GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Valdosta State Prison: the public record, 2015 to 2026 ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-10-22 04:27:14 EDT Research Date: 2026-10-21 Topic: Valdosta State Prison (Valdosta): capacity, deaths and violence, prosecutions, lawsuits, staffing, money and audits JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/valdosta-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, 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. STATISTICS (79) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GSFIC 2022 bond list: $167.65M statewide prison transformation, no VSP named The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission's 2022A/2022B general obligation bond project list includes a statewide line for 'FY 2023 Property acquisition, design, construction, and equipment for state prison facility transformation project' funded at $167,650,000 under the Georgia Building Authority, not naming Valdosta State Prison or any specific facility. Value: 167650000.0 USD Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: Project Funding (gsfic.georgia.gov) - [reported] VSP incarcerated-person-to-security-staff ratio of 144:1 SCHR's letter states the seven-officer roster's ratio amounted to an incarcerated-person-to-security-staff ratio of 144:1, and a security staff vacancy rate of more than 93 percent. Value: 144.0 incarcerated persons per security staff Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] SCHR: CO vacancy rate at VSP over 73 percent as of May 2026 A letter from the Southern Center for Human Rights states that as of May 2026, the correctional officer vacancy rate at Valdosta State Prison was over 73 percent. Value: 73.0 percent Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,investigations Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Valdosta State Prison homicides 2021-2023 Valdosta State Prison had two homicides in all of 2023, two in 2022, and none in 2021, according to death certificate data and GDC records cited by the AJC. Value: 2.0 homicides Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] VSP security staff vacancy rate more than 93 percent SCHR's letter states that the seven-officer roster reflected a security staff vacancy rate of more than 93 percent at VSP. Value: 93.0 percent Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Valdosta State Prison homicides first half of 2024 Valdosta State Prison saw four homicides in the first half of 2024, identified by the AJC as Rufus Lane (killed in January), Ricky Harris (February), Melvin Towns (April), and Shane Griffith (May). Value: 4.0 homicides (vs. 2 homicides in all of 2023) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] AFY2021/FY2022 Governor's Budget: $15.625M DOC safety/security bonds, no VSP named The AFY2021/FY2022 Governor's Budget Report's Safe Georgia bond section lists '$15,625,000 in bond funds for safety and security enhancements' for the Department of Corrections, not naming Valdosta State Prison or any specific facility. Value: 15625000.0 USD Tags: budget,policy Sources: The Governor’ (opb.georgia.gov) - [reported] 30 to 85 percent of VSP housing units reportedly lack adequate lighting SCHR's letter states that anywhere between 30 and 85 percent of the housing units at VSP reportedly lack adequate lighting. Value: 30.0 percent (lower bound) (vs. 85 upper bound percent) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] GDC official VSP vacancy rates: 73% COs, 68% security, 62% all staff SCHR's letter states that GDC's official figures reflect vacancy rates at VSP of 73 percent for correctional officers, 68 percent for all security staff, and 62 percent for all staff. Value: 73.0 percent correctional officer vacancy (vs. 68 percent all security staff vacancy) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Valdosta State Prison correctional officer positions filled as of April 2024 As of April 2024, GDC data showed that only 43 of 222 correctional officer positions were filled at Valdosta State Prison, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Value: 43.0 filled positions (vs. 222 total correctional officer positions) Date: 2024-04-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] Valdosta State Prison staff and offender count (2016) As Warden, Stanley Williams would oversee 419 staff members and 1,312 close security male offenders at Valdosta State Prison. Value: 419.0 staff members (vs. 1312 close security male offenders) Date: 2016-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden valdosta state prison [5] - [reported] VSP facility capacity 1312 GDC's facility page for Valdosta State Prison lists capacity as 1312, constructed 1988/1956, opened 1989/1959, security level close, renovated 1989, population adult male felons. Value: 1312.0 beds Tags: facilities,capacity Sources: Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] VSP correctional officer vacancy rate over 73 percent as of May 2026 SCHR's letter states that as of May 2026, the correctional officer vacancy rate at VSP was over 73 percent. Value: 73.0 percent Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Seven officers supervised more than 1,000 incarcerated people across 114 posts SCHR's letter states that seven individuals on a VSP roster were charged with supervising more than 1,000 incarcerated people across 114 staff posts. Value: 7.0 officers (vs. 1000 incarcerated people supervised) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Valdosta State Prison correctional officer vacancy rate as of April 2024 As of April 2024, 80% of the correctional officer positions were vacant at Valdosta State Prison, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Value: 80.0 percent Date: 2024-04-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] Lowndes-Troupeville Prison Branch figure (FY1962) The Georgia Board of Corrections annual report for FY1962 lists the Lowndes-Troupeville Prison Branch, Valdosta, Georgia with a figure of 90 in a facility table alongside other prison branches. Value: 90.0 inmates (figure in facility table) Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: Board of Corrections annual report July 1, 1961 - June 30, 1962 - [reported] GDC May 2026 vacancy rates at VSP: 73% COs, 68% security staff, 62% all staff SCHR's letter states that GDC's official figures from May 2026 reflect vacancy rates at VSP of 73 percent for correctional officers, 68 percent for all security staff, and 62 percent for all staff. Value: 73.0 percent (correctional officers) (vs. 68 percent (all security staff)) Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] 25 deaths at VSP between January 1, 2025 and August 13, 2026 SCHR's letter states that between January 1, 2025, and August 13, 2026, 25 people died at VSP. Value: 25.0 deaths Tags: death,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] VSP warden role oversaw 416 staff and 1,186 medium and close security offenders (2023) The GDC press release on Ralph Shropshire's promotion to Warden at Valdosta State Prison states he would be responsible for overseeing 416 staff and 1,186 medium and close security offenders. Value: 1186.0 offenders (vs. 416 staff overseen) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,demographics Sources: GDC Press Release: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison (February 23, 2023) - [reported] Capital Outlay Project at Lowndes-Troupeville Prison Branch (1964) A Georgia State Board of Corrections annual report records a Capital Outlay Project at the Lowndes-Troupeville Prison Branch, Valdosta, Georgia with a total project cost of $2,098.48. Value: 2098.48 USD Tags: budget,facilities Sources: Annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly from July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1964 [June 30, 1964] - [reported] AFY2025 capital bill: only Valdosta line is $1.5M Willis L. Miller Library, not VSP The only 'Valdosta' line item in the AFY2025 Capital Projects and Bonds bill is $1,500,000 for major repairs to the Willis L. Miller Library in Valdosta, Lowndes County; it does not name Valdosta State Prison. Value: 1500000.0 USD Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget,legislation Sources: HB 67 (FY 2025A) - Capital Projects and Bonds Governor House - [reported] Weekend roster: 7 staff supervising over 1,000 people across 114 posts (144:1 ratio, >93% security vacancy) SCHR's letter states that a weekend roster showed seven individuals charged with supervising more than 1,000 incarcerated people across 114 staff posts, amounting to an incarcerated-person-to-security-staff ratio of 144:1 and a security staff vacancy rate of more than 93 percent. Value: 144.0 incarcerated persons per security staff (vs. 93 percent security staff vacancy (minimum)) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] At least 14 of 25 VSP decedents aged 40 or below SCHR's letter states that at least 14 of the men who died at VSP were aged 40 or below. Value: 14.0 deaths (vs. 25 total deaths) Tags: death,demographics Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] GDC statewide correctional officer turnover 49% GDC had a 49% turnover rate among correctional officers, statewide. Value: 49.0 percent Tags: staffing Sources: Corrections commissioner: 49% staff turnover in Georgia prisons, Valdosta Daily Times, January 2022 - [reported] VSP warden role oversaw approximately 1,163 male offenders (2024) The GDC press release on Roy Odum's reassignment states that as Warden he would be responsible for overseeing all staff members and approximately 1,163 male offenders at Valdosta State Prison. Value: 1163.0 male offenders Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Valdosta State Prison two-year maintenance expenditures FY10-FY11 A State Auditor special examination on Maintenance of State Prisons reported FY10-FY11 two-year total maintenance expenditures at Valdosta State Prison of $1,616,672.14, of which 79.1% was in-house and 20.9% contractor. Value: 1616672.14 USD Tags: budget,facilities Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02) - [reported] GDC CO vacancy rate FY22 55.31%, FY23 54.47% GDC's statewide Correctional Officers Vacancy rate was 55.31% in FY22 and 54.47% in FY23. Value: 55.31 percent (vs. 54.47 FY23 vacancy rate) Tags: staffing Sources: FY23 Annual Report - [reported] Valdosta State Prison facility characteristics from 2012 audit A State Auditor special examination on Maintenance of State Prisons listed Valdosta State Prison with a gross square footage of 397,925, a physical capacity of 1,510, 8 maintenance staff, a security level of Close, and a facility age of 23 years, in the Southwest region. Value: 1510.0 beds Date: 2012-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02) - [reported] VSP warden role oversaw approximately 1,184 male offenders (2025) The GDC press release on Curtis Carter's promotion states that as Warden he would be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,184 male offenders at Valdosta State Prison. Value: 1184.0 male offenders Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: GDC Press Release: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison (July 10, 2025) - [reported] PREA audit cycle 2: facility description and mental health population A PREA audit described Valdosta State Prison as a close security prison housing a capacity of 1159 male offenders, including a mental health population of approximately 600 during the audit period. Value: 1159.0 capacity (vs. 600 mental health population (approx.)) Tags: mental_health,facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Valdosta SP Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 2: standards exceeded and met A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison recorded Number of Standards Exceeded: 2 (standards 115.51 and 115.87) and Number of Standards Met: 43. Value: 2.0 standards exceeded (vs. 43 standards met) Tags: legal,policy Sources: PREA Valdosta SP Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 2: standards not met A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison recorded Number of Standards Not Met: 0. Value: 0.0 standards not met Tags: legal,policy Sources: PREA Valdosta SP Audit Cycle 2 - [confirmed] GDC systemwide CO vacancy rate around 50%, over 70% at ten largest facilities GDC's systemwide correctional officer vacancy rate was around 50%, and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities, according to the DOJ findings report on Georgia prisons. Value: 50.0 percent (vs. 70 percent vacancy at ten largest facilities) Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] PREA audit cycle 2: designated capacity and current population A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison listed Designated Facility Capacity as 1159 and Current Population of the Facility as 1013. Value: 1159.0 designated capacity (vs. 1013 current population) Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Valdosta SP Audit Cycle 2 - [confirmed] ModCorr Units add 524 beds across four facilities GDC's press release says ModCorr Units added 524 beds through installation of ModCorr MaxMod modular housing units at four facilities, plus one modular Medical Intensive Infirmary unit. Value: 524.0 beds Tags: facilities,operations,medical Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Opens New Modular Housing Units | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] VSP Deputy Warden of Security role oversaw 1,185 male offenders (2025) The GDC press release on Delisha Bryant's promotion states that as Deputy Warden of Security she is responsible for overseeing staff members and 1,185 male offenders at Valdosta State Prison. Value: 1185.0 male offenders Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: GDC Press Release: New Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison (March 27, 2025) - [confirmed] GDC average CO vacancy rate 2021-2023 GDC's average correctional officer vacancy rate systemwide was 49.3% in 2021, 56.3% in 2022, and 52.5% in 2023, per the DOJ findings report. Value: 52.5 percent (vs. 49.3 percent in 2021) Tags: staffing,trend Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] PREA audit cycle 2: physical plant details A PREA audit lists Valdosta State Prison's physical plant as 17 buildings, with 2 single cell housing units, 10 multiple occupancy cell housing units, 4 open bay/dorm housing units, and 161 segregation cells. Value: 17.0 buildings (vs. 161 segregation cells) Tags: facilities,solitary Sources: PREA Valdosta SP Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] GDC CO vacancy rate FY23 54.47%, FY24 50.92% GDC's statewide Correctional Officers Vacancy rate was 54.47% in FY23 and 50.92% in FY24. Value: 54.47 percent (vs. 50.92 FY24 vacancy rate) Tags: staffing Sources: FY24 Annual Report - [reported] SCHR: 25 people died at VSP between January 2025 and August 2026 The Southern Center for Human Rights says 25 people died at Valdosta State Prison between January 2025 and August 2026, according to AJC reporting. Value: 25.0 deaths Tags: death,conditions,investigations Sources: AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report - [confirmed] 18 GDC prisons over 60% CO vacancy in December 2023 By December 2023, the correctional officer vacancy rate was over 60% at 18 medium- and close-security prisons, and ten of these prisons had vacancy rates above 70%, per the DOJ findings report. Value: 18.0 prisons (vs. 10 prisons above 70% vacancy) Date: 2023-12-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] PREA audit cycle 2: housing unit bed counts A PREA audit describes Valdosta State Prison as consisting of 10 general population housing units with 500 beds, six mental health units with 264 beds, twenty-five isolation beds, 12 acute care unit beds and four crisis stabilization unit beds, with the Annex having 554 general population beds. Value: 500.0 general population beds (vs. 264 mental health beds) Tags: facilities,mental_health,medical Sources: PREA Valdosta SP Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 2: staff employed and hired A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison reported the number of staff currently employed by the facility who may have contact with inmates as 289, and the number of staff hired by the facility during the past 12 months who may have contact with inmates as 161, with Shawn Emmons as Warden. Value: 289.0 staff currently employed (vs. 161 staff hired in past 12 months) Tags: staffing Sources: PREA Valdosta SP Audit Cycle 2 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: designed capacity and current population A later PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison recorded designed facility capacity of 1060 and current population of 841. Value: 1060.0 designed capacity (vs. 841 current population) Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 3 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: standards exceeded A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison recorded Number of standards exceeded: 2. Value: 2.0 standards exceeded Tags: legal,policy Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 3 - [reported] 13 of 15 interviewed reported seeing people held in cages for days to weeks SCHR's letter states that 13 of the 15 individuals with whom it spoke reported seeing other incarcerated