GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Telfair State Prison: the public record, 2015 to 2026 ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-10-24 16:38:19 EDT Research Date: 2026-10-21 Topic: Telfair State Prison (Helena): capacity, deaths and violence, prosecutions, lawsuits, staffing, money and audits JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/telfair-state-prison-the-public-record-2015-to-2026/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia, federal sources and other sources. Each entry gives a short statement, the exact passage from the source that supports it, and the source's title, web address and the date it was retrieved. Searches of a source that found no match are listed too, with the wordings that were tried. The entries record what each source said when it was retrieved. They aren't a complete account of the subject, and they don't add analysis or conclusions. STATISTICS (38) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] PREA audit standards met at Telfair State Prison A PREA audit of Telfair State Prison states the Number of Standards Met was 42. Value: 42.0 standards Tags: policy,investigations,facilities Sources: PREA Telfair Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] PREA audit staff counts at Telfair State Prison A Telfair State Prison PREA audit report lists 299 staff currently employed by the facility who may have contact with inmates, with 69 staff hired by the facility during the past 12 months who may have contact with inmates. Value: 299.0 staff (vs. 69 staff hired in past 12 months) Tags: staffing,facilities,policy Sources: PREA Telfair Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] Telfair State Prison Station No. 10 established 1992, 125 calls annually GDC's Fire Services & Life Saving Unit fact sheet states that the fire station at Telfair State Prison, Station No. 10, was established in 1992 and responds to an average of 125 calls annually, serving Telfair & Wheeler counties and the cities of Jacksonville and McRae. Value: 125.0 calls annually Date: 1992-01-01 Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Fire Services & Life GEORGIA - [confirmed] Telfair SP had 49% officer turnover in FY2013, highest among state prisons A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts report found that fiscal year 2013 turnover rates among officers in GDC state prisons ranged from 16% at Washington State Prison to 49% at Telfair State Prison. The average across state prisons was 31%. Value: 49.0 percent (vs. 16 Washington State Prison turnover rate) Tags: staffing Sources: DOAA State Corrections and Community Officers Audit (2013-12) - [reported] AJC count of 13 homicides at Telfair State Prison The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's list of Georgia prison homicides counts 13 homicides at Telfair State Prison. Value: 13.0 homicides Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] PREA audit standards exceeded at Telfair State Prison A Telfair State Prison PREA audit report lists "Number of Standards Exceeded: 03" with the specific standards "115.11; 115.51; 115.87." Value: 3.0 standards Tags: policy,investigations,facilities Sources: PREA Telfair Audit Cycle 2 - [confirmed] Telfair SP FY18 bed counts: 1,106 standard, 242 special use, 1,348 physical A Georgia state audit's Appendix C inventory of state prisons lists Telfair State Prison as male, close risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,106, an FY18 average special use bed count of 242, and an FY18 average physical bed count of 1,348. Value: 1348.0 beds Tags: facilities,budget Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections: requested information on bed demand and agency strategy - [reported] Telfair State Prison listed capacity Telfair State Prison's capacity was listed by GDC as 1,400. Value: 1400.0 people Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: Prisoner stabs warden at understaffed Telfair State Prison in middle Georgia - [reported] Telfair State Prison designed capacity and population per PREA audit A PREA audit of Telfair State Prison states the designed facility capacity was 1,420 and the current population of the facility was 1,163. Value: 1163.0 people (vs. 1420 designed facility capacity) Tags: facilities,demographics,operations Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea telfair audit cycle 3 - [reported] Telfair State Prison actual listed population, February 2024 Telfair State Prison's actual listed population was 1,428 in February 2024. Value: 1428.0 people Date: 2024-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: Prisoner stabs warden at understaffed Telfair State Prison in middle Georgia - [reported] Telfair PREA audit standards met A PREA audit of Telfair State Prison states the number of standards met was 43. Value: 43.0 standards Tags: policy,investigations,conditions Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea telfair audit cycle 3 - [reported] Telfair State Prison correctional officer staffing, January 2024 Telfair State Prison had 36 correctional officers in January 2024. Value: 36.0 correctional officers Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Prisoner stabs warden at understaffed Telfair State Prison in middle Georgia - [reported] Telfair PREA audit standards exceeded A Telfair State Prison PREA audit report lists 'Number of standards exceeded:' as 2. Value: 2.0 standards Tags: policy,investigations,conditions Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea telfair audit cycle 3 - [reported] Correctional officer vacancy rate at Telfair State Prison, January 2024 76% of correctional officer positions at Telfair State Prison were