County for Aggravated Assault. (aka: GDC #1001507614)
- Deshawn Jones [person]: Warden of Phillips State Prison starting July 1, 2022. (aka: Warden Deshawn Jones)
- Doe v. Georgia Department [case]: Conditions-of-confinement civil-detainee case with no termination date recorded.
- 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).
- Dorothy Andre [person]: Promoted from Unit Manager to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison effective January 16, 2026.
- Duke Blackburn [person]: Board member who made the motion to disapprove an appointment on 1 September 2016, the only denied motion in eleven years. (aka: Mr. Duke Blackburn)
- Emery v. Holt [case]: Pending federal case with a qualified protective order entered April 8, 2025.
- Emory Dunahoo [person]: State Representative listed as attending the October 17, 2017 Foothills Education Charter High School ribbon cutting at Phillips State Prison.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Federal law enforcement agency that led Operation Ghost Guard investigation. (aka: FBI)
- Foothills Education Charter High School [program]: Charter high school program operating at Phillips State Prison and other GDC facilities.
- 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 Correctional Industries [organization]: Manufacturing operation within GDC where inmates perform factory work in manufacturing plants.
- Georgia Department of Administrative Services [organization]: State agency with which inmate Joseph Williams filed a whistleblower notice of claim.
- 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)
- Geramy Antonio Brown [person]: Correctional officer at Phillips State Prison fired after the killing of Quafabian McBride.
- Geramy Brown [person]: Correctional officer at Phillips State Prison fired three days after McBride attack; previously demoted from Lieutenant. (aka: Sgt. Geramy Brown)
- 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)
- Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office [organization]: Prosecutorial office that investigated and declined to charge a Phillips correctional officer for punching an inmate. (aka: Gwinnett County DA)
- Gwinnett County Police Department [organization]: Police department for Gwinnett County, Georgia. Police Scorecard rank 81, score 54.
- Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department [organization]: Agency that assisted in the 2011 Phillips TC contraband arrest of Crystal Bell.
- Gwinnett County Water and Sewerage Authority [organization]: Utility authority granted easements at Phillips State Prison for the Cascade Falls Gravity Sewer and Pump Decommissioning Project.
- Gwinnett Daily Post [organization]: News outlet that published the Phillips bombing indictment story.
- Hancock State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where THC gummies, white powdery substances, and marijuana were recovered in January 2024.
- Hays State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Hays)
- 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
- J. Kevin Perry [person]: GDC official who served as Deputy Warden of Security (2016) and Warden (2021-2022) at Phillips State Prison. (aka: Kevin Perry)
- Jacob Daniels [person]: 18-year-old inmate killed at Phillips State Prison in a gruesome attack by two other inmates.
- Jacob Kendall Daniels [person]: Homicide victim at Phillips State Prison, died Aug. 13, 2022, age 19.
- Jamal Cymonne Johnson [person]: Homicide victim at Phillips State Prison, died June 11, 2022, age 32.
- Jamari McClinton [person]: Stabbed to death Aug. 11, 2021, five days after transfer from Phillips State Prison protective custody.
- James Ellis Collins [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison charged with malice murder in the death of Jacob Daniels.
- Javaris Jones [person]: Correctional officer at Phillips State Prison suspended after the killing of Quafabian McBride.
- John Bankhead [person]: GBI spokesman quoted about the Phillips State Prison stabbing.
- Johnathan Silvers [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison named in a smuggling and fraud indictment. (aka: Turtle)
- Johnson Controls Incorporated [organization]: Company contracted for energy performance improvements at Phillips State Prison. (aka: Johnson Controls Incorporation)
- Joseph Williams [person]: Promoted to Warden at the Special Management Unit effective May 1, 2023; succeeded by Eric Cox in 2026. (aka: Joe Williams)
- Joshua Fulbright [person]: Deputy Warden Security at Phillips State Prison as of October 16, 2026. (aka: Deputy Warden Security Joshua Fulbright)
- Justin Gennings [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison charged with accepting bribes to smuggle contraband.
- Justin McKnight [person]: Driver arrested by Gwinnett County police after contraband was found in a vehicle at Phillips Transitional Center on June 1, 2014.
- Larry Drew [person]: President of the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia.
- Lee Anderson Wright [person]: Plaintiff in Wright v. McDay, a prisoner civil-rights action raising a religious-freedom claim.
- Lee Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where drug-coated paper was found being passed in November 2025.
- Mable P. Wheeler [person]: PREA auditor who signed the Cycle 4 audit of Phillips State Prison and Transitional Center.
- Macon State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Macon)
- Mary Rankin [person]: Former health services administrator at Phillips State Prison who resigned in October 2022 citing inadequate security coverage for the medical department.
- Melinda Carter [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison effective October 1, 2021.
- Michael Bostic [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison charged with bribery and attempted drug trafficking.