people at VSP in a holding cage for some amount of time, anywhere from two to three days to two to three weeks. Value: 13.0 of 15 interviewed Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,solitary Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: standards met and not met A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison recorded Number of standards met: 43 and Number of standards not met: 0. Value: 43.0 standards met Tags: legal,policy Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 3 - [reported] Potential expansion of 200 beds at Valdosta State Prison A State Auditor report on GDC listed a potential facility expansion at Valdosta State Prison of 200 beds, male, medium security, operating status, at a projected cost to increase of $1 million. Value: 200.0 beds Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: facilities,budget Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] GDC CO vacancy rate FY23 54.47%, FY24 50.92%, FY25 47.24% GDC's statewide Correctional Officer Vacancy rate was 54.47% in FY23, 50.92% in FY24, and 47.24% in FY25. Value: 47.24 percent (vs. 54.47 FY23 vacancy rate) Tags: staffing,trend Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] Valdosta State Prison FY18 average bed counts A State Auditor report on GDC listed Valdosta State Prison, male, Close risk level, with an average standard bed count of 778, average special-use bed count of 269, and average physical bed count of 1,047. Value: 1047.0 beds Tags: facilities Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] FY25 budget highlights: $114.73M locking control systems, $100.0M capital outlay GDC's FY25 Annual Report lists 'Budget Highlights for FY25' including 'Locking Control Systems and Support: Locking control systems design and construction, locking control systems tiger team, modular correctional units' at $114,730,817, and 'Capital Outlay: Vehicle replacements; new Washington State Prison furniture, fixtures, and equipment; design for new state prison' at $100,003,375. Value: 114730817.0 USD (vs. 100003375 Capital Outlay (USD)) Tags: budget,facilities Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] 1,013 people incarcerated at VSP on June 1, 2026 SCHR's letter states that on June 1, 2026 there were 1,013 people incarcerated at VSP. Value: 1013.0 people Date: 2026-06-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: staff currently employed A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison reported the number of staff currently employed at the facility who may have contact with inmates as 300. Value: 300.0 staff currently employed Tags: staffing Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 3 - [reported] FY25 emergency maintenance and major repairs: $76.93M GDC's FY25 Annual Report lists 'Emergency Maintenance, Major Repairs & Support: Capital maintenance and repairs, facility maintenance personnel and regional support, project management resources, skilled craftsmen' at $76,932,752. Value: 76932752.0 USD Tags: budget,facilities Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] Operation Skyhawk confiscated 87 drones, 273 cell phones, 51 lbs ecstasy, 12 lbs meth Governor Kemp said in a news release that Operation Skyhawk had netted 150 arrests and imposed 1,000 criminal charges against inmates, officers and civilians, with investigators confiscating $7 million worth of goods including 87 drones, 273 contraband cell phones, 51 pounds of ecstasy and 12 pounds of meth. Value: 87.0 drones Tags: contraband,drugs,investigations Sources: 7 officers arrested in Georgia are now accused in contraband scheme run by Valdosta prisoner, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 1, 2024 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: total staff including full- and part-time The same PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison separately reported the total number of staff, including both full- and part-time staff, employed by the facility as of the first day of the onsite portion of the audit as 233. Value: 233.0 total staff Tags: staffing Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 3 - [reported] VSP population 983; 87% violent offenses, 60% validated gang members According to GDC, of the 983 inmates inside Valdosta State Prison, approximately 87% are convicted of violent offenses and 60% have been identified as validated gang members. Value: 983.0 inmates (vs. 87 percent convicted of violent offenses) Date: 2025-09-01 Tags: demographics,gangs,violence,facilities Sources: 2 VSP inmates hospitalized following separate attacks, 1 dies from injuries - [reported] 1,013 people incarcerated at VSP on June 1, 2026 SCHR's October 1, 2026 press release states that on June 1, 2026 there were 1,013 people incarcerated at VSP. Value: 1013.0 people Date: 2026-06-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice. - [reported] GDC staffing report June 5, 2026 shows seven people on shift at VSP SCHR's letter states that a GDC staffing report from June 5, 2026 shows seven people on shift at VSP. Value: 7.0 people on shift Date: 2026-06-05 Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Only 43 of 222 correctional officer positions filled at VSP as of April 2024 As of April 2024, GDC data showed only 43 of 222 correctional officer positions were filled at Valdosta State Prison, which houses more than 1,100 men. Value: 43.0 correctional officer positions filled (vs. 222 total correctional officer positions) Date: 2024-04-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,investigations Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: staffing breakdown The same PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison listed a staffing breakdown for the facility of Security Staff 315, Administrative Staff 37, Food Services 16, Care and Treatment 32, Contract Mental Health 21, Contract Medical 36, Part-time Dentist 2, and Dental Hygienist 1. Value: 315.0 security staff Tags: staffing,medical,mental_health Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 3 - [reported] VSP physical capacity 1510, operational capacity 1326 A GDC Facility descriptions document lists Valdosta State Prison & Annex as constructed 1988/1958, with physical capacity 1510 and operational capacity 1326, opened 1989/1958. Value: 1510.0 beds (vs. 1326 operational capacity) Tags: facilities,capacity Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] As few as 7 officers on duty at VSP during first weekend of June 2026 SCHR's October 1, 2026 press release states that GDC's own staffing reports showed no more than 15 and as few as 7 officers on duty on any given shift during the first weekend of June 2026 at VSP. Value: 7.0 officers (vs. 15 maximum officers on duty) Date: 2026-06-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice. - [reported] VSP houses more than 1,100 men (April 2024) As of April 2024, Valdosta State Prison housed more than 1,100 men, per AJC reporting citing GDC data. Value: 1100.0 men Date: 2024-04-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: designed capacity and current population A later PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison recorded designed facility capacity of 1319 and current population of 1245. Value: 1319.0 designed capacity (vs. 1245 current population) Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: GDC, PREA Valdosta SP - Audit (Cycle 4) - [reported] FY2027 GDC major repairs capital request The FY2027 Georgia capital project request list shows a statewide GDC line "Major Repairs - MEP, Water/Wastewater, Paving, Building, Roof" at 95,747,000, not naming Valdosta State Prison or any specific facility. Value: 95747000.0 USD Tags: budget Sources: FY 2027 Capital Projects by Agency - [reported] VSP bed breakdown: 500 GP, 264 mental health, 25 isolation, 12 acute care, 4 crisis stabilization A GDC Facility descriptions document states Valdosta State Prison consists of 10 General Population units with 500 beds, six Mental Health units with 264 beds, 25 Isolation beds plus 12 Acute Care Unit beds and four Crisis Stabilization Unit beds; the Annex contains 554 General Population beds, of which 100 are designated as Residential Substance Abuse Center beds. Value: 500.0 beds Tags: facilities,capacity,mental_health,solitary Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] GDC classified ~12 VSP deaths as alleged homicides and 6 as alleged suicides SCHR's letter states that the GDC's incident reports about most of the deaths at VSP are heavily redacted, so complete information is unavailable, but based on the limited information provided, the GDC classified approximately 12 of the deaths as alleged homicides and 6 as alleged suicides. Value: 12.0 deaths classified as alleged homicides (vs. 6 deaths classified as alleged suicides) Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Four homicides at VSP in first half of 2024 Valdosta State Prison saw four homicides in the first half of 2024: Rufus Lane (killed in January), Ricky Harris (February), Melvin Towns (April), and Shane Griffith (May). Value: 4.0 homicides Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 4: standards exceeded, met, not met GDC's PREA Facility Audit Report for Valdosta State Prison, final report submitted 01/03/2025, found 0 standards exceeded, 45 standards met, and 0 standards not met. Value: 0.0 standards exceeded (vs. 45 standards met) Date: 2025-01-03 Tags: legal,policy Sources: GDC, PREA Valdosta SP - Audit (Cycle 4) - [reported] FY2027 GDC security systems capital request The FY2027 Georgia capital project request list shows a statewide GDC line "Security Systems & Life Safety" at 95,837,800, not naming Valdosta State Prison or any specific facility. Value: 95837800.0 USD Tags: budget Sources: FY 2027 Capital Projects by Agency - [reported] PREA audit cycle 5: designed capacity and current population The most recent PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison recorded designed facility capacity of 1339 and current population of 1197. Value: 1339.0 designed capacity (vs. 1197 current population) Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 5 - [reported] 13 of 15 interviewed people saw others held in VSP cages for 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks SCHR's letter states that 13 of the 15 individuals with whom it spoke reported seeing other incarcerated people at VSP in a holding cage for some amount of time, anywhere from two to three days to two to three weeks. Value: 13.0 individuals (of 15 interviewed) (vs. 15 total individuals interviewed) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,solitary,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] PREA audit cycle 5: standards exceeded A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison recorded Number of standards exceeded: 1. Value: 1.0 standards exceeded Tags: legal,policy Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 5 - [reported] Valdosta State Prison mental health grievances increased 310% from 2002 to 2003 The State Auditor's Inmate Health Care report found that from 2002 to 2003, Valdosta State Prison mental health services grievances increased 310% (from 10 to 41 per 1,000 inmates), and that the facility failed its fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2004 clinical audits. Value: 310.0 percent Tags: mental_health,medical Sources: Performance (audits.ga.gov) - [reported] Valdosta State Prison listed with 200 beds in 2018 expansion plan A Georgia Department of Corrections potential facility expansion plan listed in a State Auditor's Special Examination report shows Valdosta State Prison, 200 beds, Male, Medium security, Operating status, with a projected cost to increase of $1 million. Value: 200.0 beds Date: 2018-12-01 Tags: facilities,budget Sources: Special Examination Report No. 18-12 December 2018, downloadFile - [reported] GDC classified approximately 12 VSP deaths as alleged homicides and 6 as alleged suicides SCHR's letter states that based on GDC's incident reports, GDC classified approximately 12 of the deaths at VSP as alleged homicides and 6 as alleged suicides. Value: 12.0 alleged homicides (vs. 6 alleged suicides) Tags: death,violence,mental_health Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] AJC lists 11 homicides at Valdosta State Prison The AJC's list of Georgia prison homicides, under the heading 'Valdosta State Prison: 11 homicides,' lists DyLance Montex Lampkin, age 41, died July 30, 2023, of multiple stab wounds to torso, and Quoesent Lamont Bostwick, age 35, died July 31, 2023, of homicide with death certificate not in. Value: 11.0 homicides Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system - [reported] 2025 GDC auditors checked 106 locks, found 72 (68%) non-compliant SCHR's letter states that in 2025 GDC auditors "checked 106 locks" and found that 72, or 68 percent, were "non-compliant." Value: 72.0 non-compliant locks (vs. 106 locks checked) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP LEGAL FACTS (25) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] SCHR letter of concern on unconstitutional conditions at Valdosta State Prison The Southern Center for Human Rights issued a letter of concern dated October 1, 2026, regarding unconstitutional conditions at Valdosta State Prison (VSP). The letter was signed by Alison Ganem, Attorney, and copied to Bryan Wilson, General Counsel of the Georgia Department of Corrections; Lauren Curry, Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Brian Kemp; and Senator John Albers, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Safety. Date: 2026-10-01 Tags: conditions,legal,facilities,investigations Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] Warden Don Blakely motion for summary judgment in Maree v. Richardson In Maree v. Richardson, defendant Warden Don Blakely moved for summary judgment on August 6, 2021, supported by exhibits including deposition excerpts of Blakely, Igou, Maree, and Spiva, incident reports, and GDC progress notes. Date: 2021-08-06 Tags: legal,policy Sources: MAREE V RICHARDSON, 2021-12-07 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Court dismissed denial of access and deliberate indifference claims in Maree v. Richardson In an order memorializing a hearing, the court dismissed without prejudice the plaintiffs' denial of access to the courts claim as to all defendants and dismissed without prejudice the deliberate indifference claim against Richardson, dismissing Richardson from the case. Date: 2021-12-07 Tags: legal Sources: MAREE V RICHARDSON, 2021-12-07 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] SCHR requests GDC response by October 30, 2026 SCHR's letter states it respectfully requests a response from GDC by October 30, 2026. Date: 2026-10-30 Tags: legal,policy Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] $2.2 million settlement for death of Jenna Mitchell at Valdosta State Prison CNN reported that Georgia's prison system agreed to pay $2.2 million to the family of a transgender woman whose suicide threats were ignored at Valdosta State Prison, in a settlement described as one of the biggest wrongful death settlements in the history of Georgia's prison system. Tags: legal,death,mental_health,facilities Sources: Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation; Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation | ACLU of Georgia - [confirmed] Nobles v. VSP dismissed without prejudice (Aug. 2024) The docket for Nobles v. Valdosta State Prison, a multi-plaintiff prisoner prison-conditions case under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, shows the complaint was dismissed without prejudice because it did not appear the claims would be barred by the statute of limitations if refiled. Ordered by US District Judge W. Louis Sands on 8/13/2024. Date: 2024-08-14 Tags: legal,conditions Sources: NOBLES v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2024-08-14 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Keyes v. VSP dismissed without prejudice for failure to prosecute (Mar. 2026) The docket for Keyes v. Valdosta State Prison shows the case was dismissed without prejudice for the plaintiff's failure to follow the court's orders and prosecute the action. Ordered by US District Judge W. Louis Sands on 3/9/2026. Date: 2026-03-10 Tags: legal Sources: KEYES v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2026-03-10 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] DOJ confirmed Valdosta State Prison within scope of civil rights investigation The U.S. Justice Department confirmed that Valdosta State Prison was within the scope of its civil rights investigation into Georgia prisons. Tags: investigations,legal,facilities Sources: Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation | ACLU of Georgia - [confirmed] Kersaint v. VSP dismissed as duplicative (May 2025) The docket for Kersaint v. Valdosta State Prison shows the case was dismissed as duplicative. Ordered by US District Judge W. Louis Sands on 5/14/2025. Date: 2025-05-14 Tags: legal Sources: KERSAINT v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2025-05-14, 70243197 - [reported] PREA audit cycle 3: standard 115.11 exceeds standard A PREA audit of Valdosta State Prison gave standard 115.11 (zero tolerance of sexual abuse and sexual harassment, PREA coordinator) an Auditor Overall Determination of Exceeds Standard. Tags: legal,policy Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 3 - [reported] Prior six-figure wrongful death payout was $1.2 million in 2016 for Thomas M. Fitzgerald Before the Jenna Mitchell settlement, the last six-figure wrongful-death payout in a Georgia prisoner's case was $1.2 million in 2016, for the December 1999 death of Thomas M. Fitzgerald, who died while strapped to a bed in an isolated cell. Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: legal,death,solitary Sources: Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation | ACLU of Georgia - [confirmed] Duplicate Kersaint filing terminated; declaration docketed in 7:25-cv-38-WLS-ALS A duplicate Kersaint v. Valdosta State Prison filing was terminated and its declaration ordered docketed instead in the earlier case Kersaint v. Valdosta State Prison, 7:25-cv-38-WLS-ALS, filed March 27, 2025. Date: 2025-05-14 Tags: legal Sources: KERSAINT v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2025-05-14, 69938947 - [confirmed] Neal v. VSP dismissed without prejudice after prior warning (Feb. 2025) The docket for Neal v. Valdosta State Prison shows the action was dismissed without prejudice because the plaintiff again failed to comply with the court's orders and instructions after a prior warning. Ordered by US District Judge W. Louis Sands on 2/14/2025. Date: 2025-02-18 Tags: legal Sources: NEAL v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2025-02-18 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Kersaint v. Daniel court order September 2025 In Kersaint v. Daniel, the court directed service on Defendant Lt. Daniel and terminated Defendants Valdosta State Prison and Valdosta Georgia from the case. Date: 2025-09-15 Tags: legal,facilities Sources: KERSAINT v. DANIEL, 2025-09-15 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] Parker v. VSP dismissed without prejudice (Feb. 2024) The docket for Parker v. Valdosta State Prison shows the complaint was dismissed without prejudice by a judgment entered in February 2024. Ordered by US District Judge Hugh Lawson on 2/23/2024. Date: 2024-02-23 Tags: legal Sources: PARKER v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2024-02-23 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] SCHR requests GDC response by October 30, 2026 SCHR's letter requests a response from GDC officials by October 30, 2026, calling the matter urgent and asking for immediate remedial action. Date: 2026-10-30 Tags: legal,policy Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] Cainion v. VSP: show-cause order on failure to serve (Apr. 2017) The Cainion court ordered plaintiffs to show cause by May 29, 2017 why the case should not be dismissed as to the remaining defendants for failure to serve, in an order entered 4/28/2017 by US District Judge Hugh Lawson. Date: 2017-04-28 Tags: legal Sources: CAINION v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2017-04-28 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Maree v. Richardson dismissed (2021) The Maree v. Richardson case over a Valdosta State Prison inmate's suicide ended in a judgment dismissing the case following a stipulation of dismissal filed by plaintiffs Jeff Spiva and Sheba Maree. The order was by US District Judge W. Louis Sands on 12/7/2021. Date: 2021-12-07 Tags: legal,death,mental_health Sources: MAREE V RICHARDSON, 2021-12-07 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] SCHR lists cells regularly exceeding 100 degrees with no AC among unlawful conditions SCHR's letter lists among the unlawful conditions at VSP living in a cell where the temperature regularly exceeded 100 degrees with no air conditioning or other cooling mechanisms available. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,legal Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] SCHR lists mold- or vermin-infested cells among unlawful conditions at VSP SCHR's letter lists among the unlawful conditions at VSP living in a mold- or vermin-infested cell. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,legal Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] GDC Incident Report No. 440771 dated May 23, 2026 obtained via Open Records Act SCHR's letter cites a GDC incident report, No. 440771, dated May 23, 2026, obtained via the Open Records Act. Date: 2026-05-23 Tags: legal,investigations Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] GDC Monthly Mortality Reports January 2025 to August 2026 obtained via Open Records Act SCHR's letter cites GDC's Monthly Mortality Reports covering January 2025 to August 2026, obtained via the Open Records Act. Tags: death,legal Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] GDC Inmate Statistical Profile All Active Inmates June 1, 2026 SCHR's letter cites GDC's Inmate Statistical Profile: All Active Inmates at 33, dated June 1, 2026. Date: 2026-06-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] GDC VSP staffing roster VSP_Roster_6.5.8___13.26 pages 1-9 obtained via Open Records Act SCHR's letter cites a GDC VSP staffing roster titled "VSP_Roster_6.5.8___13.26," covering pages 1-9, obtained via the Open Records Act. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,legal Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] GDC Vacancy Rates for Select Job Types February-May 2026 page 8 obtained via Open Records Act SCHR's letter cites a GDC document titled "Vacancy_Rates_for_Select_Job_Types_February_-May_2026" at page 8, obtained via the Open Records Act. Tags: staffing,legal Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP CASE DETAILS (79) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Inmate Sinjuan Harmon killed at Valdosta State Prison Valdosta Daily Times reported that Sinjuan Harmon, 54, was serving 20 years for armed robbery with a release date of 2043, and had a lengthy criminal record involving aggravated assault and armed robbery. He was killed in an 'altercation' at Valdosta State Prison. Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Inmate killed in ‘altercation’ at Valdosta State Prison | Valdosta Daily Times - [reported] SCHR letter copied to GDC General Counsel Bryan Wilson The October 1, 2026 SCHR letter of concern regarding Valdosta State Prison was copied to Bryan Wilson, General Counsel of the Georgia Department of Corrections. Date: 2026-10-01 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Five VSP officers arrested in Operation Skyhawk Five Valdosta State Prison officers were among 150 suspects arrested during a probe into a multi-state criminal operation involving contraband in Georgia prisons; all five were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, with other charges ranging from sexual assault by persons with authority to trading with inmates. Tags: corruption,contraband,investigations,staffing Sources: Five Valdosta State Prison officers arrested - [reported] Mother disputes GDC account of Kristopher Sweat's death Sweat's mother told the Valdosta Daily Times that her son had told her he was stabbed over getting the wrong socks while doing other inmates' laundry and had also reported being beaten before the stabbing, while GDC said in a statement there were no visible signs of trauma such as a stabbing. Tags: violence,death,investigations Sources: Latest death in Valdosta prison: Mother wants to know: Why did my inmate son die? | Valdosta Daily Times - [reported] Stanley Williams reassigned as Warden of Valdosta State Prison GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the reassignment of Stanley Williams to Warden of Valdosta State Prison, effective August 1, 2016. As Warden, Williams would oversee 419 staff members and 1,312 close security male offenders. Date: 2016-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,operations Sources: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden valdosta state prison [5] - [reported] SCHR letter copied to Governor Kemp's Chief of Staff Lauren Curry The October 1, 2026 SCHR letter of concern regarding Valdosta State Prison was copied to Lauren Curry, Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Brian Kemp. Date: 2026-10-01 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Inmate William Springer stabbed at VSP, died Sept. 16, 2025 WALB reported that inmate William Springer was stabbed in his face and head inside Valdosta State Prison and later died at the hospital on Sept. 16, 2025. Date: 2025-09-16 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: 2 VSP inmates hospitalized following separate attacks, 1 dies from injuries - [reported] Youngest VSP decedent (21) not found until two days after death The Southern Center for Human Rights press release states that the Lowndes County Coroner determined that the youngest of the men who died at Valdosta State Prison, who was only 21 years old, was not found until two days after he died. Tags: death,conditions,investigations Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice. - [reported] SCHR letter copied to Senator John Albers, Senate Public Safety Chairman The October 1, 2026 SCHR letter of concern regarding Valdosta State Prison was copied to Senator John Albers, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Safety. Date: 2026-10-01 Tags: legal,conditions,facilities,policy Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Four inmates suspected in Sept. 18, 2025 attack on Jamall Mathis at VSP WALB reported that GDC officials believed four inmates were involved in attacking Valdosta State Prison inmate Jamall Mathis on Sept. 18, 2025, and if found responsible they would face aggravated battery charges. Date: 2025-09-18 Tags: violence,facilities,investigations Sources: 2 VSP inmates hospitalized following separate attacks, 1 dies from injuries - [confirmed] Four former VSP officers sentenced Sept. 21, 2022 for beating handcuffed inmate and cover-up On September 21, 2022, four former supervisory and deputy correctional officers at Valdosta State Prison were sentenced in federal court in the Middle District of Georgia for their roles in orchestrating, administering, and then seeking to conceal the beating of a handcuffed inmate in their custody. Date: 2022-09-21 Tags: corruption,violence,investigations,legal Sources: Four Former Georgia Correctional Officers Sentenced for Assaults on Inmate and Cover-Up (DOJ Office of Public Affairs) - [confirmed] Ralph Shropshire promoted to Warden at VSP effective March 1, 2023 GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Ralph Shropshire to Warden at Valdosta State Prison effective March 1, 2023. Date: 2023-03-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,operations Sources: GDC Press Release: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison (February 23, 2023) - [reported] VSP lieutenant Lyric Oliver charged with oath violation and trading with inmates The AJC reported that Lyric Oliver, a lieutenant at Valdosta State Prison, is charged with violating her oath as an officer and trading with inmates after allegedly receiving three payments totaling $1,880 from inmate Alfred Jones and sending him videos of herself committing sexual acts. Tags: corruption,staffing,investigations,contraband Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [confirmed] Sgt. Patrick Sharpe ordered assault of handcuffed inmate Dec. 29, 2018 According to court documents and sentencing statements, on Dec. 29, 2018, Sergeant Patrick Sharpe, while on duty at Valdosta State Prison, instructed subordinate officers Ford and Scott to assault a handcuffed inmate in retaliation for an earlier altercation between that inmate and a female officer at the prison. Date: 2018-12-29 Tags: corruption,violence,legal Sources: Four Former Georgia Correctional Officers Sentenced for Assaults on Inmate and Cover-Up (DOJ Office of Public Affairs) - [reported] Prince Blige died after fight with another inmate The Georgia Department of Corrections said it believed Prince Blige died due to injuries he suffered during a fight with another inmate, per WCTV. Tags: death,violence Sources: Inmate dies at Valdosta State Prison, GDC investigating as homicide - [reported] VSP officer Lyric Oliver resigned March, arrested June after GDC investigation The AJC reported that Valdosta State Prison officer Lyric Oliver, a lieutenant, resigned in March and was arrested in June after a GDC investigation found she had improper dealings with inmate Alfred Jones, described in arrest warrants as a 'validated gang member.' Tags: corruption,staffing,gangs,investigations Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] $2.2 million settlement in Jenna Mitchell suicide: largest in Georgia DOC history Prison Legal News reported that on December 7, 2021, the parents of a 25-year-old transwoman who committed suicide while imprisoned in the Georgia Department of Corrections dismissed their federal civil rights lawsuit (Maree v. Igou) after accepting a $2.2 million settlement the preceding October 27. The settlement is described as the largest in state DOC history. Date: 2021-12-07 Tags: legal,mental_health,death,budget Sources: $2.2 Million Settlement Over Transgender Georgia Prisoner’s Suicide Is Largest in State DOC History - [confirmed] Roy Odum reassigned to Warden at VSP effective October 16, 2024 GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of Roy Odum from Warden at Ware State Prison to Warden at Valdosta State Prison effective October 16, 2024. Date: 2024-10-16 Tags: staffing,facilities,operations Sources: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Melvin Towns stabbed to death at Valdosta State Prison Melvin Towns was stabbed to death on April 21, 2024 at Valdosta State Prison, and six other prisoners were implicated in his death according to the incident report, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Date: 2024-04-21 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] Prince Blige died Wednesday morning after fight Prince Blige died Wednesday morning after a fight with another inmate at Valdosta State Prison, and was serving a life sentence following a 1990 rape conviction in Chatham County, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Tags: death,violence Sources: Homicide suspected in death of Georgia prison inmate - [reported] January 27, 2026 GDC record: only two officers on duty for entire VSP compound SCHR's letter states that a GDC record from January 27, 2026 indicates there were only two officers on duty for the entire prison compound on that date. Date: 2026-01-27 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Jenna Mitchell suffered schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, gender dysphoria Prison Legal News identified the deceased Valdosta State Prison prisoner as Caleb 'Jenna' Mitchell, who suffered from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and gender dysphoria. Tags: mental_health,death,medical Sources: $2.2 Million Settlement Over Transgender Georgia Prisoner’s Suicide Is Largest in State DOC History - [reported] Youngest VSP decedent was 21, found two days after death SCHR's letter states that the youngest man who died was only 21 years old and was not found until two days after he died, his body having begun to decompose. Tags: death,conditions,staffing Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Six prisoners disciplined, two charged with murder in Towns killing Six prisoners received disciplinary reports for their roles in Melvin Towns' killing at Valdosta State Prison, and two have since been charged with murder, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,death,legal Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] February 26, 2026 GDC record: no officers manning VSP solitary confinement units SCHR's letter states that a GDC record from February 26, 2026 indicates there were no officers at all manning the prison's solitary confinement units that day. Date: 2026-02-26 Tags: staffing,solitary,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Jenna Mitchell died Dec. 6, 2017 at VSP just shy of age 25 The Advocate reported that the settlement goes to the family of Jenna Mitchell, who died December 6, 2017, at Valdosta State Prison when she was just shy of age 25. Date: 2017-12-06 Tags: death,mental_health Sources: Family of Georgia Trans Inmate Wins Record Two Million Dollar Wrongful Death Settlement (advocate.com) - [reported] Two former VSP officials including former Deputy Warden of Security spoke in August 15, 2026 video SCHR's letter states that two former VSP prison officials, including the former Deputy Warden of Security, spoke in a publicly available video from August 15, 2026. Date: 2026-08-15 Tags: staffing,conditions,investigations Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] Curtis Carter promoted to Warden at VSP effective July 16, 2025 GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Curtis Carter, Warden at Autry State Prison, to Warden at Valdosta State Prison effective July 16, 2025. Date: 2025-07-16 Tags: staffing,facilities,operations Sources: GDC Press Release: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison (July 10, 2025) - [reported] Shane Griffith killed six weeks after Towns in similar circumstances Shane Griffith's death occurred six weeks after Melvin Towns was killed under similar circumstances in a similar barracks-type dorm at Valdosta State Prison, per the AJC. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,death,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] Man in K1 lived with no working toilet for 10 days in mid-March 2026 SCHR's letter states that a man in K1 reported living in a cell with no working toilet for 10 days in mid-March 2026. Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] Je'Vion Benham, 21, found dead in VSP cell Dec. 24; cause strangulation, manner homicide WALB reported that a 21-year-old was found dead in his prison cell at Valdosta State Prison on Dec. 24, and the Lowndes County Coroner's Office pronounced Je'Vion Benham dead at 6 p.m. An investigation ruled the cause of death strangulation with a manner of 'homicide,' and the coroner's office estimated he died on Monday, Dec. 22. Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: Inmate found dead in Valdosta State Prison cell (WALB) - [reported] Warden Ralph Shropshire fired for misconduct Valdosta State Prison warden Ralph Shropshire was named warden in March 2023 after serving as deputy warden for the previous four years; he was fired in July 2024, and his personnel file obtained by the AJC states only that he was terminated due to 'misconduct.' Date: 2024-07-01 Tags: corruption,staffing,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] Two inmates killed in suspected homicides on consecutive days Two inmates were killed in suspected homicides on two consecutive days at Valdosta State Prison in summer: Lance Lumpkin died June 30 while Quoesent Bostwick died the next day, per CNHI/Valdosta Daily Times, with the Georgia Department of Corrections confirming the deaths. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: death,violence Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [reported] Viral TikTok video shows flooded VSP cell, alleged poor conditions WALB reported the TikTok video shows an inmate walking through a Valdosta State Prison cell filled with standing water, and the video also appeared to show a lack of lighting inside the unit. Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections says viral TikTok video of flooded cell is fake - [reported] Man in F1 had no working sink or toilet for 2-3 days in April 2025; urinated in bottles, defecated in bags SCHR's letter states that a man in F1 reported living in a cell with neither a working sink nor a working toilet for two to three days in April 2025, during which he and his roommate urinated in bottles and defecated in bags. Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] Shunda Woods promoted to Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at VSP effective November 16, 2015 GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the promotion of Shunda Woods as Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at Valdosta State Prison effective November 16, 2015. Date: 2015-11-16 Tags: staffing,medical,operations Sources: GDC Press Release: New Deputy Warden Named at Valdosta State Prison (December 3, 2015) - [reported] Jairus Dantzler died Feb. 14 at Valdosta State Prison Valdosta Daily Times/CNHI reported that inmate Jairus Dantzler, 29, died Feb. 14 at Valdosta State Prison while serving a life sentence for rape, with no cause of death made available at the time. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: death Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [reported] Coroner: Benham pronounced dead ~6 p.m. Wednesday; estimated death Monday Lowndes County Coroner Austin Fiveash said that around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, 21-year-old Javion Benham was pronounced dead at Valdosta State Prison, but the coroner's office estimated he died sometime on Monday, calling it 'unfathomable that a prison can miss someone for two days' and 'a major security concern.' Date: 2025-12-24 Tags: death,conditions Sources: ABC 27 WTXL: Coroner: 'Valdosta State Prison needs help' following inmate death - [confirmed] Charlie Marcus promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at VSP effective August 1, 2022 GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Charlie Marcus to Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison effective August 1, 2022. Date: 2022-08-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: GDC Press Release: New Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison (August 1, 2022) - [reported] Five Valdosta employees arrested in Operation Skyhawk contraband scheme Five Valdosta State Prison employees were arrested, accused of helping an inmate move drugs and money as part of a contraband scheme uncovered in a GDC multiprison investigation dubbed 'Operation Skyhawk,' per the AJC. Shropshire's firing came after these arrests. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,investigations Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] Dewey Slayton found unresponsive Jan. 5, 2022 Valdosta Daily Times/CNHI reported that inmate Dewey Slayton was found unresponsive on a cell floor at 3 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2022 at Valdosta State Prison, and an incident report labeled his death a suicide. Date: 2022-01-05 Tags: death,mental_health Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [reported] K2 cell flooded with water containing fecal matter in May 2026; staff failed to address for six days SCHR's letter states that a man in K2 reported that his cell and the broader housing unit flooded with water containing large pieces of fecal matter in May 2026, and that despite conducting an inspection and personally observing the problem, prison staff failed to address the flood for six days. Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] Delisha Bryant promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at VSP effective March 16, 2025 GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Delisha Bryant, Unit Manager at Valdosta State Prison, to Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison effective March 16, 2025. Date: 2025-03-16 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: GDC Press Release: New Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison (March 27, 2025) - [reported] Wiley Tucker found unresponsive Feb. 1, 2022 Valdosta Daily Times/CNHI reported that inmate Wiley Tucker was found unresponsive in his cell at 5 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2022 at Valdosta State Prison, and EMTs declared him dead at 5:20 a.m., with an incident report filed three days later calling the death a suicide. Date: 2022-02-01 Tags: death,mental_health Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [reported] Threads post: Mr. Burke killed at VSP by cellmate (04/20/26) A Threads post dated 04/20/26 states: 'Sending our condolences to the Burke family. Mr. Burke was killed today at Valdosta State Prison by his cellmate.' This is an unverified social media claim. Tags: death,violence Sources: Sending our condolences to the Burke family. (Threads post) - [reported] George Buffkin died Feb. 13, 2022, cause listed as natural Valdosta Daily Times/CNHI reported that George Buffkin died at Valdosta State Prison on Feb. 13, 2022, with the GDC's listing giving the cause of death as "natural." Date: 2022-02-13 Tags: death Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [reported] Darius Lowe found unresponsive April 13, 2022 Valdosta Daily Times/CNHI reported that inmate Darius Lowe was found unresponsive in his cell by security staff at 1:17 a.m. on April 13, 2022 at Valdosta State Prison and declared dead by the coroner's office at 2:53 a.m., with an incident report characterizing the death as a suicide. Date: 2022-04-13 Tags: death,mental_health Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [reported] Ricky Harris serving 15 years for aggravated assault at time of death at VSP Ricky Harris was serving 15 years for aggravated assault out of Cherokee County, with a maximum release date of April 2035, at the time of his death at Valdosta State Prison following a fight. Tags: death,violence Sources: Valdosta State Prison inmate dies after fight | WSAV-TV - [reported] Hakeem Williams fatally assaulted by cellmate Feb. 28, 2022 Valdosta Daily Times/CNHI reported that inmate Hakeem Williams was fatally assaulted by his cellmate at 12:10 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2022 at Valdosta State Prison. Date: 2022-02-28 Tags: death,violence Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [reported] Two juveniles apprehended with contraband near VSP, Dec 7, 2023 On December 7, 2023, at Valdosta State Prison, two suspicious individuals were spotted near the facility; a GDC Special Agent and the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office searched the area and apprehended two juveniles, one of whom had a black bookbag containing contraband; both juveniles were arrested. Date: 2023-12-07 Tags: contraband,investigations,facilities Sources: Contraband Arrests at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Medical assistance called for Derick Joshua Ferrell April 6 Valdosta Daily Times/CNHI reported that at 9:46 p.m. on April 6, medical assistance was called to dormitory A2 at Valdosta State Prison for inmate Derick Joshua Ferrell, who was taken to the prison's medical bay. Date: 2022-04-06 Tags: medical Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [confirmed] Jenna Mitchell died December 6, 2017 after suicide threats at Valdosta State Prison CNN reported that Jenna Mitchell died at a Georgia hospital on December 6, 2017, after threatening suicide while an inmate at Valdosta State Prison. Date: 2017-12-06 Tags: death,mental_health,facilities Sources: Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation; Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation | ACLU of Georgia - [confirmed] August 2021 sexual assault reported at Valdosta State Prison In August 2021, a man at Valdosta State Prison reported that another incarcerated person choked him and forcibly penetrated his mouth in the cell where the man had been sleeping, which was not his assigned cell; he had been in this cell for about a week and was repeatedly physically abused by the other incarcerated person during that time, per the DOJ findings report. Date: 2021-08-01 Tags: violence,conditions,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Jenna Mitchell died of apparent suicide Dec. 4, 2017; lawsuit filed Valdosta Daily Times/CNHI reported that on Dec. 4, 2017 inmate Jenna Mitchell died of apparent suicide at Valdosta State Prison, and a lawsuit was filed against the state prison system claiming her death was due to deliberate "indifference" to her medical and mental health needs. Date: 2017-12-04 Tags: death,mental_health,legal Sources: Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI - [reported] Correctional officer assaulted at VSP with homemade weapon The Georgia Department of Corrections said multiple inmates assaulted a Valdosta State Prison Correctional Officer Wednesday afternoon with a homemade weapon, leaving him with serious injuries. Tags: violence,staffing,facilities Sources: Valdosta State Prison inmates accused of assaulting corrections officer - [reported] Jenna Mitchell was serving up to 10 years for 2015 robbery and held in men's prison Jenna Mitchell was an inmate at Valdosta State Prison serving up to 10 years for a 2015 robbery conviction, and was being held at a prison for men. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,facilities,demographics Sources: Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation | ACLU of Georgia - [reported] Man held in E2 kiosk cage multiple days after suicidal ideation, urinated in bottles SCHR's letter states that one man reported being held in a kiosk cage in E2 for multiple days in the spring of 2025 after expressing suicidal ideation, and the cage had no sink and no toilet so he urinated in bottles. Tags: solitary,mental_health,conditions Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] AJC: decomposing body of a prisoner at VSP found after two days AJC reported that the Southern Center for Human Rights says 25 people died at Valdosta State Prison between January 2025 and August 2026, and that in one instance it took two days before the decomposing body of a prisoner was found, according to a letter by the Southern Center for Human Rights. Tags: death,conditions,investigations Sources: AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report - [reported] Seven Georgia officers arrested in Operation Skyhawk contraband scheme The AJC reported that seven Georgia correctional officers were arrested in Operation Skyhawk, accused in a contraband scheme run by a Valdosta prisoner. Tags: corruption,contraband,investigations,staffing Sources: 7 officers arrested in Georgia are now accused in contraband scheme run by Valdosta prisoner, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 1, 2024 - [reported] Youngest VSP decedent, age 21, not found until two days after death; body had begun to decompose SCHR's letter states that the Lowndes County Coroner determined that the youngest of the men who died, who was only 21 years old, was not found until two days after he died and his body had begun to decompose. Tags: death,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] All GDC prisons, including VSP, locked down after gang-related altercations All Georgia Department of Corrections prisons, including Valdosta State Prison, were placed on lockdown "out of an abundance of caution" after multiple "gang-related" altercations, per a GDC spokesperson. Date: 2026-04-03 Tags: violence,gangs,operations,facilities Sources: GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, gdc prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in gang related fights smith wilcox hays valdosta state prisons 11 inmates injured airlifted georgia department of corrections lockdown caution investigation [2] - [reported] Elander Johnson died after altercation July 25 Elander Johnson died as a result of injuries he received during an altercation with another inmate on July 25 at Valdosta State Prison, and GDC was investigating his death as a possible homicide, per WTXL. Tags: death,violence Sources: Inmate's death at Valdosta State Prison under investigation as possible homicide - [reported] Valdosta State Prison officer assaulted by several inmates with homemade weapon Several inmates assaulted a Valdosta State Prison officer around 4 p.m. on a Wednesday, and he was hospitalized before being sent home, according to a GDC statement. The officer appeared to have been attacked with a homemade weapon. Tags: violence,staffing,contraband Sources: More details emerge on attack on prison officer | Local News | valdostadailytimes.com - [reported] Je'Vion Benham, 21, found dead in VSP cell December 24, 2025, two days after death SCHR's letter states that on December 24, 2025, Je'Vion Benham, who was 21 years old, was found dead in his cell two days after losing his life, and that at that point his body had begun to decompose. Date: 2025-12-24 Tags: death,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Sinjuan Harmon killed Jan. 12 after altercation A GDC Director of Communications said Sinjuan Harmon was killed on Sunday, Jan. 12 after an altercation with another inmate at Valdosta State Prison, and his body was turned over to the Lowndes County coroner to be transported to the GBI crime lab to determine the official cause of death, per WALB. Tags: death,violence Sources: Inmate dead following altercation at Valdosta State Prison - [reported] GDC investigating two inmate deaths at Valdosta State Prison The Georgia Department of Corrections was investigating the deaths of two inmates at Valdosta State Prison, with official causes of death still undetermined, per a WALB report. Tags: death,investigations Sources: Two inmates found deceased at Valdosta State Prison; GDC investigating, two inmates found deceased valdosta state prison gdc investigating [1] - [reported] William Springer stabbed at VSP, died Sept 16, 2025; family says not notified A Valdosta State Prison inmate, William Springer, was stabbed in his face and head inside the prison and later died at the hospital on Sept. 16, 2025; his family said officials never contacted them and they learned about the attack from other inmates inside the prison. Date: 2025-09-16 Tags: death,violence,facilities Sources: 2 VSP inmates hospitalized following separate attacks, 1 dies from injuries - [reported] Valdosta Transitional Center homicide/suicide case discussed Board of Corrections minutes record that ASAC Robert Raymond briefly discussed a Valdosta Transitional Center homicide/suicide case from December 24, 2022. Date: 2022-12-24 Tags: death,violence Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes january 2023 - [reported] Warden Marty Allen presented VSP overview to Board January 2016 Board of Corrections minutes record Warden Marty Allen presenting a Valdosta State Prison facility overview to the Board in January 2016. Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: facilities,staffing Sources: Board Meeting Minutes January 2016 - [reported] Don Blakely listed as VSP Warden April 2018 Board of Corrections minutes list Don Blakely as Warden of Valdosta State Prison among attendees in April 2018. Date: 2018-04-01 Tags: facilities,staffing Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes april 2018 - [reported] Suicide decedent harmed himself five days before death per GDC records SCHR's letter states that according to GDC's own records, one of the men who reportedly died by suicide appears to have harmed himself just five days before his death, with the incident report classifying it as "attempted suicide, self-injurious behavior." Tags: death,mental_health,medical Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Contraband shakedowns at Valdosta State Prison and others GDC Tactical Squads, Immediate Response Team, Investigators and Agents conducted unannounced full-facility shakedowns at Coastal, Central, Dooly, Lee, and Valdosta State Prisons, seizing more than 1,000 total contraband items. Tags: contraband,operations Sources: Georgia Dept. of Corrections Touts More Than 1,000 Contraband Items Seized at Multiple State Prisons • The Georgia Virtue - [reported] One VSP suicide decedent harmed himself five days before death; incident report classified as attempted suicide SCHR's letter states that one of the men who reportedly died by suicide appears to have harmed himself just five days before his death, and that the incident report classifies it as an attempted suicide, self-injurious behavior. Tags: death,mental_health,conditions Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Contraband arrest of Medical employee Deborah Mason (December 23) A GDC contraband report states that on December 23 at Valdosta SP, Medical employee Deborah Mason entered the facility and security staff found 2 cellphones hidden in a bowl of food, after which Mason was arrested. Lowndes County Sheriff's Office was notified, and Mason was transported to Lowndes County jail with pending charges. Tags: contraband,corruption,staffing Sources: Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Prisons | Georgia Department of Corrections, contraband arrests multiple state prisons [9] - [reported] SCHR letter signed by Alison Ganem SCHR's letter is signed by Alison Ganem. Date: 2026-10-01 Tags: legal Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Man in E2 kiosk cage unable to get mental health assessment because not in ACU SCHR's letter states that a man held in a kiosk cage in E2 had medical records showing providers were "unable to do [a] mental health assessment" because he was "not in [the] ACU," the mental health unit where a suicidal person would ordinarily be sent. Tags: mental_health,medical,solitary Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Man in K1 had no working toilet for 10 days in mid-March 2026 SCHR's letter states a man in K1 reported living in a cell with no working toilet for 10 days in mid-March 2026, so he had no ability to flush his own waste. Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Man in F1 had no working sink or toilet for two to three days SCHR's letter states a man in F1 reported living in a cell with neither a working sink nor a working toilet for two to three days. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Man in E2 solitary had 2-3 inch layer of odorous brown water on cell floor, locked in 24 hours per day SCHR's letter states that a man in solitary confinement in E2 reported that there was consistently a two-to-three-inch layer of odorous brown water on the floor of his cell, and he was locked in the cell 24 hours per day. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: solitary,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP FINDINGS (39) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] At least eight VSP housing units have no functioning lights in most cells SCHR's letter states that at least eight housing units at VSP have no functioning lights in most of the cells, so people live in virtual darkness. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] SCHR: No lights in most cells at VSP The Southern Center for Human Rights press release states that people incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison live in virtual darkness: in many housing units there are no lights in most cells, and incarcerated people have no light by which to eat, read, or carry out daily living activities aside from a few hours per day when sunlight filters through small cell windows. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice. - [reported] VSP housing units with no functioning lights: B2, D2, E1, E2, F1, H1, J2, K1 SCHR's letter identifies the eight housing units with no functioning lights in most cells as B2, D2, E1, E2, F1, H1, J2, and K1. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] SCHR: Exposed wiring throughout VSP The Southern Center for Human Rights press release states that it is not uncommon to find exposed wiring throughout Valdosta State Prison. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice. - [reported] SCHR: GDC audits show pervasive noncompliance at VSP The Southern Center for Human Rights letter states that GDC's own audits reveal pervasive noncompliance with basic correctional norms regarding safety, security, emergency response, physical conditions, and conditions in the solitary confinement units at Valdosta State Prison. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,solitary,investigations,policy Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] SCHR documented cell conditions at VSP: no sink, no toilet, sewage flooding, mold/vermin, heat over 100 degrees The Southern Center for Human Rights letter states it reviewed conditions at Valdosta State Prison including people living in a cell with no working sink, a cell with no working toilet, a cell with plumbing problems where the floor was flooded with waste and sewage including fecal matter, a mold- or vermin-infested cell, and a cell where the temperature regularly exceeded 100 degrees with no air conditioning or other cooling mechanisms available. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,medical Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Valdosta State Prison had highest CO vacancy rate in GDC system Valdosta State Prison had the highest correctional officer vacancy rate in the GDC system, and the majority of the state's highest-security facilities had at least 60% of correctional officer jobs unfilled, per the AJC. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] Coroner Austin Fiveash: 'unfathomable that a prison can miss someone for two days' Lowndes County Coroner Austin Fiveash said in a statement regarding a Valdosta State Prison inmate death: 'It seems unfathomable that a prison can miss someone for two days. Thats [sic] a major security concern if nothing else. I understand these inmates deserve to be in prison but no one deserves to lie dead in prison for two days and begin to decompose. At some point, someone has to listen and do something. Enough lip service from Atlanta, Valdosta State Prison needs' [help]. Date: 2025-12-26 Tags: death,conditions,investigations Sources: ABC 27 WTXL: Coroner: 'Valdosta State Prison needs help' following inmate death - [reported] GDC: inmate flooded own cell over lockdown placement The Georgia Department of Corrections said in a statement that it was determined the inmate flooded his own cell prior to recording the video because he was unhappy about being placed in lockdown. Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections says viral TikTok video of flooded cell is fake - [confirmed] Valdosta State Prison address and location Board of Corrections minutes identify the property as Valdosta State Prison, located in Lowndes County, Georgia at 3259 Val Tech Road, Valdosta, Georgia 31602. Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes may 2026 - [reported] Cell flooded with waste and sewage including fecal matter SCHR's letter describes people living in a cell with such acute plumbing problems that the floor was flooded with waste and sewage, including fecal matter. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] GDC denies alleged VSP conditions as false The Georgia Department of Corrections said the conditions the inmate alleged exist at Valdosta State Prison are false. Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections says viral TikTok video of flooded cell is fake - [confirmed] Mod Corr Units discussed at Dodge, Lee, Hays, and Montgomery State Prisons Board of Corrections minutes record that Commissioner Oliver discussed, among recent events, the Mod Corr Unit at Dodge State Prison, Lee State Prison, Hays State Prison, and Montgomery State Prison. Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes may 2026 - [reported] Mold rampant in dormitories B1, D2, E1, E2, K2 per six individuals SCHR's letter states that at least six individuals housed in dormitories B1, D2, E1, E2, and K2 reported that mold was rampant on the walls, ceilings, air vents, and showers. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] GDC: video inmate had contraband cell phone disciplinary reports, placed in lockdown GDC said the inmate in the viral video had received numerous disciplinary reports for being in possession of contraband cell phones and had been placed in a lockdown unit as standard procedure. Tags: contraband,facilities Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections says viral TikTok video of flooded cell is fake - [reported] At least six people reported rampant mold in VSP dorms B1, D2, E1, E2, K2 SCHR's letter states that at least six individuals who had been housed in a range of dormitories, including B1, D2, E1, E2, and K2, reported that mold was rampant on the walls, ceilings, air vents, and showers. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] GDC 2025 auditors noted black substance on walls in dishwashing and shower areas SCHR's letter states that GDC's auditors conducting the 2025 assessment noted "a black substance on the walls in the dishwashing area and multiple shower areas" and called for "closer supervision with the pest control contractor." Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] Heather Davis promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Valdosta State Prison GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Heather Davis to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Valdosta State Prison effective April 1, 2022. Date: 2022-04-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Cells with felt-heat values of 100 degrees or more SCHR's letter states that multiple men across a range of housing units reported living in cells with felt-heat values of 100 degrees or more. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] GDC post-Hurricane Helene facility status: no prisons flooded, no evacuations Following Hurricane Helene, Georgia DOC stated that some of its facilities temporarily lost phone/internet service and experienced a temporary loss of power, that no prisons were flooded, staffing was not affected, and no state prisons were evacuated, with water problems supplemented by potable and non-potable water tankers and bottled water. Tags: facilities,conditions,operations Sources: Incarcerated People Are on the Front Line of Hurricane Helene’s Destruction - The Appeal - [confirmed] Valdosta State Prison administrative staff listing GDC's Facility Directory List lists Valdosta State Prison & Valdosta Annex administrative staff as Deputy Warden Security Charlie Marcus, Deputy Warden Security Delisha Bryant, Deputy Warden C&T Heather Davis, and Deputy Warden Admin Len Gibson. Date: 2026-07-16 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Facility Operations Updated: 10/16/2026 - [reported] Multiple men reported VSP cells with felt-heat values of 100 degrees or more SCHR's letter states that multiple men across housing units reported living in cells with felt-heat values of 100 degrees or more during the summer. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] July 2026 Valdosta Daily Times reported heat index exceeding 100 degrees SCHR's letter states that in July 2026 the Valdosta Daily Times reported "sweltering heat" throughout southern Georgia, including heat index values exceeding 100 degrees. Date: 2026-07-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] AJC: VSP cells without working lights leave men in virtual darkness The AJC reported that conditions at the South Georgia prison are so dysfunctional that men held there live in virtual darkness because so many cells are without working lights, as the facility has experienced a rash of preventable deaths, according to the Southern Center for Human Rights review. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,death Sources: AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report - [reported] August 2026 National Weather Service alert referenced in VSP temperature discussion SCHR's letter states that in August 2026 the National Weather Service issued an alert referenced in the discussion of temperature conditions at VSP. Date: 2026-08-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] GDC HR Director acknowledges pay lags salary market GDC's Human Resources Director acknowledged that GDC still 'lag[s] behind in the salary market,' so pay remains 'a factor' in officer retention, per the DOJ findings report. Tags: staffing,budget Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Holding cages about size of telephone booth with no toilets, sinks, or beds SCHR's letter states that holding cages at VSP are about the size of a telephone booth, with no toilets, sinks, or beds, too small to accommodate substantial movement or allow people to lie down. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,solitary Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] AJC: VSP cells infested with mold and vermin; temperatures exceed 100 degrees; 'shocking number' of cells lack functioning sinks or toilets The AJC reported that per the SCHR letter, cells at Valdosta State Prison are infested with mold and vermin, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees with no air conditioning, and a "shocking number" of cells are without functioning sinks or toilets, with floors covered with waste and sewage. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report - [reported] People locked down 3 to 10 months not for discipline but for lack of housing SCHR's letter states that multiple people reported being placed in lockdown for lengthy periods ranging from 3 to 10 months, not for disciplinary reasons but because there was nowhere to house them in the general prison population. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: solitary,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Lockdown confinement 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in cells not much larger than parking space SCHR's letter states that men in lockdown were confined 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to cells not much larger than a parking space, with only intermittent showers and occasional medical or legal visits. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: solitary,conditions Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] VSP holding cages: telephone-booth sized, no toilets, sinks, or beds SCHR's letter states that holding cages at VSP are about the size of a telephone booth, have no toilets, sinks, or beds, and are too small to accommodate substantial movement or allow people to lie down. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,solitary,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] SCHR attorney Alison Ganem attributes VSP conditions to GDC's years-long failure SCHR attorney Alison Ganem said the conditions at Valdosta State Prison are the foreseeable result of GDC's years-long failure to keep people safe, despite warnings from GDC's internal auditors, federal courts, the U.S. Department of Justice, and SCHR. Date: 2026-10-01 Tags: conditions,legal,investigations Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice. - [reported] GDC has ample notice from SCHR, internal auditors, federal courts, and DOJ SCHR's letter states that GDC has ample notice of the problems outlined in the letter, having been raised by SCHR, the Department's internal auditors, the federal courts, and the Department of Justice. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,investigations,policy Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] A shocking number of VSP cells have no running water or functioning toilets SCHR's letter states that a shocking number of cells at VSP have no running water or functioning toilets, so people urinate in bottles and defecate in bags. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] Dorm security cameras broken or inoperable in B1, B2, G1 SCHR's letter states that people housed in B1, B2, and G1 reported that dorm security cameras were broken or inoperable. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,staffing Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] State of Georgia allowed GDC to ignore federal court orders, DOJ warnings, and internal calls for change SCHR's letter states that the State of Georgia allowed GDC to ignore the orders of federal courts, "fire in the house" warnings from the Department of Justice and federal prosecutors, and clarion calls for change from within its own ranks. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,investigations,policy Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] VSP faces profound overincarceration, understaffing, and security crisis with life-threatening consequences SCHR's letter states that VSP faces a profound overincarceration, understaffing, and security crisis that has produced dire, in many cases life-threatening or fatal, consequences for people at the prison. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,staffing,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] GDC auditors found VSP non-compliant with minimum lighting requirements in cells A letter from the Southern Center for Human Rights states that GDC auditors found that Valdosta State Prison was non-compliant with minimum lighting requirements in incarcerated people's cells. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] FY2025 GDC audit again found VSP non-compliant on lighting with exposed wiring throughout prison A letter from the Southern Center for Human Rights states that by the time of a GDC audit in fiscal year 2025, Valdosta State Prison was again found non-compliant with minimum lighting requirements, with auditors noting both the lack of adequate lighting and the presence of exposed wiring throughout the prison. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP POLICYS (13) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Darren Jackson promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at VSP GDC Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Darren Jackson to Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison, effective October 1, 2017. Date: 2017-10-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,operations Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Valdosta State Prison (GDC press release, 2017-09-26) - [reported] Mirrors added at Valdosta State Prison to increase visibility GDC's PREA Annual Report states that mirrors were added throughout Valdosta State Prison to increase visibility and reduce blind spots. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: policy,facilities Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections 2019 Annual PREA Report - [reported] Language line and investigation training at Valdosta State Prison GDC's PREA Annual Report states that at Valdosta State Prison, training was provided to staff regarding use of the language line, with additional training provided to ensure the quality of investigations, and examples were provided to show mental health follow-up for sexual abuse victims. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: policy,mental_health Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections 2019 Annual PREA Report - [reported] $9,000 officer pay increase retroactive to July 1; medium-security starting CO salary $40,044 Board of Corrections minutes record that all post-sworn officers would get a $9,000 pay increase retroactive to July 1st, and that a medium security facility starting correctional officer salary would be $40,044. Date: 2022-03-01 Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2022 - [reported] VSP mission statement GDC's facility page states Valdosta State Prison's mission is to protect the public by maintaining custody of close security offenders while providing academic and vocational education, mental health and mental retardation services and specialized evidence-based counseling programs. Tags: facilities,mental_health,policy Sources: Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Demolition at Valdosta State Prison to prepare for Mod Corr units Board of Corrections minutes state that demolition of the South Building, Flammable Storage, and Industries Storage at Valdosta State Prison is necessary to prepare the area for installation of new Mod Corr units. Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes may 2026 - [reported] VSP named among seven sites for new 'Fast Track' facility; to receive Homerville transfers The Valdosta Daily Times reported that Valdosta State Prison was named among seven state prison locations chosen to receive a new 'Fast Track' facility, and that it would also receive prisoners relocated from Homerville State Prison. Tags: facilities,transfers,operations,policy Sources: Prison on ‘Fast Track’ | Valdosta Daily Times - [reported] FY2025 budget: 4% COLA (max $3,000), $3,000 POST officer enhancement, additional CO positions GDC's FY2025 budget funded a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for all state employees (not to exceed $3,000) and an additional $3,000 salary enhancement for selected POST certified law enforcement officers, plus funding for additional correctional officer positions. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] Kendric Jackson promoted to Warden at VSP effective June 1, 2026 GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Kendric Jackson, Warden at Calhoun State Prison, to Warden at Valdosta State Prison effective June 1, 2026; as Warden, Jackson will be responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,151 male offenders. Date: 2026-06-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,policy Sources: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden valdosta state prison [6] - [reported] GDC: next-of-kin notified Sept 15 when Springer's death deemed imminent GDC stated that per protocol, on September 15, when medical professionals advised that William Springer's death was imminent, facility leadership contacted the next-of-kin listed in the offender's institutional file. Date: 2025-09-15 Tags: death,policy,facilities Sources: 2 VSP inmates hospitalized following separate attacks, 1 dies from injuries - [reported] AFY2022: $5,000 state employee pay adjustment; COs get additional $2,000 Georgia's AFY budget provided a $5,000 pay adjustment to state employees including state law enforcement officers, and correctional officers additionally received a $2,000 pay increase. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: Governor Brian P. Kemp's AFY 2022 Budget Signing Remarks | Governor Brian P. Kemp Office of the Governor - [reported] Valdosta State Prison has a Tactical Squad GDC's Special Operations fact sheet lists Valdosta State Prison among the facilities with Tactical Squads that conduct inspections to detect and prevent the introduction of contraband, prevent escapes and other disturbances, and discover hazards to health or safety that may go unnoticed during a routine inspection. Tags: operations,contraband Sources: Special Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] SCHR asks GDC to address flooding immediately and install AC in all housing units SCHR's letter asks GDC to ensure that intermittent flooding is addressed immediately so that no person is forced into contact with human waste, that sanitation and pest control efforts are intensified, and that air conditioning is installed in all the housing units. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities,policy Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP TRENDS (3) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC CO turnover fell to 40% in FY23 from 48% in FY22 GDC's statewide CO turnover decreased this fiscal year to 40% from 48% in FY 2022. Tags: staffing,trend Sources: FY23 Annual Report - [confirmed] GDC CO vacancy climbed from 11% to 18% (2014-2018), then to 60% by April 2023 From 2014 to 2018, GDC's annual average CO vacancy rate climbed from almost 11% to over 18%; between 2018 and 2023 staffing fell precipitously, reaching a systemwide CO vacancy rate of 60% in April 2023 with over 2,800 vacant officer positions. As of the end of 2023, GDC still had over 2,800 unfilled CO positions, per the DOJ findings report. Tags: staffing,trend Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] GDC turnover reduced to 28% in FY25, down >11% since FY23 GDC reduced its overall turnover rate by more than 11% since FY23, bringing the rate to 28% for FY25. Tags: staffing,trend Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) QUOTES (4) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Former VSP officials: 'Hundreds and hundreds are dying' SCHR's letter quotes former VSP officials as saying "Hundreds and hundreds are dying" and "thousands more are being subjected to some things that change them." Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: death,conditions Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [reported] SCHR 14-page letter warns of 'humanitarian disaster unfolding at Valdosta State Prison' The AJC reported that the Southern Center for Human Rights sent a 14-page letter to Georgia Department of Corrections officials earlier in the month warning of a "humanitarian disaster unfolding at Valdosta State Prison," and that the center said the facility's conditions are illegal and violate the U.S. Constitution. Date: 2026-10-01 Tags: conditions,legal,investigations Sources: AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report - [reported] AJC headline: 'Men live amid darkness, raw sewage at South Georgia prison, group says' The AJC headline for its article on the SCHR review of Valdosta State Prison, as stored, reads "Men live amid darkness, raw sewage at South Georgia prison, group says" with the dek "Inhumane conditions lead to suffering, death at Valdosta State Prison, Southern Center for Human Rights alleges in new review." Date: 2026-10-01 Tags: conditions,death,investigations Sources: AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report - [reported] Coroner Austin Fiveash: 'no one deserves to lie dead in prison for two days' SCHR's letter quotes Austin Fiveash, the Lowndes County Coroner who conducted the autopsy, as telling a local news outlet that no one deserves to lie dead in prison for two days and begin to decompose, and that Valdosta State Prison needs help. Tags: death,conditions,facilities Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP METHODOLOGY NOTES (2) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] WTXL article on coroner statement published 2025-12-26 A WTXL ABC27 article reporting the Lowndes County coroner's 'Valdosta State Prison needs help' statement was published in 2025, per its page metadata (2025-12-26T23:23:02.794). Date: 2025-12-26 Tags: investigations Sources: ABC 27 WTXL: Coroner: 'Valdosta State Prison needs help' following inmate death - [confirmed] DOJ did not physically visit Valdosta State Prison during investigation The DOJ's findings report lists the prisons DOJ physically visited in 2022 and 2023; Valdosta State Prison is not among them, though Valdosta was included in the incident-data analysis covering January 1, 2022 to April 26, 2023. Tags: investigations,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) DATA GAPS (4) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Data gap: WABE Senate study committee article contains no VSP mention A search of the WABE article 'Georgia Senate study committee agrees to reform prison conditions' for 'Valdosta' and 'VSP' returned no match. Tags: policy,conditions Sources: Georgia Senate study committee agrees to reform prison conditions – WABE - [confirmed] Data gap: HB 67 FY2025A capital projects contains no VSP mention A search of HB 67 (FY 2025A) Capital Projects and Bonds, Governor House, for 'Valdosta State Prison' and 'VSP' returned no match. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget,policy Sources: HB 67 (FY 2025A) - Capital Projects and Bonds Governor House - [reported] GDC incident reports on most VSP deaths heavily redacted SCHR's letter states that GDC's incident reports about most of the deaths at VSP are heavily redacted, so complete information is unavailable. Tags: death,investigations,legal Sources: SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP - [confirmed] Data gap: Senate Appropriations Committee Substitute to HB 68 contains no VSP mention A search of the Senate Appropriations Committee Substitute to H.B. 68 (FY2026) for 'Valdosta State Prison' and 'VSP' returned no match. Tags: budget,policy Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee Substitute to H.B. 68 (FY2026) DATASETS (6) ---------------------------------------- # Valdosta State Prison maintenance expenditures FY10-FY11 Two-year maintenance expenditures at Valdosta State Prison, broken down by in-house and contractor costs. Fiscal Year In-house Expenditures Contractor Expenditures Total Expenditures ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FY2010 794927.36 FY2011 821744.78 2-Year Total 1278105.99 338566.15 1616672.14 # GDC statewide correctional officer vacancy rate, FY22–FY25 Statewide Correctional Officer Vacancy rate as reported in GDC annual reports. Fiscal Year Vacancy Rate --------------------------- FY22 55.31 FY23 54.47 FY24 50.92 FY25 47.24 # GDC systemwide average correctional officer vacancy rate, 2021-2023 Annual average CO vacancy rates systemwide as reported in the DOJ findings report on Georgia prisons. Year Average CO vacancy rate ------------------------------- 2021 49.3 2022 56.3 2023 52.5 # Valdosta State Prison facility characteristics (2012) Facility characteristics of Valdosta State Prison from a 2012 State Auditor special examination. Gross Sq Ft Physical Capacity Maintenance Staff Security Level Facility Age Region -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 397925 1510 8 Close 23 Southwest # GDC statewide correctional officer turnover rate, FY22–FY25 Statewide CO turnover rate as reported in GDC annual reports and Valdosta Daily Times. Fiscal Year Turnover Rate ---------------------------- FY22 48 FY23 40 FY25 28 # Valdosta State Prison FY18 average bed counts Average standard, special use, and physical bed counts for Valdosta State Prison in FY2018. Gender Risk Level Average Standard Bed Count Average Special Use Bed Count Average Physical Bed Count ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Male Close 778 269 1047 KEY ENTITIES (117) ---------------------------------------- - Alfred Jones [person]: Inmate at Valdosta State Prison described in arrest warrants as a 'validated gang member'; allegedly paid officer Lyric Oliver $1,880. - Alison Ganem [person]: Attorney at the Southern Center for Human Rights and signatory of the VSP letter. - Antavious Bailey [person]: Inmate who died at Valdosta State Prison on June 21, 2026; body sent for autopsy. - Anthony Hann [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate found unresponsive August 14, 2017; cause undetermined. - Astair Holmes Jr. [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate (GDC #1001378261) found unresponsive May 26, 2019. - Austin Fiveash [person]: Lowndes County Coroner who conducted the autopsy of Je'Vion Benham and publicly criticized VSP's response. - Autry State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison with GCI shoe/boot manufacturing and garment operations. - Benjamin Snyder [person]: Inmate who died at Valdosta State Prison on March 16, 2018, a suspected homicide from an altercation with another inmate. - Bill Hitchens [person]: Chairman, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety; copied on SCHR's October 1, 2026 letter. - Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board overseeing the Georgia Department of Corrections, chaired by Larry Haynie. - Bobby Carpenter [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate (GDC #1001758692) who died September 9, 2020, a suspected homicide. - Brandon McGee [person]: Inmate who died at Valdosta State Prison on April 2, 2025; GDC investigated. - 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 P. Kemp [person]: Governor of Georgia who announced the initiation of the GDC system-wide assessment on June 17, 2024. (aka: Governor Kemp) - Bryan Wilson [person]: General Counsel, Georgia Department of Corrections; copied on SCHR's October 1, 2026 letter. - Burke [person]: Incarcerated person reported in a Threads post to have been killed at Valdosta State Prison by his cellmate on 04/20/26; unverified social media claim. (aka: Mr. Burke) - Cainion v. Valdosta State Prison [case]: Prisoner case; court ordered plaintiffs to show cause by May 29, 2017 why the case should not be dismissed for failure to serve remaining defendants. - 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. - Charlie Marcus [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison effective August 1, 2022. - Clint Crowe [person]: Chairman, House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security; copied on SCHR's October 1, 2026 letter. - Curtis Carter [person]: Current warden of Valdosta State Prison (2025); career path through Lee SP, CERT/K9, Georgia Diagnostic, Burruss CTC, Autry SP - Darius Lowe [person]: Inmate found unresponsive on April 13, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison; death characterized as a suicide. - Darren Jackson [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison effective October 1, 2017. - David Cordova [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate (GDC #1013738) who died June 19, 2018, apparent suicide. - Deborah Mason [person]: Medical employee at Valdosta State Prison arrested for bringing cellphones into the facility. - Delisha Bryant [person]: Promoted from Unit Manager to Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison effective March 16, 2025. - Department of Justice [organization]: Federal department that published a 2022 report identifying more than 5,000 uncounted in-custody deaths in national mortality data. (aka: DOJ) - Derick Joshua Ferrell [person]: Inmate who received medical assistance on April 6, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison. - Dewey Slayton [person]: Inmate found unresponsive on Jan. 5, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison; death labeled a suicide. - Dodge State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where 592 grams of marijuana were found with a drone operator in November 2025. - Don Blakely [person]: Warden at Valdosta State Prison; defendant in Maree v. Richardson who moved for summary judgment in 2021. - DyLance Montex Lampkin [person]: Inmate who died July 30, 2023, at Valdosta State Prison of multiple stab wounds to torso; age 41. - Elander Johnson [person]: Inmate who died after an altercation on July 25, 2024, at Valdosta State Prison; death investigated as possible homicide. - Fast Track [program]: Georgia Department of Corrections initiative adding new facilities at seven state prison locations, including Valdosta State Prison. (aka: Fast Track facilities) - George Buffkin [person]: Inmate who died Feb. 13, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison; cause listed as natural. - Georgia Building Authority [organization]: State authority that manages state buildings; listed as funding recipient for prison transformation project. - Georgia Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Georgia state law enforcement agency that conducts some criminal investigations involving the prisons (aka: GBI) - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission [organization]: State agency posting GDCP procurement solicitations. - Gregory C. Dozier [person]: GDC Commissioner who announced Shay Hatcher's promotion in 2018. - Hakeem Williams [person]: Inmate fatally assaulted by his cellmate on Feb. 28, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison. - Hays State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Hays) - Heather Davis [person]: Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Valdosta State Prison, promoted effective April 1, 2022. - 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) - Homerville State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison whose incarcerated population was slated to be relocated to Valdosta State Prison under GDC's 'Fast Track' expansion. - Hugh Lawson [person]: U.S. District Judge in the Middle District of Georgia who issued orders in Parker and Cainion cases against Valdosta State Prison. (aka: US District Judge Hugh Lawson) - Jahleel Horton [person]: CERT Officer at Valdosta State Prison arrested for attempting to bring cellphones into the facility. - Jairus Dantzler [person]: Inmate who died Feb. 14, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison while serving a life sentence for rape. - Jamall Mathis [person]: Inmate attacked at Valdosta State Prison on September 18, 2025; four inmates suspected. - Je'Vion Benham [person]: 21-year-old man found dead in his VSP cell on December 24, 2025, two days after his death; cited by SCHR as an example of unattended emergencies. - Jeff Spiva [person]: Plaintiff in Maree v. Richardson. - Jenna Mitchell [person]: Transgender woman who died by suicide in solitary confinement at Valdosta State Prison on December 6, 2017, allegedly after being taunted by an officer. $2.2M settlement. - Joel Domingues [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate (GDC #643024) who died February 15, 2018, apparent suicide. - John Albers [person]: Georgia State Senator; member of the Georgia Senate study committee on the Department of Corrections; opposed creating additional oversight bureaucracy. - Joseph Pagan [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate who died April 23, 2018, a suspected homicide. - Joshua Roman [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate who died August 8, 2018, a suspected homicide. - Kealy Williams [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate who died March 30, 2019, a suspected homicide. - Kendric Jackson [person]: Warden of Valdosta State Prison, addressee of SCHR's letter. - Kersaint v. Daniel [case]: Court case in which Valdosta State Prison and Valdosta Georgia were terminated as defendants; service directed on Lt. Daniel. - Kersaint v. Valdosta State Prison [case]: Prisoner case filed March 27, 2025; a duplicate filing was dismissed as duplicative May 14, 2025 and its declaration docketed in the earlier case. (aka: 7:25-cv-38-WLS-ALS) - Keyes v. Valdosta State Prison [case]: Prisoner case dismissed without prejudice March 9, 2026 for failure to follow court orders and prosecute. - Kristopher Clayton Sweat [person]: Inmate who died at Valdosta State Prison on August 13, 2023; his mother alleged he was stabbed over socks. - Lance Lumpkin [person]: Inmate killed in a suspected homicide on June 30, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison. - Lauren Curry [person]: Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Brian Kemp; copied on SCHR's October 1, 2026 letter. - Lee State Prison [facility]: Cycle 3 reports 16 cells with 32 beds. - Len Gibson [person]: Deputy Warden Admin at Valdosta State Prison & Valdosta Annex as of July 2026. - Lowndes County Coroner [organization]: County coroner's office that determined the youngest VSP decedent was found two days after death and conducted the Benham autopsy. - Lowndes County Sheriff's Office [organization]: Law enforcement agency involved in contraband arrests at Valdosta State Prison. - Lyric Oliver [person]: Former lieutenant at Valdosta State Prison; resigned March 2025, arrested June 2025, charged with violating her oath and trading with inmates. - Maree v. Igou [case]: Federal civil rights lawsuit brought by the parents of Jenna Mitchell against Georgia DOC officials; dismissed after a $2.2 million settlement accepted October 27, 2021. - Maree v. Richardson [case]: Lawsuit over a Valdosta State Prison inmate's suicide, dismissed in 2021. - Marty Allen [person]: Warden of Valdosta State Prison in January 2016. - Melvin Towns [person]: Prisoner killed at Valdosta State Prison in April 2024. - Milton Jones [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate (GDC #88019) who died October 3, 2017, apparent suicide. - Montgomery State Prison [facility]: GDC facility granted initial ACA accreditation in August 2018 with a score of 98.5 percent. - National Weather Service [organization]: Federal agency that issued an extreme heat warning for Lowndes County in August 2026. (aka: NWS) - Neal v. Valdosta State Prison [case]: Prisoner case dismissed without prejudice Feb. 14, 2025 after plaintiff failed to comply with court orders despite prior warning. - Nobles v. Valdosta State Prison [case]: Multi-plaintiff prisoner prison-conditions case under 42 U.S.C. § 1983; dismissed without prejudice Aug. 13, 2024 by Judge W. Louis Sands. - Operation Skyhawk [operation]: 2024 multi-state operation resulting in 150 arrests (including 8 GDC employees) targeting drone-based smuggling networks into Georgia prisons. - Orvonta Tillman [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate (GDC #1000498085) who died June 15, 2020, a suspected homicide. - Parker v. Valdosta State Prison [case]: Prisoner case; complaint dismissed without prejudice Feb. 23, 2024 by Judge Hugh Lawson. - Patrick Sharpe [person]: Former Sgt. at Valdosta State Prison; sentenced to 48 months for §241/§242 assault of handcuffed inmates in 2018 - Prince Blige [person]: Inmate who died in 2019 at Valdosta State Prison after a fight with another inmate; serving a life sentence for a 1990 rape conviction. - Pulaski State Prison [facility]: Georgia women's state prison where Christina Buttery died on December 21, 2022, from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose. - Quoesent Bostwick [person]: Inmate killed in a suspected homicide on July 1, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison. - Quoesent Lamont Bostwick [person]: Inmate who died July 31, 2023, at Valdosta State Prison of homicide; age 35. - Ralph Shropshire [person]: Former warden of Valdosta State Prison (March 2023-July 2024); 18-year GDC veteran; fired for 'unprofessional conduct' amid Operation Skyhawk; not criminally charged - Randy Robertson [person]: Georgia State Senator, District 29, Chairman of the SR 570 Study Committee (aka: Senator Robertson) - Ricky Harris [person]: Prisoner killed at Valdosta State Prison in February 2024. - Rico Watson [person]: Former offender apprehended near Valdosta State Prison with contraband packages. - Robert Raymond [person]: Assistant Special Agent in Charge who discussed a contraband case from Calhoun State Prison dated November 23, 2022, at the January 2023 Board of Corrections meeting. (aka: ASAC Robert Raymond) - Roy Odum [person]: Former warden of Valdosta State Prison (late 2024); reassigned amid scrutiny; replaced by Curtis Carter - Rufus Lane [person]: Prisoner killed at Valdosta State Prison in January 2024. - Ryan Rumph [person]: Incarcerated person whose death at Valdosta State Prison on March 11, 2025 was confirmed by GDC; body sent to GBI crime lab for cause of death. - Senate Committee on Public Safety [organization]: Georgia Senate committee chaired by Senator John Albers; copied on the October 1, 2026 SCHR letter of concern. - Shane Griffith [person]: Prisoner killed at Valdosta State Prison in May 2024. - Shawn Emmons [person]: Reassigned from Warden at Hays State Prison to Warden at GDCP effective July 1, 2023. - Sheba Maree [person]: Plaintiff in Maree v. Richardson. - Shunda Woods [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at Valdosta State Prison effective November 16, 2015. - Sinjuan Harmon [person]: Inmate killed on Jan. 12, 2025, after an altercation at Valdosta State Prison; serving 20 years for armed robbery. - Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments. - Southern Center for Human Rights [organization]: Legal advocacy organization that investigated food conditions at Gordon County Jail and sent a formal letter to Sheriff Mitch Ralston in October 2014. (aka: SCHR) - Stanley Williams [person]: Warden of Valdosta State Prison effective August 1, 2016. - Steven Bryant [person]: Valdosta State Prison inmate who died June 23, 2026; cause undetermined. - Thomas M. Fitzgerald [person]: Prisoner who died in December 1999 while strapped to a bed in an isolated cell; his family received a $1.2 million settlement in 2016. - Timothy C. Ward [person]: Former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. The November 30, 2022 Central Office Appeal Response falsely denying Legionella was issued on letterhead bearing his name. Named defendant in Sullivan v. Ward. (aka: Commissioner Ward) - Timothy Ward [person]: Former GDC Commissioner who retired before Tyrone Oliver took over in January 2023 - 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) - Valdosta Daily Times [organization]: Local news outlet that reported sweltering heat in southern Georgia in July 2026. - Valdosta Transitional Center [facility]: GDC transitional center in Valdosta, Georgia. Facility from which Richard James Harper was paroled. - W. Louis Sands [person]: Federal judge who sentenced Crystal Avery on June 20, 2019. (aka: Honorable W. Louis Sands) - Ware State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison leading all GDC facilities in cell phone seizures by end of 2016, with 1,392 phones confiscated. - Wilcox State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Wilcox) - Wiley Tucker [person]: Inmate found unresponsive on Feb. 1, 2022, at Valdosta State Prison; death labeled a suicide. - William Springer [person]: VSP inmate stabbed in face and head; died at hospital Sept. 16, 2025. - Willis L. Miller Library [facility]: Library in Valdosta, Lowndes County, that received $1.5M in AFY2025 capital funds. SOURCES (106) ---------------------------------------- - $2.2 Million Settlement Over Transgender Georgia Prisoner’s Suicide Is Largest in State DOC History, Prison Legal News (2022-05-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2022/may/1/22-million-settlement-over-transgender-georgia-prisoners-suicide-largest-state-doc-history/ - 2 VSP inmates hospitalized following separate attacks, 1 dies from injuries, WALB (2025-09-24) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2025/09/24/2-vsp-inmates-hospitalized-following-separate-attacks-1-dies-injuries/ - 7 officers arrested in Georgia are now accused in contraband scheme run by Valdosta prisoner, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 1, 2024, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2024-05-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/seven-officers-arrested-in-operation-skyhawk-accused-in-contraband-scheme-run-by-valdosta-prisoner/XCYTDGW7LFCG7NHLFJBDKGHAZY/ - ABC 27 WTXL: Coroner: 'Valdosta State Prison needs help' following inmate death, ABC 27 WTXL Tallahassee by Jade Bulecza (2025-12-26) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.wtxl.com/valdosta/coroner-valdosta-state-prison-needs-help-following-inmate-death - AJC: Valdosta prison — Southern Center for Human Rights report, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2026-10-19) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/10/valdosta-prison-southern-center-for-human-rights-report/ - Annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly from July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1964 [June 30, 1964], Georgia State Board of Corrections (1964-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br320-b-pa1-b1963-h1964 - Board Meeting Minutes January 2016, Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-january-2016/download - Board of Corrections annual report July 1, 1961 - June 30, 1962, Georgia Board of Corrections (1962-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br320-b-pa1-b1961-h1962 - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes april 2018, Georgia Board of Corrections (2018-04-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-april-2018/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes february 2023, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-02-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-february-2023/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes january 2023, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-january-2023/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2022, Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-03-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-march-2022/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes may 2026, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-05-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-may-2026/download - CAINION v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2017-04-28 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2017-04-28) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6093769/ - Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Prisons | Georgia Department of Corrections, contraband arrests multiple state prisons [9], Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-12-31) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contraband-report/2025-12-31/contraband-arrests-multiple-state-prisons - Contraband Arrests at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-12-13) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contraband-report/2023-12-13/contraband-arrests-valdosta-state-prison - Contraband found in Valdosta State Prison, WALB (2019-01-23) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2019/01/23/contraband-found-valdosta-state-prison/ - Corrections commissioner: 49% staff turnover in Georgia prisons, Valdosta Daily Times, January 2022, Valdosta Daily Times (2022-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://valdostadailytimes.com/news/corrections-commissioner-49-staff-turnover-in-georgia-prisons/article_fb92c68e-7a22-11ec-96d9-eb2ac85d3139.html - 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Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation, CNN (2021-12-06) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/06/us/georgia-prison-inmate-death-settlement/index.html - Family gets $2.2 million settlement for death of Georgia inmate, calls for criminal investigation | ACLU of Georgia, ACLU of Georgia [journalism, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20241203135907id_/https://www.acluga.org/en/publications/family-gets-22-million-settlement-death-georgia-inmate-calls-criminal-investigation - Family of Georgia Trans Inmate Wins Record Two Million Dollar Wrongful Death Settlement (advocate.com), The Advocate (2021-12-08) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.advocate.com/transgender/2021/12/08/family-georgia-trans-inmate-wins-record-two-million-dollar-wrongful-death-settlement - Five Valdosta State Prison officers arrested, Yahoo News [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.yahoo.com/news/five-valdosta-state-prison-officers-222300416.html - Four Former Georgia Correctional Officers Sentenced for Assaults on Inmate and Cover-Up (DOJ Office of Public Affairs), U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs (2022-09-21) [press_release, primary] URL: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/four-former-georgia-correctional-officers-sentenced-assaults-inmate-and-cover - FY 2027 Capital Projects by Agency, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/budget-requests/fy-2027-capital-project-requests/download - FY2026 (legis.ga.gov), Georgia General Assembly [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/house-budget-and-research-office-document-library/2026-fiscal-year/fy_2026_bill_gov_rec_(hb_68).pdf?sfvrsn=cf4a86db_2 - FY23 Annual Report, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2023/download - FY24 Annual Report, Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2024/download - FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2025/download - Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2024-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/ga-prison-homicides-a-list-of-those-killed-in-georgias-prison-system/FLCH6BL3ZZDLPKRBHBKTEPOVFU/ - GDC Press Release: New Deputy Warden Named at Valdosta State Prison (December 3, 2015), Georgia Department of Corrections (2015-12-03) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2015-12-03/new-deputy-warden-named-valdosta-state-prison - GDC Press Release: New Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison (August 1, 2022), Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-08-01) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2022-08-01/new-deputy-warden-security-valdosta-state-prison - GDC Press Release: New Deputy Warden of Security at Valdosta State Prison (March 27, 2025), Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-03-27) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-03-27/new-deputy-warden-security-valdosta-state-prison - GDC Press Release: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison (February 23, 2023), Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-02-23) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-02-23/new-warden-valdosta-state-prison - GDC Press Release: New Warden at Valdosta State Prison (July 10, 2025), Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-07-10) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-07-10/new-warden-valdosta-state-prison - GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, gdc prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in gang related fights smith wilcox hays valdosta state prisons 11 inmates injured airlifted georgia department of corrections lockdown caution investigation [2], WGXA (2021-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/state-news/gdc-prisons-locked-down-statewide-after-multiple-inmates-injured-in-gang-related-fights-smith-wilcox-hays-valdosta-state-prisons-11-inmates-injured-airlifted-georgia-department-of-corrections-lockdown-caution-investigation - GDC, PREA Valdosta SP - Audit (Cycle 4), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-valdosta-sp-audit-cycle-4/download - Georgia Department of Corrections 2019 Annual PREA Report, Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-annual-report/2019-prea-annual-report/download - Georgia Department of Corrections Opens New Modular Housing Units | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-07-22) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-07-22/georgia-department-corrections-opens-new-modular-housing-units - Georgia Department of Corrections says viral TikTok video of flooded cell is fake, WALB (2026-07-22) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2026/07/22/georgia-department-corrections-says-viral-tiktok-video-flooded-cell-is-fake/ - Georgia Dept. of Corrections Touts More Than 1,000 Contraband Items Seized at Multiple State Prisons • The Georgia Virtue, The Georgia Virtue [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.thegeorgiavirtue.com/georgia-news/georgia-dept-of-corrections-touts-more-than-1000-contraband-items-seized-at-multiple-state-prisons/ - Georgia Senate panel urges state prisons to focus on mental health, feds to ban cellphones (Georgia Recorder), Georgia Recorder (2024-12-17) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260709140848id_/https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/12/17/georgia-senate-panel-urges-state-prisons-to-focus-on-mental-health-feds-to-ban-cellphones/ - Georgia Senate study committee agrees to reform prison conditions – WABE, WABE (2025-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20250916202948id_/https://www.wabe.org/georgia-senate-study-committee-agrees-on-prison-reforms-but-not-oversight/ - Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2024-08-15) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/south-georgia-prison-becomes-deadlier-amid-corruption-extreme-staffing-shortage/SNRQF6634NEUFITHKSYKWWC36A/ - Governor Brian P. Kemp's AFY 2022 Budget Signing Remarks | Governor Brian P. Kemp Office of the Governor, Office of the Governor (2022-03-17) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2022-03-17/governor-brian-p-kemps-afy-2022-budget-signing-remarks - Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2025-and-fy-2026-governors-budget-report/download - Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2026 and FY 2027, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports-current-year/afy-2026-fy-2027-governors-budget-report/download - HB 67 (FY 2025A) - Capital Projects and Bonds Governor House, Georgia General Assembly (2025-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/senate-budget-office-document-library/appropriations/2025/amended/afy2025_house_capital_projects_and_bonds.pdf?sfvrsn=4f228371_2 - Homicide suspected in death of Georgia prison inmate, Atlanta Journal-Constitution [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/crime--law/homicide-suspected-death-georgia-prison-inmate/k6bpWtOxkLKWyHpVuhBfjP/ - Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice., Southern Center for Human Rights (2026-10-01) [press_release, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20261002072427id_/https://www.schr.org/horrific-conditions-create-humanitarian-crisis-at-valdosta-state-prison/ - Incarcerated People Are on the Front Line of Hurricane Helene’s Destruction - The Appeal, The Appeal (2024-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://theappeal.org/hurricane-helene-destruction-incarcerated-people/ - Inmate dead following altercation at Valdosta State Prison, WALB (2025-01-13) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2025/01/13/inmate-dead-following-altercation-valdosta-state-prison/ - Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death being investigated apparent suicide [3], Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-06-20) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-06-20/inmate-death-being-investigated-apparent-suicide - Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death being investigated apparent suicide [4], Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-05-28) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2019-05-28/inmate-death-being-investigated-apparent-suicide - Inmate Death Under Investigation (GDC press release, 2018-03-16), Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-03-16) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-03-16/inmate-death-under-investigation - Inmate Death Under Investigation | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death under investigation [6], Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-07-26) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2019-07-26/inmate-death-under-investigation - Inmate Death Under Investigation | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death under investigation [7], Georgia Department of Corrections (2017-08-15) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2017-08-15/inmate-death-under-investigation - Inmate Death Under Investigation | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death under investigation [8], Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-03-31) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2019-03-31/inmate-death-under-investigation - Inmate dies at Valdosta State Prison, GDC investigating as homicide, WCTV [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.wctv.tv/content/news/Inmate-dies-at-Valdosta-State-Prison-marking-11-deaths-in-2-years-567842571.html - Inmate dies in fight at Valdosta State Prison | Valdosta Daily Times, Valdosta Daily Times (2024-02-26) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://valdostadailytimes.com/2024/02/26/inmate-dies-in-fight-at-valdosta-state-prison/ - Inmate found dead in Valdosta State Prison cell (WALB), WALB (2025-12-26) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2025/12/26/inmate-found-dead-valdosta-state-prison-cell/ - Inmate killed in ‘altercation’ at Valdosta State Prison | Valdosta Daily Times, Valdosta Daily Times (2025-01-14) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://valdostadailytimes.com/2025/01/14/inmate-killed-in-altercation-at-valdosta-state-prison/ - Inmate's death at Valdosta State Prison under investigation as possible homicide, WTXL [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/inmates-death-at-valdosta-state-prison-under-investigation-as-possible-homicide - Investigation underway following death of inmate at Valdosta State Prison, WALB (2025-04-03) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2025/04/03/investigation-underway-following-death-inmate-valdosta-state-prison/ - KERSAINT v. DANIEL, 2025-09-15 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-09-15) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69803538/ - KERSAINT v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2025-05-14, 69938947, CourtListener (2025-05-14) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69938947/ - KERSAINT v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2025-05-14, 70243197, CourtListener (2025-05-14) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70243197/ - KEYES v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2026-03-10 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-03-10) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71747075/ - Latest death in Valdosta prison: Mother wants to know: Why did my inmate son die? | Valdosta Daily Times, Valdosta Daily Times (2023-08-25) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://valdostadailytimes.com/2023/08/25/latest-death-in-valdosta-prison-mother-wants-to-know-why-did-my-inmate-son-die/ - Lawmakers, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp acknowledge prison crisis, consider millions in fixes, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2025-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/ga-lawmakers-and-governor-propose-600-million-to-fix-state-prisons/2HUR7YIYLNBA5JCCIH6BYBTV7M/ - MAREE V RICHARDSON, 2021-12-07 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2021-12-07) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/14997836/ - More details emerge on attack on prison officer | Local News | valdostadailytimes.com, Valdosta Daily Times (2024-09-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20240922214215id_/https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/news/local_news/more-details-emerge-on-attack-on-prison-officer/article_f09ca6c4-71f4-11ef-8cbf-4fc09b824ed7.html - NEAL v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2025-02-18 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-02-18) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69303291/ - New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-03-31) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2022-03-31/new-deputy-warden-care-and-treatment-valdosta-state-prison - New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Valdosta State Prison (GDC press release, 2017-09-26), Georgia Department of Corrections (2017-09-26) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2017-09-26/new-deputy-warden-security-named-valdosta-state-prison - New Warden at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-10-08) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-10-08/new-warden-valdosta-state-prison - New Warden at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden valdosta state prison [5], Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-08-01) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2016-08-01/new-warden-valdosta-state-prison - New Warden at Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden valdosta state prison [6], Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-05-28) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-05-28/new-warden-valdosta-state-prison - NOBLES v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2024-08-14 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-08-14) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68956359/ - PARKER v. VALDOSTA STATE PRISON, 2024-02-23 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2024-02-23) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68088175/ - Performance (audits.ga.gov), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/1741 - PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 3, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-valdosta-sp-audit-cycle-3/download - PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea valdosta sp audit cycle 5, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-valdosta-sp-audit-cycle-5/download - PREA Valdosta SP Audit Cycle 2, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-valdosta-sp-audit-cycle-2/download - Prison on ‘Fast Track’ | Valdosta Daily Times, Valdosta Daily Times [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/news/local_news/prison-on-fast-track/article_15fe243d-8e0b-5cae-a3e7-011230e99a36.html - Project Funding (gsfic.georgia.gov), Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gsfic.georgia.gov/document/document/project-list-georgia-2022ab-general-obligation-bonds/download - SCHR Letter of Concern Re: Unconstitutional Conditions at VSP, Southern Center for Human Rights by Alison Ganem; Atteeyah Hollie (2026-10-01) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.schr.org/wp-content/uploads/20262026.10.01-Letter-of-Concern-Re-Unconstitutional-Conditions-at-VSP.pdf - Senate Appropriations Committee Substitute to H.B. 68 (FY2026), Georgia General Assembly (2026-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/senate-budget-office-document-library/appropriations/2026/general/hb68_fy2026_sac.pdf?sfvrsn=99a492a1_2 - Sending our condolences to the Burke family. (Threads post), Threads (@db4sly_21) (2026-04-20) [journalism, tertiary] URL: https://www.threads.com/@db4sly_21/post/DXV3XkMFbTG/sending-our-condolences-to-the-burke-family-mr-burke-was-killed-today-at - Six inmates die at Valdosta prison within year: Open records request makes deaths public | Tifton Gazette, Tifton Gazette / Valdosta Daily Times (2022-09-25) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://tiftongazette.com/2022/09/25/six-inmates-die-at-valdosta-prison-within-year-open-records-request-makes-deaths-public/ - Special Examination Report No. 18-12 December 2018, downloadFile, Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2018-12-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://open.ga.gov/openga/report/downloadFile?rid=21679 - Special Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/special-operations-fact-sheet/download - State lawmakers dig into violent conditions in Georgia prisons, Fulton jail • Georgia Recorder, state lawmakers dig into violent conditions in georgia prisons fulton jail [2], Georgia Recorder (2024-08-26) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260709130951id_/https://georgiarecorder.com/2024/08/26/state-lawmakers-dig-into-violent-conditions-in-georgia-prisons-fulton-jail/ - The Governor’ (opb.georgia.gov), Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2021-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2021-and-fy-2022-governors-budget-report/download - Two homicides probed at Valdosta State Prison - CNHI, CNHI / Valdosta Daily Times [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.cnhi.com/rss_feed/two-homicides-probed-at-valdosta-state-prison/ - Two inmates found deceased at Valdosta State Prison; GDC investigating, two inmates found deceased valdosta state prison gdc investigating [1], WALB (2026-06-25) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/video/2026/06/25/two-inmates-found-deceased-valdosta-state-prison-gdc-investigating/ - Two inmates found deceased at Valdosta State Prison; GDC investigating, two inmates found deceased valdosta state prison gdc investigating [2], WALB (2026-06-25) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2026/06/25/two-inmates-found-deceased-valdosta-state-prison-gdc-investigating/ - Valdosta State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/locations/valdosta-state-prison - Valdosta State Prison inmate dies after fight | WSAV-TV, WSAV-TV (2024-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20240311022029id_/https://www.wsav.com/crime-safety/valdosta-state-prison-inmate-dies-after-fight/ - Valdosta state prison inmate dies, investigation underway, WCTV (2025-03-18) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.wctv.tv/2025/03/18/valdosta-state-prison-inmate-dies-investigation-underway/ - Valdosta State Prison inmates accused of assaulting corrections officer, WALB (2024-09-13) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2024/09/13/valdosta-state-prison-inmates-accused-assaulting-corrections-officer/ - Valdosta State Prison on Lock-down, WTXL [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.wtxl.com/news/valdosta-state-prison-on-lock-down/article_3961d6ae-4319-11e6-bcd9-af46970c16c2.html