vacant as of January 2024, with 118 positions unfilled. Value: 76.0 percent (vs. 118 positions unfilled) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Prisoner stabs warden at understaffed Telfair State Prison in middle Georgia - [reported] Heat index reached 105 degrees when Ramirez Bibiano found According to the lawsuit complaint reported by GPB, the heat index had reached 105 degrees by the time Ramirez Bibiano received medical attention after five hours in an outdoor cell. Value: 105.0 degrees Fahrenheit heat index Tags: conditions,death,legal Sources: A Georgia inmate died from heat exposure, GPB, July 26, 2024 - [reported] Telfair SP inmate population and officer vacancy rate (AJC data) Telfair State Prison had 1,425 inmates and a correctional officer vacancy rate of 72.96%, per AJC's facility-by-facility data table. The facility is described as high security with eight housing units: five housing units with double-bunked cells, two open dormitories, and an isolation/segregation unit consisting of 40 single cells and 40 double-bunked cells. Value: 1425.0 inmates (vs. 72.96 correctional officer vacancy rate (percent)) Tags: staffing,facilities,demographics Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Telfair State Prison capacity: 1,106 + 242 = 1,348 (2018 audit) A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts special examination report on GDC lists Telfair State Prison as a Male Close-security facility with a capacity of 1,106, 242 additional beds, and a total of 1,348. Value: 1348.0 beds Date: 2018-12-01 Tags: facilities,budget,operations Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] Telfair constructed 1991, opened 1992; physical capacity 1420, operational 1292 Telfair State Prison was constructed in 1991 and opened in 1992, with physical capacity 1420 and operational capacity 1292, security level CLOSE. Value: 1420.0 beds (vs. 1292 operational capacity) Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Telfair PREA audit: 289 staff, capacity 1400, population 1316 The Telfair State Prison PREA audit found the facility had 289 staff assigned in the last 12 months, designed facility capacity of 1400, and current population of 1316 at Close Supervision custody level. Value: 1316.0 inmates (vs. 1400 designed capacity) Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,demographics Sources: PREA AUDIT REPORT ☐ Interim ☒ Final - [reported] Telfair housing: eight units, five double-bunked cell units, two dorms, isolation unit Telfair State Prison has a total of eight housing units: five housing units with double bunked cells, two open dormitories, and the isolation/segregation unit consisting of 40 single cells and 40 double bunked cells. Value: 8.0 housing units Tags: facilities,solitary,conditions Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Telfair SP correctional officer filled rate 20.9%, vacancy 79.1% Telfair State Prison had a 20.9% filled rate and 79.1% vacancy rate for correctional officer positions, the worst among Georgia's ten worst-staffed state prisons in an AJC chart. Value: 79.1 percent vacancy (vs. 20.9 percent filled) Tags: staffing Sources: Georgia prisons get $600M for overhaul. Lawmakers say it's a start - [reported] Telfair Correctional Institution capacity and security level (FY1992) The Georgia Department of Corrections' FY1992 Annual Report lists Telfair Correctional Institution (Helena, GA 31037) with a capacity of 500 and security level Close. Value: 500.0 capacity Date: 1992-01-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: 1992 annual report - [reported] Telfair maximum capacity 1400, constructed 1991 GDC's PREA Audit for Telfair State Prison states the facility has a maximum capacity of 1400 inmates and was constructed in 1991. Value: 1400.0 inmates Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA AUDIT REPORT ☐ Interim ☒ Final - [reported] GDC FY2014: new Locking Control Systems cost $1,300,000 per project GDC's FY2014 Annual Report states new Locking Control Systems (LCS) would be installed at select facilities at a cost of $1,300,000 per project. Value: 1300000.0 USD per project Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: budget,facilities,operations Sources: GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2014 - [reported] GDC FY2020: mental health services expanded at Telfair, serving 82 offenders GDC's FY2020 annual fiscal report lists mental health services expanded at Telfair State Prison, serving 82 offenders. Value: 82.0 offenders Date: 2020-01-01 Tags: mental_health,medical,budget Sources: GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2020 - [reported] April 2012 Telfair lock audit: 9 of 207 locks failed At Telfair State Prison in April 2012, inspectors found that only nine of 207 locks failed, but 81 of 200 new locks already had to be replaced due to inmate damage and/or tampering. Value: 9.0 locks failed of 207 (vs. 81 new locks replaced of 200) Date: 2012-04-01 Tags: facilities,operations,contraband Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks - [reported] Telfair State Prison had 13 homicides per AJC list The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's own list reports that Telfair State Prison had 13 homicides. Value: 13.0 homicides Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Later April lock audit: 2 of 255 Telfair locks failed Only two of 255 locks at Telfair State Prison failed tests in April, in a later lock audit; four of 590 were defeated at Phillips State Prison in May. Value: 2.0 locks failed of 255 (vs. 4 locks defeated at Phillips State Prison (of 590)) Date: 2012-04-01 Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Ga. state prison finds new issue