- Mims Morris [person]: Inmate at Phillips State Prison named in a smuggling and fraud indictment.
- Ontario Tolbert [person]: Sergeant at Phillips Transitional Center who saved a resident's life using Narcan and CPR. (aka: Sergeant Ontario Tolbert)
- Operation Ghost Guard [operation]: FBI two-year investigation (2016) into GDC corruption resulting in ~130 indictments including 46 current and former correctional officers across 11 facilities.
- Patrick Coleman [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison charged with bribery and attempted drug trafficking.
- Perry [person]: Warden of Phillips State Prison (2021) and later Deputy Warden of Security (2023), responsible for overseeing staff and inmates.
- Phillips State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Phillips)
- Phillips Transitional Center [facility]: Transitional center hosted by Phillips State Prison with 310 beds. (aka: Phillips Transition Center)
- Preston Crowder [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Phillips State Prison effective February 15, 2022.
- Pulaski State Prison [facility]: Georgia women's state prison where Christina Buttery died on December 21, 2022, from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose.
- Quafabian McBride [person]: 19-year-old inmate killed September 30 at Phillips State Prison; one of five men slain at the facility that year.
- Quafabian Melik McBride [person]: Homicide victim at Phillips State Prison, died Sept. 30, 2022, age 19, during a gang-related fight in the lockdown unit.
- Remona Holloway [person]: Reassigned from Deputy Warden of Administration at Augusta State Medical Prison to same role at Phillips State Prison effective November 1, 2025.
- Rogers State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where two violent incidents occurred during a 2-day DOJ visit in March 2023, including gang fight with multiple knives, 2 airlifts, 5 ambulance transports; warden had been arrested for gang participation less than 2 months prior
- Shakira Bethea [person]: Correctional officer at Phillips State Prison arrested August 7, 2019 after OPS investigation. (aka: Officer Shakira Bethea)
- Shay Hatcher [person]: Promoted to Warden of Phillips State Prison effective October 1, 2018.
- Sidney Sanchez Nealey [person]: Homicide victim at Phillips State Prison, died July 18, 2022, age 22.
- Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments.
- Tavia Trammer [person]: Former Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison charged with bribery to protect drug transactions and attempted drug trafficking.
- Telfair State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison involved in Operation Ghost Busted (Desiree Briley) and Operation Night Drop drone smuggling network.
- Terri Wells [person]: Representative of the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia quoted about the Phillips State Prison video.
- Tikara Brown [person]: Reassigned to Deputy Warden of Administration at Phillips State Prison effective April 16, 2022.
- Timothy Barr [person]: State Representative listed as attending the October 17, 2017 Foothills Education Charter High School ribbon cutting at Phillips State Prison.
- Timothy C. Batten, Sr. [person]: Federal judge who presided over Tavia Trammer's change of plea hearing. (aka: Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr.)
- Timothy C. Ward [person]: Former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. The November 30, 2022 Central Office Appeal Response falsely denying Legionella was issued on letterhead bearing his name. Named defendant in Sullivan v. Ward. (aka: Commissioner Ward)
- Travon Walthour [person]: Hancock State Prison inmate stabbed to death, as reported by the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia.
- 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. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ)
- United States v. Bostic [case]: Federal criminal case whose docket includes the sentencing of Tavia Trammer.
- Ware State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison leading all GDC facilities in cell phone seizures by end of 2016, with 1,392 phones confiscated.
- Wellpath [organization]: Largest private correctional healthcare company with $2.7 billion annual revenue; filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 (aka: Correct Care Solutions)
- Wilcox State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Wilcox)
- Williams v. Georgia Department of Corrections [case]: Case proceeding on a Third Amended Complaint filed August 28, 2024.
- Wright v. McDay [case]: Federal prisoner civil-rights case brought by Lee Anderson Wright raising a religious-freedom claim, allowed to proceed against Deputy Warden Chaney McDay (docket entry 2024-06-27).

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- Prison system failures cost Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars, Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Carrie Teegardin, Danny Robbins, Jennifer Peebles (2024-02-01) [journalism, primary]
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  URL: https://gsfic.georgia.gov/document/document/2023abc-project-list/download
- State prison guard under investigation for allegedly punching inmate – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta, WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/gwinnett-county/state-prison-guard-under-investigation-allegedly-punching-inmate/PXXWLWUVLVCMTFZTFEFHJFNYTQ/
- United States v. Bostic, 2016-12-12 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2016-12-12) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60888807/
- United States v. Cassady, 2025-09-18 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-09-18) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68407580/
- Video Shows Guard Brutally Beating Inmate Inside Georgia Prison - Newsweek, Newsweek [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.newsweek.com/video-shows-guard-brutally-beating-inmate-georgia-prison-1605112
- 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/
- Williams v. Georgia Department of Corrections, 2024-08-28 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-08-28) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68506818/
- Wright v. McDay, 2024-06-26 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-06-26) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70501724/