with locks - [reported] GDC current facility page: Telfair capacity 1400, constructed 1991, opened 1992 GDC's current facility page for Telfair State Prison lists its capacity as 1400, constructed in 1991, and opened in 1992. Value: 1400.0 beds Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Telfair State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] PREA audit: Telfair designated capacity 1,420, population 1,345 A PREA audit of Telfair State Prison states the Designated Facility Capacity was 1420 and the Current Population of Facility was 1345, with 921 inmates admitted to the facility during the past 12 months. Value: 1345.0 inmates (vs. 1420 designated facility capacity) Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,operations Sources: PREA Telfair Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] GDC current facility page: Telfair housing configuration GDC's facility page for Telfair State Prison describes its housing as a total of eight housing units: five housing units with double bunked cells, two open dormitories, and an isolation/segregation unit consisting of 40 single cells and 40 double bunked cells. Value: 8.0 housing units Tags: facilities,solitary,conditions Sources: Telfair State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Two of 255 locks failed at Telfair in April An AJC article reported that only two of the 255 locks tested at Telfair State Prison failed in April. Value: 2.0 locks (vs. 255 locks tested) Tags: facilities,operations,conditions Sources: Corrections works to keep prison doors locked - [reported] Telfair PREA cycle 4: designed capacity 1420, population 1415 The Telfair State Prison PREA audit states the designed facility capacity is 1420 and current population of facility is 1415. Value: 1415.0 inmates (vs. 1420 designed capacity) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: GDC, PREA Telfair SP - Audit (Cycle 4) - [confirmed] PREA audit: 921 inmates admitted to Telfair in prior 12 months A PREA audit of Telfair State Prison states 921 inmates were admitted to the facility during the past 12 months. Value: 921.0 inmates admitted Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: facilities,operations,demographics Sources: PREA Telfair Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] Telfair houses up to 1420 male offenders, average length of stay life A Telfair State Prison PREA audit report states that "Telfair houses up to 1420 Male offenders 18 years old and above sentenced by the State of Georgia," with an average length of stay of life. Value: 1420.0 offenders Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: GDC, PREA Telfair SP - Audit (Cycle 4) - [confirmed] PREA audit: three standards exceeded at Telfair A PREA audit of Telfair State Prison states the Number of Standards Exceeded was 03. Value: 3.0 standards exceeded Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: PREA Telfair Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] Telfair State Prison fire station responds to ~125 calls per year GDC documented a Telfair State Prison fire station, Station No. 10, established early 1992, which responds to an average of 125 calls per year. Value: 125.0 calls per year Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections, fire services - [reported] Telfair PREA cycle 4: 97 staff currently employed, 38 hired in past 12 months A Telfair State Prison PREA audit report states "The facility reported a total of 97 staff currently employed at the facility who may have contact with inmates. Additionally, the facility reported on the PAQ, in the past 12 months the facility has hired 38 new staff that may have contact with" inmates. Value: 97.0 staff (vs. 38 new staff hired in past 12 months) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: GDC, PREA Telfair SP - Audit (Cycle 4) FINDINGS (20) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC statement on camera tampering during warden assault GDC told WALB that cameras involved in the warden assault incident at Telfair State Prison 'were covered, manipulated, or otherwise damaged by the inmates.' Tags: violence,staffing,investigations,facilities Sources: Inmate inside Telfair State Prison speaks out after warden assault - [reported] PREA corrective action: offender interpreters for sexual abuse allegations A Telfair State Prison PREA audit found as a corrective-action issue that "Staff indicated they would not want to use another offender to interpret for a disabled or limited English proficient offender in making an allegation of sexual abuse." Tags: policy,investigations,conditions Sources: PREA Telfair Audit Cycle 2 - [disputed] Disputed account of water cutoff after less-lethal munitions at Telfair An inmate interviewed by the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia said that after less-lethal munitions were deployed at Telfair State Prison, the water supply was cut off so inmates could not decontaminate; GDC said the water was turned off so repairs could be made to prevent flooding. The accounts conflict. Tags: conditions,violence,investigations Sources: Inmate inside Telfair State Prison speaks out after warden assault - [reported] Telfair is a close-security prison among worst-staffed in Georgia Telfair State Prison is a 'close security' prison housing some of the state's most dangerous offenders and is among the worst-staffed prisons in Georgia, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Tags: staffing,facilities,conditions Sources: Telfair Co. prison warden stabbed by inmate, authorities say | WSAV-TV - [reported] Telfair listed among facilities in DOJ findings report DOJ's report lists Telfair State Prison together with Macon State Prison, Coastal State Prison, Smith State Prison, Rogers State Prison, Dooly State Prison, Wilcox State Prison, Phillips State Prison, and Augusta State Medical Prison in a facility list. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: investigations,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Telfair among facilities reviewed for use-of-force documentation by DOJ The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons lists Telfair State Prison among the facilities for which it reviewed use-of-force and related documentation. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: investigations,violence,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [confirmed] Telfair warden stabbing cited AJC reporting and GDC records The DOJ's October 2024 findings report on Georgia prisons states that in March 2024, the Warden of Telfair State Prison was stabbed by an incarcerated person during a disturbance that arose after a shakedown, citing AJC reporting and noting that GDC records confirm the basic details. Date: 2024-03-01 Tags: violence,staffing,contraband,investigations,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Telfair SP among 24 GDC close/medium-security prisons in DOJ findings The DOJ Civil Rights Division's findings report lists Telfair State Prison among the facilities constituting "24 of the approximately 34 prisons in the Georgia Department of Corrections housing incarcerated men or women at the close- and medium-security levels." Date: 2024-10-01 Tags: facilities,investigations Sources: justice.gov: dl - [reported] Telfair PREA audit: staffing deviations and corrective action plan A Telfair State Prison PREA audit found that 'the most common reasons for post deviations from the shift rosters are, vacancies, staff call-outs, hospital coverage, unannounced shakedowns, Gender Specific post, visitation and special events,' and that the 'Facility was placed on a corrective action plan, giving time to document deviations from current staffing plan.' Tags: staffing,policy,operations,investigations Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea telfair audit cycle 3 - [reported] Telfair PREA audit: no corrective actions for data review A Telfair State Prison PREA audit states 'Telfair State Prison has had no corrective actions for this audit period' regarding data review for corrective action. Tags: policy,investigations,data_gap Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea telfair audit cycle 3 - [reported] Telfair State Prison described as having a history of violence 13WMAZ reported that Telfair State Prison is one of several Georgia prisons with a history of violence, citing the June death of Timothy Wilson after a fight among more than a dozen inmates, the December death of Preston Phelps after a large fight, and the 2024 stabbing of warden Andrew McFarlane during a contraband search. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,gangs,facilities,staffing Sources: Gang fight at Telfair State Prison prompts statewide prison lockdown, GA Department of Corrections says - [reported] GDC classified Ramirez Bibiano death as natural causes Attorney Jeff Filipovits said during a press conference that according to GDC, Ramirez Bibiano died of "natural causes." Tags: death,medical,legal Sources: A Georgia inmate died from heat exposure, GPB, July 26, 2024 - [reported] Telfair PREA audit cycle 1 standards results The Telfair State Prison PREA audit found the facility exceeded 2 standards, met 37 standards, and did not meet 0 standards. Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: PREA AUDIT REPORT ☐ Interim ☒ Final - [reported] Telfair SP listed among ten worst-staffed Georgia prisons One of Georgia's ten worst-staffed state prisons listed in an AJC chart is Telfair State Prison, described as a maximum security facility. Tags: staffing Sources: Georgia prisons get $600M for overhaul. Lawmakers say it's a start - [reported] Telfair PREA audit found not all evidence collected and maintained Telfair State Prison's cycle 1 PREA audit (on-site audit beginning February 29, 2016 and ending March 1, 2016) found that while reviewing investigative files, "not all evidence is collected and maintained." Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,investigations,facilities Sources: PREA AUDIT REPORT ☐ Interim ☒ Final - [reported] Telfair SP awaiting accreditation after FY23 audit The Georgia Department of Corrections' FY2023 annual report lists "Telfair SP" among "Facilities awaiting accreditation following audit in FY23," alongside Burruss CTC, Dodge SP, Metro Reentry, Helms Facility, Rutledge SP, Walker SP, Northwest PRSAT, and West Central IFT. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: 2023 Annual report / Georgia Department of Corrections. - Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] Telfair SP leadership roster (October 2026) GPS's copy of GDC's facility directory lists Andrew McFarlane as Warden of Telfair State Prison, with Denisha Foster and Rickey Wilcox as Deputy Warden Security, Tonja Keith as Deputy Warden C&T, and Darrell Wooten as Deputy Warden Admin. Date: 2026-10-16 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Facility Operations Updated: 10/16/2026 - [reported] Telfair PREA audit cycle 4 standards results The Telfair State Prison PREA audit Final Report found the facility exceeded 0 standards, met 45 standards, and did not meet 0 standards. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: GDC, PREA Telfair SP - Audit (Cycle 4) - [confirmed] PREA audit: Telfair is close-security adult male facility in Helena A PREA audit narrative states Telfair State Prison is a close security level, adult male facility, located in Helena, Georgia, housing a capacity of 1400 adult male felons, with 1340 inmates on the first day of the audit. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Telfair Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] GDC: Telfair fight gang-related but confined to one dorm GDC told 13WMAZ the fight was gang related but confined to one dorm, and that all Georgia prisons were put on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. Tags: gangs,violence,operations,facilities Sources: Gang fight at Telfair State Prison prompts statewide prison lockdown, GA Department of Corrections says CASE DETAILS (103) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Telfair inmate Kwesi Jamal Stultz died Dec. 22, 2023 The AJC's prison homicide list reports Telfair State Prison inmate Kwesi Jamal Stultz, 24, died Dec. 22, 2023 of multiple injuries to the head. Date: 2023-12-22 Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Operation Ghost Guard phase three involved staff from eight GDC prisons and one GEO Group prison GDC's press release on the 'Operation Ghost Guard' federal indictments states that phase three's latest round of arrests involved employees from eight GDC state prisons and one GEO Group prison, exposing staff corruption involving smuggling contraband (liquor, tobacco, and cell phones) into correctional facilities across Georgia. Tags: corruption,contraband,investigations,operations Sources: Two year GDC & FBI investigation results in more than 45 Federal Indictments, Georgia Department of Corrections, February 11, 2016 - [reported] Juan Carlos Arguelles-Reveles homicide at Telfair State Prison The AJC's list states Juan Carlos Arguelles-Reveles, 37, died May 7, 2021 of stabbing at Telfair State Prison, with an incident report showing 11 other inmates involved. Date: 2021-05-07 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Marcus Pearson died at Telfair State Prison in suspected homicide GDC reported that offender Marcus Pearson (GDC#1307540) died at Telfair State Prison in Helena, Ga. as a suspected homicide, from injuries sustained during an altercation involving another inmate on May 29, pronounced deceased by the County Coroner at approximately 8:15 p.m. Tags: violence,death,investigations,facilities Sources: Inmate Death Under Investigation | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death under investigation [1] - [reported] Three inmates hospitalized after gang fight at Telfair State Prison 13WMAZ (via Yahoo republication) reported that a gang-related fight broke out at Telfair State Prison on a Wednesday night, in which multiple inmates fought and three were treated at hospitals for injuries that were not life-threatening; all three returned to Telfair. Tags: violence,gangs,facilities Sources: Gang fight at Telfair State Prison prompts statewide prison lockdown, GA Department of Corrections says - [reported] Telfair SP staff receive 'Beyond the Call' awards for Hurricane Michael response The Georgia Board of Corrections' November 2018 minutes record that 'Beyond the Call' employee recognition awards for Hurricane Michael response efforts were presented to, among others, Sergeant Mandy White and Deputy Warden of Security Rodney McCloud, both of Telfair State Prison. The minutes state: 'Mr. Ricky Myrick presented the "Beyond the Call" employee recognition awards to several employees that assisted with the response efforts to Hurricane Michael.' Date: 2018-11-01 Tags: operations,facilities,staffing Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes november 2018 - [reported] Telfair inmate Joey Lebron Kilgore died Feb. 29, 2024 The AJC's prison homicide list reports Telfair State Prison inmate Joey Lebron Kilgore, 46, died Feb. 29, 2024, listed as homicide with no death certificate in. Date: 2024-02-29 Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Fight at Telfair SP during statewide lockdown night WSAV (via Yahoo republication) reported that, according to GDC, a fight occurred at Telfair SP during the violent night that led all GDC facilities to be placed on lockdown. Tags: violence,facilities,operations Sources: All GDC facilities on lockdown after violent night - [reported] Timothy Wilson died in fight with fellow inmate at Telfair State Prison (June 7) WGXA reported that GDC says Timothy Wilson died in a fight with a fellow inmate at Telfair State Prison on June 7; his body was turned over to the county coroner and transported to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy. Tags: death,violence,investigations,facilities Sources: Telfair State Prison inmate dies following fight with fellow inmate, GDC investigates Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Luis Garcia Palacio homicide at Telfair State Prison The AJC's list states Luis Garcia Palacio, 41, died July 28, 2020 of blunt impact injuries to head at Telfair State Prison. Date: 2020-07-28 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Louis Garcia-Palacio died at Telfair State Prison in suspected homicide GDC reported that inmate Louis Garcia-Palacio (GDC # 1039286) died at Telfair State Prison in Helena, Georgia as a suspected homicide, from injuries sustained during an altercation with another inmate on July 28, pronounced deceased by the county coroner at approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 28. Tags: violence,death,investigations,facilities Sources: Inmate Death Under Investigation | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death under investigation [2] - [reported] Telfair inmate Lamar Wilson died June 1, 2024 The AJC's prison homicide list reports Telfair State Prison inmate Lamar Wilson, 32, died June 1, 2024, with GDC saying he died of injuries suffered during a fight (death certificate not in). Date: 2024-06-01 Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [confirmed] Telfair warden stabbed during contraband shakedown The disturbance in which Telfair State Prison's warden was stabbed began when staff were conducting a shakedown to remove contraband from a dorm and those in the dorm refused to comply with the lockdown; an inmate then assaulted the warden with a homemade weapon. Tags: violence,contraband,staffing,facilities Sources: Telfair Co. prison warden stabbed by inmate, authorities say | WSAV-TV - [confirmed] Telfair warden stabbed by incarcerated person in March 2024 The DOJ's October 2024 findings report on Georgia prisons states that in March 2024, the Warden of Telfair State Prison was stabbed by an incarcerated person during a disturbance that arose after a shakedown. Date: 2024-03-01 Tags: violence,staffing,contraband,investigations,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Three inmates injured in gang-related fight at Telfair (WGXA) WGXA reported that three inmates were hurt in a gang-related fight at Telfair State Prison on a Thursday, sent to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, prompting GDC to place all facilities on lockdown. Date: 2026-09-18 Tags: violence,gangs,facilities Sources: 3 inmates injured in gang fight at Telfair State Prison, GDC facilities on lockdown Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Inmate Malindzo Hatcher died after altercation at Telfair GDC confirmed to WGXA that inmate Malindzo Hatcher died in custody at Telfair State Prison on July 21 following an 'altercation with another inmate.' Hatcher was serving time for possession of contraband articles while in jail in Coweta County and had a maximum release date of November 2030. Tags: death,violence,contraband Sources: Telfair State Prison inmate dead after 'altercation' with another, GDC says Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Telfair inmate Zoumana Madiou Sarre died July 5, 2024 The AJC's prison homicide list reports Telfair State Prison inmate Zoumana Madiou Sarre, 23, died July 5, 2024 of multiple sharp force injuries to neck and torso. Date: 2024-07-05 Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Cedric La'Troy Johnson Sr. homicide at Telfair State Prison The AJC's list states Cedric La'Troy Johnson Sr., 35, died March 13, 2020 of strangulation at Telfair State Prison. Date: 2020-03-13 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Incarcerated person died at Telfair after altercation on December 22 The DOJ findings report on Georgia prisons states that on December 22, an incarcerated person at Telfair State Prison died after an altercation with another incarcerated person. Tags: violence,death,investigations,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Telfair, Calhoun, Hancock, Wilcox remained on lockdown Friday afternoon As of Friday afternoon following the September 2026 fight, Telfair and Calhoun state prisons and specific dorms at Hancock and Wilcox prisons remained on lockdown while all other GDC facilities had returned to normal operations. Date: 2026-09-18 Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: 3 inmates injured in gang fight at Telfair State Prison, GDC facilities on lockdown Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Warden stabbed by prisoner during disturbance at Telfair State Prison The warden at Telfair State Prison was stabbed by a prisoner during a disturbance Wednesday, and officers used tear gas to get prisoners under control, according to a Georgia Department of Corrections official. Date: 2024-03-20 Tags: violence,staffing,contraband,facilities Sources: Prisoner stabs warden at understaffed Telfair State Prison in middle Georgia - [reported] Hatcher death investigation referred to GBI crime lab and GDC OPS Malindzo Hatcher's body was turned over to the Telfair County Coroner's Office and transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's crime lab to determine his official cause of death; GDC's Office of Professional Standards is investigating the incident. Tags: death,investigations,violence Sources: Telfair State Prison inmate dead after 'altercation' with another, GDC says Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Telfair inmate Henry Crump died Sept. 2, 2024 The AJC's prison homicide list reports Telfair State Prison inmate Henry Crump died Sept. 2, 2024, with incident report data showing a homicide (death certificate not in). Date: 2024-09-02 Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [confirmed] Telfair SP warden stabbed by inmate (March 2024) Telfair State Prison's warden, Andrew McFarlane, was stabbed by an inmate with a homemade weapon during a disturbance that began when prison staff were conducting a shakedown and those in the dorm refused to comply with the lockdown. A department spokesperson said McFarlane was not seriously injured. Date: 2024-03-01 Tags: violence,staffing,facilities Sources: A Georgia prison warden was stabbed by an inmate, authorities say | Georgia Public Broadcasting; justice.gov: dl - [confirmed] Warden Andrew McFarlane not seriously injured in stabbing Telfair State Prison's warden, Andrew McFarlane, was not seriously injured after an inmate stabbed him at a Georgia prison during a disturbance in which officers used tear gas to regain control. Tags: violence,staffing,facilities Sources: Telfair Co. prison warden stabbed by inmate, authorities say | WSAV-TV - [reported] Aldrich Norval Cain homicide at Telfair State Prison The AJC's list states Aldrich Norval Cain, 26, died April 23, 2020 of multiple stab wounds at Telfair State Prison, with an incident report showing four other inmates involved. Date: 2020-04-23 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] GBI: Telfair inmate Kendall Stevens made bomb threat against Atkinson County school The GBI stated preliminary information indicates Kendall Alfonzo Stevens, age 37, originally from Savannah, Georgia, made a bomb threat against an Atkinson County school; Stevens is currently incarcerated at Telfair State Prison serving a life without parole sentence, and the case file will be given to the Alapaha District Attorney's Office for review. Tags: investigations,legal,operations Sources: GBI Investigates Threat to Atkinson County Schools | Georgia Bureau of Investigation - [reported] Phil Hall reassigned as Telfair SP Warden effective Jan 1, 2016 GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the reassignment of Phil Hall from Warden of Calhoun State Prison to Warden at Telfair State Prison effective January 1, 2016, where he would oversee 305 staff members and 1,408 male inmates. Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: Phil Hall Reassigned to Warden of Telfair State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Telfair SP inmate death after altercation (December 22) The DOJ Civil Rights Division's findings report on Georgia prisons states: "On December 22, an incarcerated person at Telfair State Prison died after an altercation with another incarcerated person." Date: 2024-12-22 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: justice.gov: dl - [reported] Lester James Smith Jr. died in custody at Telfair State Prison WGXA reported that Telfair State Prison inmate Lester James Smith Jr., serving life without parole for a 2008 murder in Cobb County, died while in custody on a Monday, according to GDC. His body was turned over to the Telfair County coroner and transported to the GBI Crime Lab to determine cause of death; the incident was investigated by GDC's Office of Professional Standards. Tags: death,investigations,facilities Sources: Telfair State Prison inmate dies in custody, investigation underway Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Marcus Derrelle Pearson Jr. homicide at Telfair State Prison The AJC's list states Marcus Derrelle Pearson Jr., 28, died May 29, 2020 of multiple stab wounds at Telfair State Prison, with an incident report showing two other inmates involved. Date: 2020-05-29 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] September 2026 Telfair fight contained to one dorm WGXA reported in a story published Friday September 18, 2026, that the gang-related fight at Telfair State Prison involved numerous offenders but was contained to one dorm, and that all GDC facilities were placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. Date: 2026-09-18 Tags: violence,gangs,operations Sources: 3 inmates injured in gang fight at Telfair State Prison, GDC facilities on lockdown Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Prisoner stabbed Warden Andrew McFarlane at Telfair on March 21, 2024 On March 21, 2024, a prisoner stabbed Warden Andrew McFarlane at Telfair State Prison with a homemade knife, and the prison went on lockdown. Date: 2024-03-21 Tags: violence,staffing,operations Sources: Georgia Prisoner Stabs Warden - [reported] Telfair SP inmate serving federal life sentence for gang drug conspiracy The DOJ Civil Rights Division's findings report on Georgia prisons states that "a man incarcerated at Telfair State Prison received a federal sentence of life in prison for his leadership role in a massive, gang-related drug trafficking conspiracy." Tags: gangs,drugs,corruption Sources: justice.gov: dl - [reported] Preston Phelps died after large fight at Telfair State Prison (December) 13WMAZ reported that in December, inmate Preston Phelps died after a large fight at Telfair State Prison. Tags: death,violence,gangs,facilities Sources: Gang fight at Telfair State Prison prompts statewide prison lockdown, GA Department of Corrections says - [reported] Xavier LaMar Warren homicide at Telfair State Prison The AJC's list states Xavier LaMar Warren, 32, died Dec. 28, 2022 of a stab wound to the torso at Telfair State Prison, with an incident report showing four other inmates involved. Date: 2022-12-28 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] Inmate Eric Whitehead died after altercation at Telfair WGXA reported that inmate Eric Whitehead died at Telfair State Prison after an altercation with another inmate; his death remained under investigation by GDC's Office of Professional Standards. Tags: death,violence,investigations,facilities Sources: Telfair State Prison inmate dead following 'altercation' with another prisoner Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Telfair lockdown after warden stabbing; guards deployed tear gas Prison Legal News reported that the entire Telfair State Prison was placed on lockdown after responding guards deployed "less-lethal munitions," which GDC spokesperson Joan Heath clarified meant tear gas, and that no additional injuries were reported and there was only minimal damage. Date: 2024-03-21 Tags: violence,operations,staffing Sources: Georgia Prisoner Stabs Warden - [reported] Jermaine White reassigned as Telfair SP Warden effective July 1, 2020 GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the reassignment of Jermaine White to Warden at Telfair State Prison effective July 1, 2020, where he would be responsible for overseeing approximately 305 staff members and 1,200 close-security male offenders. Date: 2020-07-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: New Warden at Telfair State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden telfair state prison [2] - [reported] Warden McFarlane age and GDC career Andrew McFarlane, the Telfair State Prison warden, was 54 years old, was named warden on July 1, and had a career within the Georgia Department of Corrections spanning more than 25 years. Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Telfair Co. prison warden stabbed by inmate, authorities say | WSAV-TV - [reported] Timothy Wilson fight involved more than a dozen inmates 13WMAZ reported that Telfair State Prison inmate Timothy Wilson died in June after a fight among more than a dozen inmates. Tags: violence,gangs,death,facilities Sources: Gang fight at Telfair State Prison prompts statewide prison lockdown, GA Department of Corrections says - [reported] Telfair incarcerated person received life sentence in gang drug conspiracy DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that a man incarcerated at Telfair State Prison received a federal sentence of life in prison for his leadership role in a massive, gang-related drug trafficking conspiracy, in a separate federal indictment, and that a GDC correctional officer was also sentenced. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: drugs,gangs,corruption,investigations,legal Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Whitehead body sent to GBI Crime Lab for cause of death GDC said Eric Whitehead's body was turned over to the county coroner and would be taken to the GBI's Crime Lab to determine the official cause of death. Tags: death,investigations Sources: Telfair State Prison inmate dead following 'altercation' with another prisoner Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Officer Larry Stell, 46, stabbed and killed at Telfair 41NBC reported that a Georgia Department of Corrections officer, identified as 46-year-old Officer Larry Stell, was stabbed and killed at Telfair State Prison, and that Stell had been with the department since August 2001. Tags: violence,staffing,death Sources: UPDATE: Corrections Officer Dead After Being Stabbed at Telfair State Prison Identified - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT - [reported] Andrew McFarlane promoted to Telfair SP Warden effective July 1, 2023 GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Andrew McFarlane to Warden at Telfair State Prison effective July 1, 2023, where he would be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,408 male offenders. Date: 2023-07-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: New Warden at Telfair State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden telfair state prison [3] - [reported] Fights at Johnson SP and Telfair SP during statewide lockdown During a statewide Georgia Department of Corrections lockdown following a violent night, multiple offenders were involved in fights at Johnson State Prison requiring outside medical transports, and a fight occurred at Telfair State Prison. Tags: violence,facilities,operations Sources: All GDC facilities on lockdown after violent night | WSAV-TV - [reported] Telfair warden Andrew McFarlane stabbed by inmate during contraband search (2024) 13WMAZ reported that in 2024, Andrew McFarlane, the warden of Telfair State Prison, was stabbed by an inmate during a contraband search; he was treated at a hospital. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,staffing,contraband,facilities Sources: Gang fight at Telfair State Prison prompts statewide prison lockdown, GA Department of Corrections says - [reported] Disturbance began during contraband shakedown at Telfair State Prison GDC said the incident began about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday when staff were conducting a shakedown to remove contraband from one dorm, and those in the dorm refused to comply with the lockdown. Date: 2024-03-20 Tags: contraband,violence,operations Sources: Prisoner stabs warden at understaffed Telfair State Prison in middle Georgia - [reported] Telfair SP inmate Henry Crump killed in altercation WGXA reported that GDC said Telfair State Prison inmate Henry Crump was killed during an altercation with another inmate, his body was sent to the GBI's Crime Lab to determine cause of death, and that he was serving a life sentence with parole for a murder case out of Paulding County. The death was being investigated by GDC's Office of Professional Standards. Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Telfair State Prison inmate dies after 'altercation' with another inmate Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility - [reported] Clifford Lawrence Bagley died at Telfair, GDC initially claimed unknown cause The Appeal reported that Clifford Lawrence Bagley died at Telfair State Prison in May 2023, and GDC initially claimed it did not know what killed Bagley. Date: 2023-05-01 Tags: death,investigations,violence Sources: Georgia Prisons Cover Up Murders - [reported] Cathy Lewis reassigned as Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at Telfair SP GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the reassignment of Cathy Lewis from Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at Rogers State Prison to Telfair State Prison effective September 16, 2015. Date: 2015-09-16 Tags: staffing,medical Sources: New Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment Named at Telfair State Priso | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] James NeSmith sentenced to consecutive life for meth conspiracy at Telfair James D. NeSmith, an inmate serving life in prison for murder at Telfair State Prison, was sentenced to a consecutive term of life in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, in the Southern District of Georgia. Tags: drugs,corruption,investigations,legal Sources: