GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Wilcox State Prison: the public record, 2015 to 2026
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Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press
Generated: 2026-10-24 16:38:17 EDT

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

SUMMARY
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This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia 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.

POLICYS (12)
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- [confirmed] Dylan Stokes designated fire safety compliance officer for Wilcox County
  The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire's Special Hazards Fire Safety Compliance Officers page lists Dylan Stokes, phone (470) 527-4529, as the compliance officer covering Wilcox County among others.
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: Special Hazards Fire Safety Compliance Officers | Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire

- [confirmed] GDC statewide visitation suspension through April 10, 2020
  Following a directive from Governor Kemp, the Georgia Department of Corrections suspended visitation at all correctional facilities statewide, effective through April 10, 2020.
  Date: 2020-03-12
  Tags: policy,facilities,operations
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Suspends Visitation Statewide | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [confirmed] Wilcox SP designated as GDC Fire Station #17
  GDC's Fire Station Operations SOP 511.04 designates Station #17 as Wilcox State Prison among GDC's fire department's designated stations.
  Tags: facilities,operations,policy
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 511.04, Fire Station Operations (passage checked against GPS's copy)

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison visitation hours
  GDC's facility page for Wilcox State Prison lists visitation hours as 9:00AM to 3:00PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays.
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Visitation suspended at four prisons over holiday weekend
  The GDC shared a social media post notifying the public that Dooly, Washington, Ware and Hancock state prisons would not have visitation over a holiday weekend from Saturday, May 22, to Monday, May 25, while all other state facilities would remain open.
  Tags: operations,policy
  Sources: GDC: 9 hurt after 'gang-related' fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [confirmed] GDC suspended visitation through April 10, 2020
  GDC's COVID-19 response press release states that visitation at GDC facilities was suspended through April 10, 2020.
  Date: 2020-03-16
  Tags: policy,conditions
  Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Coronavirus (COVID - 19) Response | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Modified visitation: one visit every other month, max two hours
  Under GDC's modified visitation policy, one visit every other month per inmate was allowed, and visits were no more than two hours in length.
  Tags: operations,policy
  Sources: Two-state prisons opening up visitation after pandemic shutdowns

- [reported] Wilcox placed on lockdown at warden's discretion after altercation
  At the warden's discretion, Wilcox State Prison was placed on lockdown following the January 9, 2025 altercation.
  Date: 2025-01-09
  Tags: violence,facilities,operations
  Sources: Wilcox State Prison altercation hospitalizes 9 inmates

- [confirmed] Wilcox SP completed FUSUS video platform installation
  GDC's Annual Fiscal Report lists Wilcox SP among the facilities that had completed installation of the FUSUS video platform, along with Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, Hays SP, Washington SP, and Johnson SP.
  Tags: operations,facilities
  Sources: 2O22 (gdc.georgia.gov)

- [confirmed] Wilcox SP among 17 facilities with expanded mental health services in FY22
  GDC's Annual Fiscal Report lists Wilcox SP among 17 facilities to which mental health services expansion measures had increased mental health services in FY22.
  Tags: mental_health,facilities
  Sources: 2O22 (gdc.georgia.gov)

- [confirmed] Wilcox SP awaiting accreditation following FY22 audit
  GDC's Annual Fiscal Report lists Wilcox SP among the 'Facilities Awaiting Accreditation following Audit in FY22,' managed by GDC's Internal Assessment Unit under the Office of Professional Standards Compliance Unit.
  Tags: operations,facilities
  Sources: 2O22 (gdc.georgia.gov)

- [confirmed] Wilcox SP named in GDC recruitment campaign location targets
  The Georgia Board of Corrections' minutes record that a GDC recruitment-campaign presentation discussed location targets for GDC facilities including Wilcox State Prison, among a list of other named facilities.
  Date: 2024-02-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes february 2024

DATA GAPS (12)
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- [reported] No Wilcox mention in December 2025 Board of Corrections minutes
  A search of the Georgia Board of Corrections December 2025 board meeting minutes for 'Wilcox' and 'WSP' returned no match, indicating no reference to Wilcox State Prison in that document.
  Date: 2025-12-01
  Tags: facilities,policy,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2025

- [reported] No Wilcox mention in September 2025 Board of Corrections minutes
  A search of the Georgia Board of Corrections September 2025 board meeting minutes for 'Wilcox' and 'WSP' returned no match.
  Date: 2025-09-01
  Tags: facilities,policy,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections Meeting Minutes, September 4, 2025

- [reported] No Wilcox mention in Washington Examiner drone-smuggling article
  A search of a Washington Examiner article on federal charges against a dozen people for smuggling drugs and phones into Georgia prisons via drones returned no match for 'Wilcox', 'Wilcox State Prison', or 'Georgia state prison'.
  Tags: contraband,drugs,investigations
  Sources: Feds bust a dozen people for smuggling drugs and phones into prisons via drones

- [reported] No Wilcox mention in GDC 2nd Quarter 2018 contraband interdiction release
  A search of the GDC press release 'Contraband Interdiction Efforts Continue in 2nd Quarter 2018' for 'Wilcox', 'Wilcox SP', and 'Wilcox State Prison' returned no match.
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: contraband,operations,facilities
  Sources: GDC Contraband Interdiction Efforts Continue in 2nd Quarter 2018 | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] No Rodney Whatley match in AJC prison homicide list
  A search of the AJC investigation 'Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system' for 'Whatley' and 'Rodney Whatley' returned no match.
  Tags: death,violence,investigations
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] No Dukes or Dewberry match in AJC prison homicide list
  A search of the AJC investigation 'Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system' for 'Fatian Dukes', 'Corey Dewberry', 'Dukes,' and 'Dewberry,' returned no match.
  Tags: death,violence,investigations
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] No Wilcox or Abbeville mention in DOJ NDGA GDC guard corruption release
  A search of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia press release 'Further corruption involving Georgia Department of Corrections guards exposed' for 'Wilcox', 'Wilcox State Prison', and 'Abbeville' returned no match.
  Tags: corruption,investigations,staffing
  Sources: <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt

- [reported] No Rawls or Wilcox State Prison charges in WALB Wilcox County news
  A search of WALB's Wilcox County News page for 'Rawls', 'indicted', 'Wilcox State Prison inmate charged', and 'Wilcox State Prison murder charge' returned no match.
  Tags: legal,violence,investigations
  Sources: Wilcox County News

- [reported] No Whatley or Collins match in WALB Wilcox County news
  A search of WALB's Wilcox County News page for 'Whatley' and 'Collins' returned no match.
  Tags: investigations,legal
  Sources: Wilcox County News

- [reported] No match for named individuals in Wilcox County News search
  A search of Wilcox County News at walb.com for 'Marcus Walker', 'Deon Vanzyre', 'Ian Henry', 'Darrius Zanders', 'Trey Moody' and 'Wilcox State Prison inmate dead' returned no match, indicating no coverage of these names in that outlet as of the retrieval date.
  Tags: investigations,facilities
  Sources: Wilcox County News

- [confirmed] No Wilcox mention in WSAV lockdown article
  A search of the WSAV article 'All GDC facilities on lockdown after violent night' for 'Wilcox' and 'Abbeville' returned no match.
  Tags: investigations,operations
  Sources: All GDC facilities on lockdown after violent night | WSAV-TV

- [confirmed] No Wilcox mention in April 2025 Board of Corrections minutes
  A search of the Board of Corrections April 2025 meeting minutes for 'Wilcox' and 'WSP' returned no match.
  Date: 2025-04-01
  Tags: investigations,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections Meeting Minutes, April 3, 2025

CASE DETAILS (59)
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- [reported] Steve Eady began GDC career at Wilcox State Prison in 1994
  A Georgia Department of Corrections press release stated that Steve Eady began his career with the Department in 1994 as a Correctional Officer at Wilcox State Prison and had dedicated 21 years to Wilcox State Prison since 1994.
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Steve Eady Promoted | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Lawrence Whittington promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox SP
  GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the promotion of Lawrence Whittington to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective November 16, 2016.
  Date: 2016-11-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Dominique Cole died at Wilcox State Prison on June 8
  Dominique Cole died on June 8 inside Wilcox State Prison, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.
  Date: 2025-06-08
  Tags: death,facilities
  Sources: GDC confirms inmate death at Wilcox State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] Inmate Stephen Beck found unresponsive at Wilcox SP, pronounced dead
  On June 25, 2018, correctional officers at Wilcox State Prison found inmate Stephen Beck (GDC #1002038090) unresponsive in his cell at approximately 8:55 a.m.; medical staff attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful, and EMTs pronounced him deceased at 9:18 a.m. GDC was investigating the death as an apparent suicide.
  Date: 2018-06-25
  Tags: death,facilities,investigations
  Sources: Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death being investigated apparent suicide 0

- [reported] Steve Eady promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox effective Nov 16, 2015
  GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the promotion of Steve Eady to Deputy Warden of Security of Wilcox State Prison effective November 16, 2015, with Wilcox State Prison then housing 1,827 medium security male offenders.
  Date: 2015-11-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Steve Eady Promoted | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Shawn Emmons named Warden of Wilcox State Prison effective July 1, 2017
  GDC Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the reassignment of Shawn Emmons to Warden at Wilcox State Prison effective July 1, 2017, overseeing 219 staff members and 1,840 medium security male offenders.
  Date: 2017-07-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Warden Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden named wilcox state prison [2]

- [reported] Inmate James Wheeler found unresponsive, pronounced dead at Wilcox SP
  On October 29, 2017, a Correctional Officer found inmate James Wheeler (GDC#1148609) unresponsive in his cell at Wilcox State Prison at 5:25 a.m.; he was pronounced deceased at 7:50 a.m. by the Wilcox County Coroner, and GDC investigated the death as an apparent suicide.
  Date: 2017-10-29
  Tags: death,mental_health,facilities,investigations
  Sources: Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death being investigated apparent suicide

- [reported] Arthur Williams died at Wilcox State Prison July 18, 2024
  Arthur Williams, 55, died July 18, 2024 at Wilcox State Prison. GDC incident report data shows a homicide involving two inmates; the death certificate was not yet in as of the AJC article.
  Date: 2024-07-18
  Tags: death,violence,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Dominique Cole was serving 10-year sentence for aggravated assault
  Dominique Cole was serving a 10-year sentence for aggravated assault out of Floyd County, with a maximum release date of August 2025.
  Date: 2025-01-01
  Tags: legal,facilities
  Sources: GDC confirms inmate death at Wilcox State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] Lawrence Whittington promoted to Warden at Wilcox SP
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Lawrence Whittington to Warden at Wilcox State Prison effective December 1, 2020.
  Date: 2020-12-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Warden at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden wilcox state prison [2]

- [reported] Arthur Williams was serving 12 years for aggravated assault
  According to GDC spokesperson Joan Heath, Arthur Williams was serving 12 years for aggravated assault out of Newton County with a maximum release date of December 2025. His body was to be taken to the GBI Crime Lab to determine cause of death.
  Tags: death,facilities
  Sources: Investigation underway after inmate dies at Wilcox State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] Dominique Cole transferred from mental health facility days before death
  Dominique Cole's family said that just days after the Department of Corrections transferred Cole from a mental health facility in Johnson County to Wilcox State Prison, the 37-year-old was dead, within nine days.
  Tags: mental_health,transfers,death
  Sources: ‘He didn’t have to die’: Family demands answers after inmate found dead weeks before release – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison lockdown after gang-related inmate death
  Wilcox State Prison was placed on lockdown following a gang-related altercation in which an inmate died; GDC stated the facility was on lockdown until further notice.
  Tags: violence,gangs,death,operations
  Sources: Inmate dies after gang-related altercation at Wilcox State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

- [reported] James Forest Williams died Oct. 3, 2022 at Wilcox
  James Forest Williams, 43, died Oct. 3, 2022 at Wilcox State Prison from blunt and sharp force injuries to head, torso and extremities, per the AJC homicide list.
  Date: 2022-10-03
  Tags: death,violence,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Joseph Burnette promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox SP
  GDC Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Joseph Burnette to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective December 1, 2020.
  Date: 2020-12-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security wilcox state prison [2]

- [reported] Four arrested over two days for smuggling contraband into Wilcox SP
  Authorities arrested four people over a two-day period, June 24 and 25, for attempting to smuggle contraband into Wilcox State Prison, according to WGXA reporting on GDC information.
  Tags: contraband,operations
  Sources: GDC: 4 arrested for attempting to smuggle contraband into Wilcox State Prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Mariol Juante Rawls died Aug. 27, 2024 at Wilcox
  Mariol Juante Rawls, 41, died Aug. 27, 2024 at Wilcox State Prison. GDC incident report data shows nine offenders involved and a homemade weapon; the death certificate was not yet in as of the AJC article.
  Date: 2024-08-27
  Tags: death,violence,contraband,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Clandestine video shows inmate orderly punching inmate at Wilcox
  The AJC investigation reports that at Wilcox State Prison a clandestine video captured a female correctional officer and another officer moving an inmate on a cart while an inmate orderly punched him.
  Tags: violence,corruption,investigations
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons | Public Safety | daily-tribune.com

- [reported] Two caught on Wilcox SP property with tobacco, phones, vape pens
  On June 24, two people, including Kaylashia Wright, were spotted on the property of Wilcox State Prison and found with tobacco, cellphones, lighters, cigarettes, rolling papers, vape pens, charging blocks, and charging cables.
  Tags: contraband
  Sources: GDC: 4 arrested for attempting to smuggle contraband into Wilcox State Prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Maurice Brown killed in gang-related fight at Wilcox
  Maurice Brown was pronounced dead as a result of a gang-related fight in one of Wilcox State Prison's dorms. His body was turned over to the coroner and taken to the GBI Crime Lab to determine official cause of death.
  Tags: death,violence,gangs,facilities
  Sources: Inmate at Wilcox State Prison dead, multiple others injured in gang-related fight, Georgia Department of Corrections confirms

- [reported] Statewide lockdown followed gang-related altercations at five prisons including Wilcox
  WGXA reported that all GDC facilities were placed on lockdown following a string of "gang-related" altercations at Dooly, Smith, Wilcox, Hays and Valdosta state prisons the prior month.
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: GDC: 9 hurt after 'gang-related' fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Two Wilcox officers fired and charged after video
  The AJC reports the two officers in the Wilcox video were Melissa Lawson, a unit manager, and Tanja O'Neal, a lieutenant, and that both were fired and charged with battery, riot in a penal institution, and violation of their oaths as officers.
  Tags: violence,corruption,investigations
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons | Public Safety | daily-tribune.com

- [reported] Officer Askalonia Barrett arrested for contraband introduction at Wilcox State Prison
  On December 4, 2016, the Wilcox County Sheriff's Department arrested Correctional Officer Askalonia Barrett for Introduction of Contraband Behind Guard Lines and Violation of Oath by a Public Officer after she failed to clear the metal detector at the front entry; a strip search found 6 small Ziploc bags of tobacco and 4 packs of rolling papers.
  Date: 2016-12-04
  Tags: contraband,corruption,staffing
  Sources: Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Prisons | Georgia Department of Corrections, contraband arrests multiple state prisons [6]

- [reported] Charles Mims promoted to Warden at Wilcox SP
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Charles Mims to Warden at Wilcox State Prison effective January 15, 2023.
  Date: 2023-01-15
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Warden at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden wilcox state prison [3]

- [reported] Traffic stop near Wilcox SP yields contraband; two arrested
  On June 25, Abbeville police conducted a traffic stop near Wilcox State Prison and found contraband wrapped in blue tape and cellophane, leading to the arrest of Isaac Gibbs and Maurice Williams.
  Tags: contraband,operations
  Sources: GDC: 4 arrested for attempting to smuggle contraband into Wilcox State Prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Maurice Brown was serving 25 years for kidnapping
  GDC officials said Maurice Brown was convicted of kidnapping in Fulton County and was serving a 25-year sentence, with a maximum release date of 2034.
  Tags: death,facilities
  Sources: Inmate at Wilcox State Prison dead, multiple others injured in gang-related fight, Georgia Department of Corrections confirms

- [reported] Contraband cellphone video of assault at Wilcox circulated before June 2023 DOJ visit
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that shortly before DOJ visited Wilcox State Prison for a site visit in June 2023, a video shot on a contraband cellphone circulated on social media, appearing to show an incarcerated person assaulting another incarcerated person outdoors, with foot dragging on the pavement, and that two Wilcox COs were terminated from GDC employment shortly thereafter.
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: violence,contraband,corruption,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Officers 'utilized' inmate Erlando Horne to strike Jammie Davis
  According to arrest warrants cited by the AJC, officers Lawson and O'Neal 'utilized' inmate Erlando 'Big E' Horne, described as 6-2 and 260 pounds, to strike inmate Jammie Davis in the face, head, and torso while Davis's bare feet dragged on the ground.
  Tags: violence,corruption,staffing
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons | Public Safety | daily-tribune.com

- [reported] Micheal Thomas reassigned to Warden at Wilcox SP
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of Micheal Thomas, Warden at Dodge State Prison, to Warden at Wilcox State Prison effective July 16, 2025.
  Date: 2025-07-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Warden at Wilcox State Prison, GDC press release

- [reported] January 2025 gang altercation injures nine inmates at Wilcox
  Following a gang-related altercation on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, that injured nine inmates, Wilcox State Prison was placed on lockdown at the warden's discretion.
  Date: 2025-01-09
  Tags: violence,gangs,facilities
  Sources: Wilcox State Prison altercation hospitalizes 9 inmates

- [reported] Two Wilcox correctional officers terminated after assault video circulated
  DOJ's findings report states that two Wilcox correctional officers were terminated from GDC employment shortly after a video of an assault at Wilcox State Prison circulated on social media.
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: corruption,staffing,violence,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Jimmy Kellom promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox SP
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Jimmy Kellom, Unit Manager at Telfair State Prison, to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective May 1, 2026.
  Date: 2026-05-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Nine inmates injured with non-life-threatening injuries in Wilcox altercation
  An altercation among multiple inmates occurred at Wilcox State Prison on Thursday, January 9, 2025, injuring nine inmates with non-life-threatening injuries, as reported in a WALB article published Jan. 13, 2025.
  Date: 2025-01-09
  Tags: violence,gangs
  Sources: Wilcox State Prison altercation hospitalizes 9 inmates

- [reported] GDC records confirm officers brought 'warden's orderly' to help move assault victim
  The DOJ's findings report states that shortly before DOJ visited Wilcox State Prison for a site visit in June 2023, a video shot on a contraband cellphone circulated on social media appearing to show an incarcerated person assaulting another incarcerated person outdoors on a prison walkway while an officer watched, and that GDC records confirm multiple officers, including those in supervisory positions, brought an incarcerated person who served as a 'warden's orderly' to the victim's housing unit to help move the victim, and that the victim already had been assaulted by another incarcerated person inside his housing unit.
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: violence,corruption,staffing,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Tracey Jackson promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Wilcox SP
  GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Tracey Jackson, Behavioral Health Counselor Supervisor at Dooly State Prison, to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Wilcox State Prison effective March 16, 2026.
  Date: 2026-03-16
  Tags: staffing,mental_health,medical,facilities
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Statesboro woman arrested after drone drug smuggling attempt at Wilcox
  WALB reported that a woman from Statesboro was arrested after deputies said a drone was caught trying to smuggle drugs into Wilcox State Prison.
  Tags: drugs,contraband,investigations
  Sources: Drone caught attempting to smuggle drugs into Wilcox State Prison

- [reported] Staff allowed assailant to strike and drag limp victim along walkway
  The DOJ's findings report states that after the Wilcox cellphone-video incident, prison staff then allowed the assailant to strike the victim and to use a cart to drag the victim, who was lying limp, along an outdoor walkway, with one bare foot dragging on the pavement, and that two Wilcox COs were terminated from GDC employment shortly thereafter.
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: violence,corruption,staffing,investigations
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Shawn Emmons listed as Warden of Wilcox State Prison in February 2018 Board minutes
  The Georgia Board of Corrections' February 2018 meeting minutes list Shawn Emmons as Warden of Wilcox State Prison.
  Date: 2018-02-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: Board Meeting Minutes February 2018

- [reported] James Forest Williams, 43, died at Wilcox Oct 3, 2022 of blunt and sharp force injuries
  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's list of Georgia prison homicides reports James Forest Williams, 43, died October 3, 2022 at Wilcox State Prison of blunt and sharp force injuries to head, torso and extremities.
  Date: 2022-10-03
  Tags: death,violence,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Drone smuggling suspect faced nine felony charges and one misdemeanor
  A woman from Statesboro was arrested after the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office found a drone and three packages containing about 15 and a half pounds of marijuana and nearly 17 pounds of meth near Owensboro Road that deputies believe was headed for Wilcox State Prison, and she faces nine felony charges and one misdemeanor including using an unmanned aircraft, trafficking drugs, conspiracy, and weapons possession.
  Tags: drugs,contraband,legal
  Sources: Drone caught attempting to smuggle drugs into Wilcox State Prison

- [reported] Mariol Juante Rawls, 41, died at Wilcox Aug 27, 2024; nine offenders and homemade weapon in incident data
  The AJC's Georgia prison homicides list reports Mariol Juante Rawls, 41, died August 27, 2024 at Wilcox State Prison, and that GDC incident report data shows nine offenders involved and a homemade weapon; the death certificate was not yet in as of the article.
  Date: 2024-08-27
  Tags: death,violence,contraband,gangs
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] High-speed chase through four counties after Wilcox contraband drop foiled
  WGXA reported that multiple contraband drop attempts at Wilcox State Prison resulted in a high-speed chase through four Midstate counties, after Abbeville Police pulled over a car with two people inside and noticed a drone with tape over its lights, and the driver sped off leading officers on a chase reaching speeds up to 135 miles per hour through Pulaski, Dooly, and Houston County before crashing on I-16 near Downtown.
  Tags: contraband,investigations,operations
  Sources: High-speed pursuit across four counties after prison contraband drop foiled Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] At least eight 'validated gang members' charged with murder in Rawls killing
  At least eight men described as 'validated gang members' have been charged with murder for allegedly entering the cell of Mariol Rawls, 41, at Wilcox State Prison in late August 2024 and stabbing him repeatedly with a 12-inch blade, walking him to the shower and back and then placing him in his bunk, according to arrest warrants.
  Date: 2024-08-01
  Tags: violence,gangs,death,investigations
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Two arrested after high-speed chase held in Wilcox County Jail
  WGXA reported that the two people involved in the high-speed chase following the foiled Wilcox State Prison drone contraband drop were arrested and held in the Wilcox County Jail with warrants pending.
  Tags: contraband,legal
  Sources: High-speed pursuit across four counties after prison contraband drop foiled Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Stephen Beck found unresponsive, pronounced dead at Wilcox SP
  Correctional Officers found inmate Stephen Beck unresponsive in his cell at Wilcox State Prison at approximately 8:55 a.m. on June 25; prison medical staff attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced deceased at 9:18 a.m. by Emergency Medical Technicians.
  Date: 2018-06-25
  Tags: death,medical,facilities
  Sources: Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death being investigated apparent suicide 0

- [reported] Three charged with trafficking after pursuit and K-9 track near Wilcox
  Three individuals were charged with trafficking ecstasy, trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of Schedule II oxycodone and introducing contraband after a pursuit and K-9 track in an area used for introducing contraband into Wilcox State Prison.
  Date: 2026-05-15
  Tags: drugs,contraband,legal
  Sources: 3 arrested after pursuit and K-9 track uncover trafficking-level drugs at state prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Antoine Caldwell appointed Warden of Wilcox effective July 1, 2013
  GDC Commissioner Brian Owens announced the appointment of Antoine Caldwell as Warden of Wilcox State Prison effective July 1, 2013, overseeing 323 staff members and 1,862 medium security male inmates.
  Date: 2013-07-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: New Warden Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden named wilcox state prison [1]

- [reported] Stephen Beck serving 10 years for attempted murder
  Stephen Beck, whose death at Wilcox State Prison GDC was investigating as an apparent suicide, was sentenced to 10 years in Lowndes County for attempted murder, with a maximum release date of 2026.
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: legal,death
  Sources: Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death being investigated apparent suicide 0

- [reported] Three arrested May 15, 2026 near Wilcox on trafficking charges
  On Friday, May 15, 2026, three individuals were arrested after a pursuit and K-9 track near Wilcox State Prison, charged with trafficking ecstasy, trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of Schedule II oxycodone and introducing contraband.
  Date: 2026-05-15
  Tags: drugs,contraband,legal
  Sources: 3 arrested after pursuit and K-9 track uncover trafficking-level drugs at state prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] James Spann promoted to Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at Wilcox effective Sept 16, 2015
  GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the promotion of James Spann from Chief Counselor at Calhoun State Prison to Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at Wilcox State Prison effective September 16, 2015.
  Date: 2015-09-16
  Tags: staffing,medical
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Care &amp; Treatment Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Inmate allegedly stabbed more than 30 times in gang-related fight
  WALB reported that a mother and sister said their loved one was allegedly stabbed more than 30 times during a gang-related fight at Wilcox State Prison on Sept. 3.
  Tags: violence,gangs,facilities
  Sources: Mother and sister of inmate injured in gang-related riot at Wilcox State Prison speak about lack of information from Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Clandestine video at Wilcox SP shows officer allowing inmate to punch another
  At Wilcox State Prison, a clandestine video captured a scene in which a correctional officer allowed an inmate orderly to punch another inmate while officers held him.
  Tags: violence,corruption,investigations
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons

- [reported] James Spann reassigned from Wilcox to Autry State Prison in 2020
  James Spann, Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Wilcox State Prison since 2015, was reassigned to Autry State Prison as Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment in 2020.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: staffing,medical,transfers
  Sources: James Spann Reassigned | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Dominique Cole died at Wilcox SP weeks before release after transfer from mental health facility
  WSB-TV reported that Dominique Cole died on Sunday inside Wilcox State Prison, just weeks away from his release date; his family said Cole was transferred from a mental health facility in Johnson County to Wilcox State Prison days before the 37-year-old died.
  Tags: death,mental_health,transfers,investigations
  Sources: ‘He didn’t have to die’: Family demands answers after inmate found dead weeks before release – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta

- [reported] Injured inmate left to recover without clothes, bed, or mattress
  A family member said an anonymous source told her that her injured relative had been returned to Wilcox State Prison and left to recover 'without clothes, a bed, or a mattress.'
  Tags: conditions,violence,facilities
  Sources: Mother and sister of inmate injured in gang-related riot at Wilcox State Prison speak about lack of information from Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] GDC confirmed Dominique Cole's body sent to GBI crime lab
  Dominique Cole's father Resley Cole said the warden called him on Sunday to say Cole had an encounter with a different inmate and did not survive; GDC confirmed to WSB-TV that Cole's body was sent to the GBI crime lab to determine how he died.
  Tags: death,violence,investigations
  Sources: ‘He didn’t have to die’: Family demands answers after inmate found dead weeks before release – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta

- [reported] Bundles and drone found on Owensboro Road May 14, 2026
  According to the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, deputies were alerted to suspicious activity on Owensboro Road on May 14, 2026, and discovered three large wrapped bundles and a drone hidden in the wood line; a suspect led deputies on a brief chase into Rochelle before being taken into custody, and authorities also recovered a Glock 9mm pistol from the vehicle.
  Date: 2026-05-14
  Tags: contraband,drugs,investigations
  Sources: Drone, contraband bundles discovered in Wilcox County lead to chase and arrest

- [reported] LaSandra Lofton promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison
  GDC Interim Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of LaSandra Lofton to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective December 1, 2018, overseeing approximately 270 staff members and 1,827 medium security offenders.
  Date: 2018-12-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security wilcox state prison [1]

- [reported] Lawrence Whittington promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison
  GDC Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the promotion of Lawrence Whittington to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective November 16, 2016, overseeing 187 security staff and over 1,800 medium security male offenders.
  Date: 2016-11-16
  Tags: staffing,facilities,operations
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

STATISTICS (44)
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- [reported] AJC records three homicides at Wilcox State Prison
  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's compiled list of Georgia prison homicides records three homicides at Wilcox State Prison: James Forest Williams, 43 (died Oct. 3, 2022, blunt and sharp force injuries to head, torso and extremities); Arthur Williams, 55 (July 18, 2024); and Mariol Juante Rawls, 41 (Aug. 27, 2024).
  Value: 3.0 homicides
  Tags: death,violence,facilities
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison housed 1,827 medium security male offenders in 2015
  According to a GDC press release, Wilcox State Prison currently housed 1,827 medium security male offenders at the time of Steve Eady's promotion announcement (effective November 16, 2015).
  Value: 1827.0 inmates
  Date: 2015-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: Steve Eady Promoted | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Wilcox SP Fire Station 17 established October 1994, ~100 calls annually
  GDC's Fire Services & Life Saving Unit fact sheet states that Wilcox State Prison's Station No. 17 was established in October 1994 and responds to an average of 100 calls annually, serving Wilcox County.
  Value: 100.0 calls per year
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Fire Services & Life GEORGIA

- [reported] Wilcox SP warden oversees 265 staff and ~1,840 medium-security male offenders (2020)
  As Warden of Wilcox State Prison effective December 1, 2020, Lawrence Whittington was responsible for overseeing 265 staff at the facility and approximately 1,840 medium-security male offenders.
  Value: 265.0 staff (vs. 1840 medium-security male offenders)
  Date: 2020-12-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Warden at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden wilcox state prison [2]

- [reported] 255 cameras installed throughout Wilcox SP
  GDC's PREA Annual Report states that 255 cameras were installed throughout Wilcox State Prison.
  Value: 255.0 cameras
  Tags: facilities,operations,policy
  Sources: Prison Rape Elimination Act

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison capacity 1827, opened 1994, medium security
  GDC's facility page for Wilcox State Prison lists its capacity as 1827, constructed 1993, opened 1994, security level medium.
  Value: 1827.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Wilcox SP Deputy Warden of Security supervises ~188 security staff and ~1,840 offenders (2020)
  As Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective December 1, 2020, Joseph Burnette was responsible for supervising and managing approximately 188 security staff members and 1,840 medium-security male offenders at the facility.
  Value: 188.0 security staff (vs. 1840 medium-security male offenders)
  Date: 2020-12-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security wilcox state prison [2]

- [reported] Wilcox SP warden oversees ~1,800 medium-security male offenders (2023)
  As Warden of Wilcox State Prison effective January 15, 2023, Charles Mims was responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,800 medium-security male offenders.
  Value: 1800.0 medium-security male offenders
  Date: 2023-01-15
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Warden at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden wilcox state prison [3]

- [reported] Seven inmates hospitalized, two airlifted in Wilcox fight
  As a result of the gang-related fight at Wilcox State Prison, seven inmates were taken to hospitals, two of whom had to be airlifted due to the severity of their injuries; two other inmates with minor injuries were treated at the prison. No staff injuries were reported and the prison was placed on lockdown.
  Value: 7.0 inmates hospitalized
  Tags: violence,gangs,medical,facilities
  Sources: Inmate at Wilcox State Prison dead, multiple others injured in gang-related fight, Georgia Department of Corrections confirms

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison correctional officer vacancy rate 69.17%
  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's list of worst-staffed Georgia prisons, based on GDC staffing records, lists Wilcox State Prison as medium security with 1,846 inmates and a correctional officer vacancy rate of 69.17%.
  Value: 69.17 percent
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Five inmates hospitalized after fights at Smith, Wilcox, Hays, Valdosta
  A GDC spokesperson said fights at Smith, Wilcox, Hays, and Valdosta State Prisons resulted in a total of five inmates being sent to the hospital with "non-life-threatening" injuries, and all GDC prisons were placed under lockdown after the string of altercations.
  Value: 5.0 inmates hospitalized
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

- [reported] Two inmates airlifted from Wilcox fight
  Two of the seven inmates hospitalized after the Wilcox State Prison fight had to be airlifted due to the severity of their injuries.
  Value: 2.0 inmates airlifted
  Tags: violence,medical,facilities
  Sources: Inmate at Wilcox State Prison dead, multiple others injured in gang-related fight, Georgia Department of Corrections confirms

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison inmate count 1,846
  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's list of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Wilcox State Prison as medium security with 1,846 inmates.
  Value: 1846.0 inmates
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons

- [reported] Wilcox SP warden oversees ~1,833 male offenders (2025)
  As Warden of Wilcox State Prison effective July 16, 2025, Micheal Thomas was responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,833 male offenders.
  Value: 1833.0 male offenders
  Date: 2025-07-16
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Warden at Wilcox State Prison, GDC press release

- [reported] Two inmates treated at prison for minor injuries
  Two other inmates with minor injuries were treated at Wilcox State Prison following the gang-related fight.
  Value: 2.0 inmates treated at prison
  Tags: violence,medical,facilities
  Sources: Inmate at Wilcox State Prison dead, multiple others injured in gang-related fight, Georgia Department of Corrections confirms

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison FY18 average standard bed count 1,659
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts special examination's Appendix C table lists Wilcox State Prison with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,659.
  Value: 1659.0 beds
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison FY18 average special use bed count 124
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts special examination's Appendix C table lists Wilcox State Prison with an FY18 average special use bed count of 124.
  Value: 124.0 beds
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] Wilcox SP Deputy Warden of Security oversees 1,838 male offenders (2026)
  As Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective May 1, 2026, Jimmy Kellom was responsible for overseeing security staff members and 1,838 male offenders.
  Value: 1838.0 male offenders
  Date: 2026-05-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison FY18 average physical bed count 1,783
  A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts special examination's Appendix C table lists Wilcox State Prison with an FY18 average physical bed count of 1,783.
  Value: 1783.0 beds
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12)

- [reported] FY21 mental health expansion added 64 offender capacity at Wilcox SP
  During FY21, GDC expanded mental health services to four additional facilities, including Wilcox State Prison, adding capacity for 64 offenders at Wilcox SP.
  Value: 64.0 offenders
  Tags: mental_health,facilities,budget
  Sources: gdc.georgia.gov: gdc annual fiscal report 2021

- [reported] PREA audit: Wilcox opened 1994, design capacity 1,840, population 1,728
  A PREA audit states Wilcox State Prison opened in 1994 with a design capacity of 1,840 and a population of 1,728 at the time of the audit.
  Value: 1728.0 inmates (vs. 1840 design capacity)
  Date: 1994-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 2)

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison highest security capacity 1,410
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' Inmate Health Care performance audit lists Wilcox as a Medium security-level facility with a highest security capacity of 1,410.
  Value: 1410.0 beds
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: Performance (audits.ga.gov)

- [reported] Statewide bond: $89.6M to replace locking controls
  The Governor's Budget Report lists a statewide bond package item: "Corrections, Department of: Design and construction to replace locking controls, statewide" for $89,596,895.
  Value: 89596895.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities,operations
  Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2026 and FY 2027

- [reported] Wilcox SP opened 1994, design capacity 1,827, population 1,728 at PREA audit
  GDC's PREA audit of Wilcox State Prison describes it as a medium level male prison that opened in 1994, located at 470 South Broad Street, Abbeville, GA, with a design capacity of 1,827 and a population at the time of the audit of 1,728.
  Value: 1827.0 design capacity (vs. 1728 population at time of audit)
  Date: 1994-01-01
  Tags: facilities,demographics,conditions
  Sources: GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison budgeted physical care staff 14.5 FTE
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' Inmate Health Care performance audit lists Wilcox with budgeted physical care staff (FTE) of 14.5.
  Value: 14.5 FTE
  Tags: staffing,medical
  Sources: Performance (audits.ga.gov)

- [reported] Statewide bond: $84.7M for fire alarm, perimeter security, cameras
  The Governor's Budget Report lists a statewide bond package item: "Corrections, Department of: Design and construct fire alarm replacement, perimeter security and lighting, thermal cameras, and CCTV, statewide" for $84,661,607.
  Value: 84661607.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities,operations
  Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2026 and FY 2027

- [reported] $34.3M for locking control system replacement at various facilities
  The Governor's Budget Report lists "$34,262,515 for design and construction to replace locking control systems at various facilities" among GDC budget changes.
  Value: 34262515.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities,operations
  Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026

- [reported] $248,062 for 'tiger team' to support GDC locking team
  The Governor's Budget Report lists a GDC budget item: "Provide funds for a 'tiger team' to support existing GDC locking team to address repairs needed on facility locks, locking controls, and security electronics" for $248,062.
  Value: 248062.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities,operations
  Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026

- [reported] At least 44 homicide victims in Georgia prisons in 2024 (as of AJC reporting)
  The AJC reports that at least 44 people have been homicide victims so far in 2024 in Georgia's prison system, citing the Rawls case at Wilcox State Prison among recent homicides.
  Value: 44.0 homicide victims
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: Ga prison homicides: A list of those killed in Georgia's prison system

- [reported] $93.2M for four 126-bed modular correctional units
  The Governor's Budget Report lists a GDC budget item: "Provide funds for sitework and construction of four 126-bed modular correctional units to facilitate offender population movement necessary for capital and security improvements" for $93,203,352.
  Value: 93203352.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities,operations
  Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026

- [reported] $37.0M for project backlog and major maintenance/renovation
  The Governor's Budget Report lists a GDC budget item: "Provide funds for project backlog and major maintenance and renovation projects at facilities" for $36,999,379.
  Value: 36999379.0 USD
  Tags: budget,facilities,operations
  Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026

- [reported] Wilcox had 323 staff and 1,862 medium security male inmates in 2013
  According to a GDC press release, Wilcox State Prison had 323 staff members and 1,862 medium security male inmates at the time of Antoine Caldwell's appointment as Warden effective July 1, 2013.
  Value: 323.0 staff members (vs. 1862 medium security male inmates)
  Date: 2013-01-01
  Tags: staffing,facilities,demographics
  Sources: New Warden Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden named wilcox state prison [1]

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison consists of twenty buildings
  A PREA audit states Wilcox State Prison consists of twenty (20) buildings.
  Value: 20.0 buildings
  Tags: facilities
  Sources: GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 3)

- [reported] Wilcox County had more than 300 unindicted cases as of February 2026
  As of February 2026, Wilcox County had more than 300 unindicted cases in the Cordele Judicial Circuit.
  Value: 300.0 unindicted cases
  Date: 2026-02-01
  Tags: legal,investigations
  Sources: 4,200+ unindicted or pending criminal cases raise concerns in a South Georgia judicial system

- [reported] Three inmates still hospitalized, 11 returned after Wilcox fight
  A GDC official told WALB around 4:30 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon that three inmates injured in the Wilcox State Prison fight were still in the hospital, while 11 had been returned to the prison.
  Value: 3.0 inmates (vs. 11 returned to prison)
  Tags: violence,medical,facilities
  Sources: Mother and sister of inmate injured in gang-related riot at Wilcox State Prison speak about lack of information from Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Wilcox SP physical capacity 1862, operational capacity 1782
  A GDC facility description for Wilcox State Prison lists a physical capacity of 1862 and an operational capacity of 1782.
  Value: 1862.0 beds (physical capacity) (vs. 1782 operational capacity)
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison has 22 Priority One Posts staffed 24/7
  A PREA audit states Wilcox State Prison has 22 Priority One Posts that are manned by one correctional officer for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  Value: 22.0 Priority One Posts
  Tags: staffing,operations,facilities
  Sources: GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 3)

- [reported] Cordele Judicial Circuit had more than 4,200 unindicted cases
  An open records request revealed that the Cordele Judicial Circuit, covering Ben Hill, Dooly, Crisp and Wilcox counties, has more than 4,200 cases where the District Attorney's office has not formally charged anyone, many going back several years.
  Value: 4200.0 unindicted cases
  Date: 2026-02-01
  Tags: legal,investigations
  Sources: 4,200+ unindicted or pending criminal cases raise concerns in a South Georgia judicial system

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: Wilcox population 1,558, ADP 1,623
  GDC's PREA Cycle 4 audit of Wilcox State Prison records a current population of 1,558 and an average daily population for the past 12 months of 1,623.
  Value: 1558.0 inmates (vs. 1623 average daily population)
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox audit cycle 4

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: confined person capacity 1,672, ADP 1,623
  In its PAQ response, Wilcox State Prison provided staffing plans showing a confined person capacity of 1,672 and an average daily population for the last 12 months of 1,623.
  Value: 1672.0 confined person capacity (vs. 1623 average daily population)
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox audit cycle 4

- [reported] PREA audit: 174 Wilcox staff may have contact with inmates
  GDC's PREA audit of Wilcox State Prison records the number of staff currently employed at the facility who may have contact with inmates as 174.
  Value: 174.0 staff
  Tags: staffing,facilities
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: 6 standards exceeded, 39 met, 0 not met
  GDC's PREA Cycle 4 audit of Wilcox State Prison records 6 standards exceeded (including 115.87 Data collection), 39 standards met, and 0 standards not met.
  Value: 39.0 standards met (vs. 6 standards exceeded)
  Tags: legal,policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox audit cycle 4

- [reported] PREA Cycle 4 audit: design capacity 1,672, population 1,558, ADP 1,623
  A PREA audit of Wilcox State Prison reported a designed facility capacity of 1,672, a current population of 1,558, and an average daily population for the past 12 months of 1,623.
  Value: 1558.0 inmates (vs. 1672 design capacity)
  Tags: facilities,demographics
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox audit cycle 4

- [reported] PREA audit: Wilcox designed capacity 1,838, current population 1,830
  A PREA audit of Wilcox State Prison reported a designed facility capacity of 1,838 and a current population of 1,830.
  Value: 1830.0 inmates (current population) (vs. 1838 designed facility capacity)
  Tags: facilities,demographics,conditions
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5

FINDINGS (19)
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- [reported] Board of Corrections March 2022 minutes include Wilcox arrest totals
  Board of Corrections minutes for a March 2022 meeting record that Mr. Nix's report included the total arrests for Baldwin, Calhoun, Dooly, Hays, Johnson, Macon, Smith, and Wilcox state prison and total civilian arrests.
  Date: 2022-03-01
  Tags: operations,investigations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2022

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison housing configuration
  GDC's facility page describes housing as four and one-half buildings with 120 per dorm in 24 double-bunked and 24 triple-bunked cells each, plus three housing units of four open dormitories (two housing approximately 48 per dorm and the other approximately 94 per dorm).
  Tags: facilities,conditions
  Sources: Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] GDC spokesperson says staff in identified cases terminated and charged
  A GDC spokesperson, Lori Benoit, told the AJC regarding the cases it identified (including the Wilcox incident) that 'all staff have been terminated, charged and are pending court prosecution.'
  Tags: corruption,investigations
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons | Public Safety | daily-tribune.com

- [reported] Inmate describes being attacked in officer's presence at Wilcox
  A Georgia prison inmate told the AJC in a written statement that he too was attacked in officer Lawson's presence at Wilcox, and that inmates labeled snitches or disowned by gangs become 'de facto weapons for officers,' rewarded with work details, freedom of movement and contraband.
  Tags: violence,corruption,gangs
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons | Public Safety | daily-tribune.com

- [reported] Wilcox segregated individuals reported receiving no required services, programs, or outside recreation
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that incarcerated individuals at Wilcox State Prison reported that in segregation they did not receive any required services, programs, or outside recreation.
  Tags: solitary,conditions,mental_health
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] AJC investigation: officers used inmates as weapons
  An AJC investigation reported that some Georgia correctional officers used inmates as weapons against other inmates, as illustrated by arrest warrants describing officers Lawson and O'Neal 'utilizing' Erlando Horne to strike Jammie Davis.
  Tags: violence,corruption,staffing
  Sources: For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons | Public Safety | daily-tribune.com

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

- [reported] Wilcox among 24 of ~34 GDC close- and medium-security prisons covered by DOJ investigation
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons lists Wilcox State Prison among the prisons that constitute 24 of the approximately 34 GDC prisons housing incarcerated men or women at the close- and medium-security levels, which DOJ's investigation covered.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: investigations,facilities
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Wilcox SP PREA audit findings: 2 exceeded, 39 met, 0 not met, 2 not applicable
  GDC's PREA audit of Wilcox State Prison records the summary of audit findings as: Number of standards exceeded: 2; Number of standards met: 39; Number of standards not met: 0; Number of standards not applicable: 2.
  Tags: conditions,legal,investigations,facilities
  Sources: GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison has no infirmary, CSU with 4 beds
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' Inmate Health Care performance audit lists Wilcox as having no infirmary, a CSU with 4 beds, and no observation unit.
  Tags: medical,facilities
  Sources: Performance (audits.ga.gov)

- [reported] Wilcox SP housing layout per PREA audit
  A PREA audit describes Wilcox State Prison's housing as four and one-half buildings with about 120 inmates per dorm in 24 double-bunked and about 24 triple-bunked cells each, plus three housing units of four open dormitories (two housing about 48 per dorm, two housing about 80 per dorm), with 22 isolation cells and 24 double-bunked segregation cells.
  Tags: facilities,conditions,solitary
  Sources: GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 1)

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison designated 'No MH' highest MH level, 0 MH staff, 0 caseload
  The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' Inmate Health Care performance audit lists Wilcox with 'No MH' designated highest MH level, 0 budgeted mental health care staff (FTE), and 0 MH caseload.
  Tags: mental_health,staffing
  Sources: Performance (audits.ga.gov)

- [reported] Legionnaires' disease investigation at Wilcox SP ongoing since December 2023
  The Georgia Department of Public Health says its investigation into Legionnaires' disease at Wilcox State Prison has been ongoing since December 2023, following reports of illness.
  Date: 2023-12-01
  Tags: medical,conditions,investigations,facilities
  Sources: Wilcox State Prison legionnaires’ disease investigation enters third year

- [reported] Wilcox State Prison does not provide mental health services onsite
  A PREA audit report of Wilcox State Prison states that Wilcox State Prison does not provide Mental Health services onsite.
  Tags: mental_health,medical,conditions
  Sources: GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 3)

- [reported] PREA audit: Wilcox daily inmate count 1,838; auditor found adequate staffing, no overcrowding concerns
  GDC's PREA audit of Wilcox State Prison records a daily number of inmates of 1838, with the auditor observing that adequate staff appeared to be present in housing areas, work, education and other program areas, cameras and mirrors observed to augment staffing, and no issues or concerns noted for understaffing, overcrowding or poor line of sight.
  Tags: staffing,conditions,facilities,operations
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5

- [reported] Prison failed to contact family about injured inmate
  Family members of an inmate injured in a Wilcox State Prison fight said the prison told them it would contact them about his condition but never did.
  Tags: conditions,facilities
  Sources: Mother and sister of inmate injured in gang-related riot at Wilcox State Prison speak about lack of information from Georgia Department of Corrections

- [reported] Phase II energy savings presented for five sites including Wilcox
  GDC's Board of Corrections was presented with Phase II projected and actual savings figures for five sites -- Arrendale, Wilcox, Hays, GDCP and GSP -- from the performance energy contracting program, covering infrastructure upgrades, maintenance costs and energy costs before and after improvements.
  Date: 2017-12-01
  Tags: budget,facilities,operations
  Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2017

- [reported] PREA audit: 4 standards exceeded, 41 met, 0 not met at Wilcox
  GDC's PREA audit of Wilcox State Prison records Number of standards exceeded: 4, including 115.33 Inmate education; Number of standards met: 41; Number of standards not met: 0.
  Tags: conditions,policy,operations
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5

- [reported] No segregated housing population at Wilcox during PREA Cycle 4 audit
  A PREA audit of Wilcox State Prison found that there were no staff assigned to or confined persons in segregated housing while the auditor was onsite.
  Tags: solitary,conditions,operations
  Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox audit cycle 4

QUOTES (2)
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- [reported] Warden told father son had encounter with different inmate
  Resley Cole said he learned his son died when the warden at the prison called on Sunday, saying his son had an encounter with a different inmate and did not survive.
  Tags: death,violence,facilities
  Sources: ‘He didn’t have to die’: Family demands answers after inmate found dead weeks before release – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta

- [reported] GDC spokesperson: all facilities on lockdown after Dooly gang fight
  A GDC spokesperson said: "Out of an abundance of caution, all GDC facilities have been placed on lockdown until further notice," after a gang-related altercation at Dooly State Prison injured nine inmates.
  Tags: violence,gangs,operations
  Sources: GDC: 9 hurt after 'gang-related' fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

LEGAL FACTS (12)
----------------------------------------
- [confirmed] Sumrall v. Mims prisoner civil-rights suit pending against GDC and Wilcox staff
  Sumrall v. Mims, a prisoner civil-rights suit naming the Georgia Department of Corrections, Latorsha Jones, Charles Mims, Sisson, Michael Thomas and Walker (identified as Food Service Director at Wilcox State Prison), was still pending with an answer and jury demand on file as of August 17, 2026.
  Date: 2026-08-17
  Tags: legal,facilities
  Sources: SUMRALL v. MIMS, 2026-07-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Williams v. Wilcox State Prison dismissed for failure to strictly comply with Tort Claims Act notice
  In Williams v. Wilcox State Prison, the Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal of a visitor's negligence suit against Wilcox State Prison and GDOC for a slip-and-fall injury, holding that her ante-litem notice failed to strictly comply with the Georgia Tort Claims Act's notice requirements.
  Date: 2017-04-21
  Tags: legal,facilities
  Sources: WILLIAMS v. WILCOX STATE PRISON Et Al., Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2017-04-21 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Octavious Williams suit dismissed about one month after filing
  A suit by Octavious Williams against Wilcox State Prison was granted in forma pauperis status and dismissed by US District Judge Tilman E. Self III on June 28, 2018, about one month after it was filed.
  Date: 2018-06-28
  Tags: legal,facilities
  Sources: WILLIAMS v. WILCOX STATE PRISON, 2018-06-28 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Johnson v. Lewis process issued to Wilcox and Hays John Does
  In Ricky J. Johnson's prisoner civil rights suit, process was issued for defendants Sharon Lewis, Homer Bryson, Mohammad, Chaudray, Ferrell, Turner, Johnson, a John Doe employed at Wilcox State Prison, a John Doe employed at Hays State Prison, and Kevin Marler.
  Date: 2017-06-20
  Tags: legal,facilities
  Sources: JOHNSON v. LEWIS, 2017-06-20 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Ponde excessive force claims against Green and Ussery allowed to proceed
  In Jeffery Ponde's suit against Wilcox State Prison and others, a magistrate judge recommended that the excessive force claims against Defendants Green and Ussery be allowed to proceed, with service directed as to those two Defendants.
  Date: 2016-01-04
  Tags: legal,violence
  Sources: PONDE v. WILCOX STATE PRISON, 2016-01-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [reported] Sumrall v. Mims: plaintiff moves for expert witness, files GDC grievance forms
  In Sumrall v. Mims, plaintiff Ammon Ra Sumrall filed a motion asking the court to appoint an expert witness, with exhibits including a GDC Health Services Request Form and an Offender Grievance Form.
  Date: 2026-07-16
  Tags: legal,medical,policy
  Sources: SUMRALL v. MIMS, 2026-07-16 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Wilcox State Prison dismissed from Ponde suit
  In Jeffery Ponde's suit, the district court adopted the magistrate's Report and Recommendation, dismissing the claims against Wilcox State Prison and dismissing Wilcox State Prison from the action.
  Date: 2016-01-29
  Tags: legal
  Sources: PONDE v. WILCOX STATE PRISON, 2016-01-04 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Turner complaint recommended dismissed without prejudice
  In Turner v. Wilcox State Prison, a magistrate judge recommended that Plaintiff's complaint, as amended, be dismissed without prejudice for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
  Date: 2025-08-01
  Tags: legal
  Sources: TURNER v. WILCOX STATE PRISON, 2025-08-01 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Faison v. GDC: court directed Wilcox State Prison to produce account certification
  In Faison v. Georgia Department of Corrections, the court directed Wilcox State Prison to produce an account certification for plaintiff Timothy Elijah Faison, confirming he was incarcerated at Wilcox State Prison when the suit was filed.
  Date: 2019-06-14
  Tags: legal,facilities
  Sources: FAISON v. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, 2019-06-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Ford v. Wilcox summary judgment deadline stayed
  In Ford v. Wilcox, a July 2021 order granted a motion to stay the deadline for filing a motion for summary judgment filed by defendants named Butts, Author Woodson, Thomas, Spikes, Casey, Timothy Ward, and Perry.
  Date: 2021-07-22
  Tags: legal
  Sources: FORD v. WILCOX, 2021-07-26 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Faison v. GDC dismissed without prejudice on October 10, 2019
  In Faison v. Georgia Department of Corrections, the district judge granted two motions to dismiss and dismissed the case without prejudice on October 10, 2019.
  Date: 2019-10-10
  Tags: legal
  Sources: FAISON v. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, 2019-06-14 (court record via CourtListener)

- [confirmed] Jury trial cancelled after settlement notice in Morrison v. Rivera
  A docket entry states that the parties filed a Notice of Settlement, leading the court to cancel a jury trial that had been scheduled to begin Monday, July 21, 2025.
  Date: 2025-07-18
  Tags: legal
  Sources: MORRISON v. RIVERA, 2025-07-18 (court record via CourtListener)

METHODOLOGY NOTES (2)
----------------------------------------
- [reported] DOJ findings report cover dated October 1, 2024
  The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons is dated on its cover October 1, 2024.
  Date: 2024-10-01
  Tags: investigations,legal
  Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024)

- [reported] Legionnaires' investigation includes source identification, remediation plan, water sampling
  The investigation into Legionnaires' disease at Wilcox State Prison includes identifying the source of the Legionella bacteria, developing a plan to address the issue, and conducting multiple rounds of water sampling and testing.
  Tags: medical,conditions,investigations
  Sources: Wilcox State Prison legionnaires’ disease investigation enters third year

DATASETS (4)
----------------------------------------
# Wilcox State Prison population and capacity figures cited in public records
  Population, capacity, and staffing figures for Wilcox State Prison as reported in GDC press releases and the PREA audit. Note: the PREA audit's 'designed facility capacity' of 1,838 is as stated in that audit; it is not a design-capacity figure from GDC budget documents.
  Date/Period         Population  Capacity  Staff  Source                                                                                                                 
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2013 (July 1)       1862                  323    New Warden Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden named wilcox state prison [1]  
  2015 (November 16)  1827                         Steve Eady Promoted | Georgia Department of Corrections                                                                
  PREA audit cycle 5  1830        1838      174    PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5                                                        

# Wilcox State Prison PREA audit population and capacity
  Population, capacity, and staffing figures reported in GDC PREA audits of Wilcox State Prison across audit cycles.
  Audit Cycle  Design Capacity  Current Population  Average Daily Population  Staff Assigned  
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cycle 2      1840             1822                                          264             
  Cycle 3      1840             1807                1798                                      
  Cycle 4      1672             1558                1623                                      

# Wilcox State Prison bed counts FY18
  Average bed counts for Wilcox State Prison from Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts Special Examination Report No. 18-12, Appendix C.
  Bed Type     Average Count  
  ----------------------------
  Standard     1659           
  Special Use  124            
  Physical     1783           

# Cordele Judicial Circuit Unindicted Cases by County, February 2026
  Number of unindicted cases by county in the Cordele Judicial Circuit as of February 2026.
  County    Unindicted Cases  
  ----------------------------
  Ben Hill  1400              
  Crisp     1800              
  Dooly     500               
  Wilcox    300               

KEY ENTITIES (107)
----------------------------------------
- Abbeville Police Department [organization]: Local law enforcement agency involved in contraband arrests at Wilcox State Prison.
- Alamo Police Department [organization]: Local police agency that arrested Officer Alexis Davilma in connection with contraband at Wilcox State Prison.
- Alexis Davilma [person]: Wilcox State Prison officer arrested by the Alamo Police Department on August 13 after security staff discovered contraband (cellphones, earbuds, charging cords, gift cards) in her possession.
- Ammon Ra Sumrall [person]: Plaintiff in Sumrall v. Mims who filed a motion for appointment of an expert witness.
- Anthony Harding [person]: Suspect apprehended near Wilcox SP on July 12, 2025 with contraband; transported to Wilcox County Detention Center.
- Antoine Caldwell [person]: Promoted to GDCP Warden effective February 1, 2022.
- Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Women's state prison in Alto, Habersham County, GA. Mixed close/medium security. Houses death row, diagnostic intake, Children's Center, all-female fire department. Being downsized toward transitional center status.
- Arthur Williams [person]: Inmate, 55, who died July 18, 2024 at Wilcox State Prison; serving 12 years for aggravated assault out of Newton County with a maximum release date of December 2025.
- Artis Singleton [person]: Warden of Wilcox State Prison effective July 1, 2018.
- Askalonia Barrett [person]: Correctional officer arrested December 4, 2016, for introduction of contraband at Wilcox State Prison.
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution [organization]: Georgia newspaper that conducted multi-year investigation into GDC corruption, drug trafficking, and overdose deaths. (aka: AJC)
- Autry State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison with GCI shoe/boot manufacturing and garment operations.
- Brian Owens [person]: Vice Chairman of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles for FY2019. Appointed to the Parole Board on February 1, 2015 by Governor Nathan Deal. Former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. (aka: Brian Owens, Vice Chairman)
- Brittany Gully [person]: Civilian arrested January 28, 2026, in connection with a drone contraband drop at Wilcox State Prison.
- 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.
- Charles Mims [person]: Former Warden of Wilcox State Prison. Signed at least one of the two warden notices to inmates about Legionella contamination (March 14, 2024). Named defendant in Sullivan v. Oliver. (aka: Warden Mims)
- Collins [person]: Surname searched for in WALB Wilcox County news; no match found. First name not provided.
- Cordele Dispatch [organization]: News outlet reporting on 2019 contraband attempt at Wilcox State Prison.
- Cordele Judicial Circuit [case]: Judicial circuit covering Ben Hill, Dooly, Crisp and Wilcox counties; had more than 4,200 unindicted cases as of February 2026.
- Corey Dewberry [person]: Individual searched for in AJC prison homicide list; no match found. (aka: Dewberry)
- Dionte Mattox [person]: Civilian arrested November 4, 2022, in connection with a drone contraband attempt at Wilcox State Prison.
- Dodge State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where 592 grams of marijuana were found with a drone operator in November 2025.
- Dominique Cole [person]: Incarcerated person killed in a Georgia prison in June 2025.
- Dooly State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where Jackie Kavaskia McMillan led drug trafficking network; second highest cell phone seizure count by end of 2016 (1,342 phones).
- Dylan Stokes [person]: Special Hazards Fire Safety Compliance Officer covering Wilcox County for the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.
- Erlando Horne [person]: Inmate described as 6-2, 260 pounds, 'utilized' by officers to strike another inmate. (aka: Big E)
- Faison v. Georgia Department of Corrections [case]: 2019 federal lawsuit; court directed Wilcox State Prison to produce account certification for plaintiff Timothy Elijah Faison; dismissed without prejudice October 10, 2019.
- Fatian Dukes [person]: Individual searched for in AJC prison homicide list; no match found. (aka: Dukes)
- Ford v. Wilcox [case]: 2021 federal lawsuit; summary judgment deadline stayed.
- Georgia Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board that issues rules for Georgia prison operations, including Rule 125-4-2-.08 (Library) and Rule 125-2-4-.17
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Georgia state law enforcement agency that conducts some criminal investigations involving the prisons (aka: GBI)
- Georgia Court of Appeals [organization]: Georgia's intermediate appellate court
- Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC)
- Georgia Department of Public Health [organization]: State agency providing drug overdose surveillance data including statewide overdose statistics. (aka: DPH)
- Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison from which David 'Toro' Zavala operated drug trafficking while serving time for armed robbery.
- Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire [organization]: State office responsible for fire safety compliance, including special hazards officers assigned to counties. (aka: OCI)
- Georgia Procurement Registry [organization]: DOAS-operated registry of state procurement events, including GDC lock and door replacement solicitations. (aka: GPR)
- Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission [organization]: State agency posting GDCP procurement solicitations.
- Georgia State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where Chad Ashley Allen, serving a life sentence for murder, operated drug trafficking enterprise with Ghost Face Gangsters.
- Gregory C. Dozier [person]: GDC Commissioner who announced Shay Hatcher's promotion in 2018.
- GSFIC [organization]: Georgia agency directed to provide quarterly design reports for transition center facilities in the FY2027 budget. (aka: Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission)
- Hancock State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where THC gummies, white powdery substances, and marijuana were recovered in January 2024.
- Hays State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Hays)
- Homer Bryson [person]: Former GDC Commissioner who supported transitional center phone policies, stating it was important for residents to learn responsible use of technology (aka: Commissioner Homer Bryson)
- Horace Young [person]: Civilian arrested November 4, 2022, in connection with a drone contraband attempt at Wilcox State Prison.
- House Budget and Research Office [organization]: Georgia legislative budget research office; 2024 public safety session brief searched for Wilcox references.
- Isaac Gibbs [person]: Arrested June 25 after a traffic stop near Wilcox State Prison yielded contraband.
- James Forest Williams [person]: 43-year-old who died October 3, 2022 at Wilcox State Prison of blunt and sharp force injuries to head, torso and extremities, per AJC homicide list.
- James Spann [person]: Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment at Wilcox State Prison from 2015, reassigned to Autry State Prison in 2020.
- James Wheeler [person]: Inmate found unresponsive at Wilcox SP on October 29, 2017; pronounced dead, investigated as apparent suicide. (aka: GDC#1148609)
- Jammie Davis [person]: Inmate at Wilcox State Prison alleged to have been threatened by Sergeant Steven Turner to sign a false witness statement.
- Jasmine White [person]: Civilian arrested August 16 near Wilcox State Prison for introducing contraband.
- Jeffery Ponde [person]: Plaintiff in Ponde v. Wilcox State Prison (2016).
- Jimmy Kellom [person]: Unit Manager at Telfair State Prison, promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective May 1, 2026. Previously promoted to Lieutenant (2022), Captain (2023), and Unit Manager (2024) at Telfair SP.
- Joan Heath [person]: GDC Communications Officer who made statements about Autry State Prison water system replacement in October 2022.
- John Trevor Turner [person]: Plaintiff in Turner v. Wilcox State Prison (2025).
- Johnson v. Lewis [case]: Prisoner civil rights suit by Ricky J. Johnson; process issued June 20, 2017 for Sharon Lewis, Homer Bryson, Mohammad, Chaudray, Ferrell, Turner, Johnson, John Doe (Wilcox State Prison), John Doe (Hays State Prison), and Kevin Marler. (aka: JOHNSON v. LEWIS)
- Joseph Burnette [person]: Promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox SP effective December 1, 2020.
- Kalen Marshall [person]: Civilian arrested January 28, 2026, in connection with a drone contraband drop at Wilcox State Prison.
- Kaylashia Wright [person]: One of two people found on Wilcox State Prison property with contraband on June 24.
- LaSandra Lofton [person]: Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective December 1, 2018.
- Lawrence Whittington [person]: Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison effective November 16, 2016.
- Lawson [person]: Correctional officer named in arrest warrants for 'utilizing' an inmate to strike another inmate.
- Lloyd Thomas [person]: Correctional officer arrested August 26, 2018, after firearms and contraband were found in his vehicle at Wilcox State Prison.
- Lori Benoit [person]: GDC spokesperson quoted regarding the homicide investigation of Hays inmate Marion Luke.
- Mariol Juante Rawls [person]: 41-year-old killed at Wilcox State Prison in late August 2024; at least eight men described as validated gang members were charged with murder, per AJC reporting. (aka: Mariol Rawls)
- Maurice Brown [person]: Inmate killed in a gang-related fight at Wilcox State Prison (reported September 2026); convicted of kidnapping in Fulton County and serving a 25-year sentence with a maximum release date of 2034.
- Maurice Williams [person]: Arrested June 25 after a traffic stop near Wilcox State Prison yielded contraband.
- Melissa Lawson [person]: Former Wilcox State Prison unit manager fired and charged after clandestine video showed inmate assault.
- Micheal Thomas [person]: Reassigned from Warden at Dodge State Prison to Warden at Wilcox SP effective July 16, 2025.
- Morrison v. Rivera [case]: 2025 federal lawsuit; jury trial cancelled after notice of settlement.
- O'Neal [person]: Correctional officer named in arrest warrants for 'utilizing' an inmate to strike another inmate.
- Octavious Williams v. Wilcox State Prison [case]: Suit by Octavious Williams against Wilcox State Prison granted in forma pauperis status and dismissed by US District Judge Tilman E. Self III on June 28, 2018. (aka: WILLIAMS v. WILCOX STATE PRISON (2018))
- Ponde v. Wilcox State Prison [case]: 2016 federal lawsuit; excessive force claims against two defendants allowed to proceed while claims against the prison were dismissed.
- PREA Audit of Wilcox State Prison [program]: Audit of Wilcox SP under the Prison Rape Elimination Act; reported 2 standards exceeded, 39 met, 0 not met, 2 not applicable. (aka: Prison Rape Elimination Act audit)
- Quoizel Monte Jones [person]: Arrested in 2019 for attempting a contraband drop at Wilcox State Prison.
- Rachelle Hale [person]: Mother of inmate injured in September 2026 gang-related fight at Wilcox State Prison.
- Rawls [person]: Surname searched for in WALB Wilcox County news; no match found. First name not provided.
- Resley Cole [person]: Father of Dominique Cole; told by warden that his son had an encounter with another inmate and did not survive.
- Richard Edwards [person]: Civilian arrested August 16 near Wilcox State Prison for introducing contraband.
- Rodney Whatley [person]: Individual searched for in AJC prison homicide list and WALB Wilcox County news; no match found. (aka: Whatley)
- Shakerah Willis [person]: Visitor arrested for attempting to bring suspected marijuana into Wilcox State Prison on May 9, 2026.
- Shawn Emmons [person]: Reassigned from Warden at Hays State Prison to Warden at GDCP effective July 1, 2023.
- Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments.
- Stephen Beck [person]: Inmate found unresponsive at Wilcox State Prison on June 25, 2018; death investigated as apparent suicide.
- Steve Eady [person]: GDC employee who began as a Correctional Officer at Wilcox State Prison in 1994 and was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security effective November 16, 2015.
- Steven Turner [person]: Wilcox State Prison sergeant criminally charged and alleged to have threatened inmate Jammie Davis with suffocation to obtain a false witness statement covering up an incident. (aka: Sergeant Steven Turner)
- Sumrall v. Mims [case]: Federal civil rights case (docket 72382587) in which plaintiff Ammon Ra Sumrall filed a motion for expert witness and submitted GDC grievance forms.
- Tanja O'Neal [person]: Former Wilcox State Prison lieutenant fired and charged after clandestine video showed inmate assault.
- Telfair State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison involved in Operation Ghost Busted (Desiree Briley) and Operation Night Drop drone smuggling network.
- Tihirah Johnson [person]: Sister of inmate injured in September 2026 gang-related fight at Wilcox State Prison.
- 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 Elijah Faison [person]: Plaintiff in Faison v. Georgia Department of Corrections, incarcerated at Wilcox State Prison when suit was filed.
- Tracey Jackson [person]: Promoted from Behavioral Health Counselor Supervisor at Dooly State Prison to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Wilcox SP effective March 16, 2026.
- Turner v. Wilcox State Prison [case]: 2025 federal lawsuit; complaint recommended dismissed without prejudice.
- Tyrone Oliver [person]: Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections who in March 2024 stopped including preliminary cause of death in monthly mortality reports. (aka: Commissioner Oliver, GDC Commissioner)
- U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia [organization]: Federal prosecutor's office that announced the Jeffery sentencing. (aka: USAO-NDGA)
- U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ)
- WALB [organization]: News outlet reporting on Wilcox State Prison incidents.
- Ware State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison leading all GDC facilities in cell phone seizures by end of 2016, with 1,392 phones confiscated.
- WGXA [organization]: News outlet reporting on contraband pursuits near Wilcox State Prison.
- Wilcox County Coroner [organization]: County coroner who pronounced James Wheeler deceased in 2017.
- Wilcox County Detention Center [facility]: County jail where contraband suspect Anthony Harding was transported.
- Wilcox County Sheriff's Department [organization]: Local law enforcement agency that arrested Officer Askalonia Barrett in 2016.
- Wilcox County Sheriff's Office [organization]: County law enforcement agency involved in contraband interdiction near Wilcox State Prison.
- Wilcox State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Wilcox)
- Williams v. Wilcox State Prison [case]: Georgia Court of Appeals decision (2017-04-21) affirming dismissal of a visitor's slip-and-fall negligence suit for failure to strictly comply with the Georgia Tort Claims Act's ante-litem notice requirements. (aka: WILLIAMS v. WILCOX STATE PRISON Et Al.)

SOURCES (91)
----------------------------------------
- ‘He didn’t have to die’: Family demands answers after inmate found dead weeks before release – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta, WSB-TV by Audrey Washington [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/he-didnt-have-die-family-demands-answers-after-inmate-found-dead-weeks-before-release/2UBX3YJEIVAGBBFRNSLLTL3OPI/
- <!DOCTYPE html><html><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5; URL='/usao-ndga/pr/furt, U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/further-corruption-involving-georgia-department-corrections-guards-exposed
- 2O22 (gdc.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2022/download
- 3 arrested after pursuit and K-9 track uncover trafficking-level drugs at state prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA (2026-05-15) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/local/3-arrested-after-pursuit-and-k-9-track-uncover-trafficking-level-drugs-at-state-prison-three-wilcox-state-prison-georgia-department-of-corrections-trafficking-ecstasy-trafficking-methamphetamine-possession-with-intent-to-distribute-marijuana-possessio
- 4,200+ unindicted or pending criminal cases raise concerns in a South Georgia judicial system, WALB (2026-04-06) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/2026/04/06/4200-unindicted-or-pending-criminal-cases-raises-concerns-south-georgia-judicial-system/
- All GDC facilities on lockdown after violent night | WSAV-TV, WSAV-TV [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20251018073131id_/https://www.wsav.com/news/all-gdc-facilities-on-lockdown-after-violent-night/
- Board Meeting Minutes February 2018, Georgia Board of Corrections (2018-02-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-february-2018/download
- Board of Corrections Meeting Minutes, April 3, 2025, Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-04-03) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-april-2025/download
- Board of Corrections Meeting Minutes, September 4, 2025, Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-09-04) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-september-2025/download
- Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2017, Georgia Board of Corrections (2017-12-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-december-2017/download
- Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes december 2025, Georgia Board of Corrections (2025-12-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-december-2025/download
- Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes february 2024, Georgia Board of Corrections (2024-02-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-february-2024/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 september 2015, Georgia Department of Corrections (2015-09-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-september-2015/download
- Contraband Arrest at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-11-07) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contraband-report/2022-11-07/contraband-arrest-wilcox-state-prison
- Contraband Arrests at Hays SP and Wilcox SP | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-07-18) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contraband-report/2025-07-18/contraband-arrests-hays-sp-and-wilcox-sp
- Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Prisons | Georgia Department of Corrections, contraband arrests multiple state prisons [6], Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-12-06) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contraband-report/2016-12-06/contraband-arrests-multiple-state-prisons
- Contraband Arrests at Wilcox and Washington State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-08-27) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contraband-report/2018-08-27/contraband-arrests-wilcox-and-washington-state-prison
- DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2018-12-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/21679
- DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024), U.S. Department of Justice (2024-10-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/findings_report_-_investigation_of_georgia_prisons.pdf
- Drone caught attempting to smuggle drugs into Wilcox State Prison, WALB (2026-03-27) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/2026/03/27/drone-caught-attempting-smuggle-drugs-into-wilcox-state-prison/
- Drone, contraband bundles discovered in Wilcox County lead to chase and arrest, WALB (2026-05-28) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/2026/05/28/drone-contraband-bundles-discovered-wilcox-county-lead-chase-arrest/
- Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections, Digital Library of Georgia / Georgia Department of Corrections (2013-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_s-ga-br300-b-pm1-b2013-bf33-belec-p-btext
- FAISON v. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, 2019-06-14 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2019-06-14) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/15775264/
- Feds bust a dozen people for smuggling drugs and phones into prisons via drones, Washington Examiner [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4623856/feds-bust-12-alleged-smuggle-drugs-phones-georgia-prisons-heavy-payload-drone/
- Fire Services & Life GEORGIA, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/fire-services-life-safety-unit-fact-sheet-0/download
- For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/for-some-georgia-correctional-officers-inmates-are-their-weapons/JXWA6JHNE5FGHKPCGFM6CDWOIU/
- For some Georgia correctional officers, inmates are their weapons | Public Safety | daily-tribune.com, Daily Tribune (AJC investigation) (2024-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20240724134632id_/https://www.daily-tribune.com/chatsworth_times/news/public_safety/for-some-georgia-correctional-officers-inmates-are-their-weapons/article_a0b59925-c2b0-5a25-93a4-6c83be30a633.html
- FORD v. WILCOX, 2021-07-26 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2021-07-26) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59731844/
- 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 confirms inmate death at Wilcox State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT, 41NBC News | WMGT-DT (2025-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.41nbc.com/gdc-confirms-inmate-death-at-wilcox-state-prison/
- GDC Contraband Interdiction Efforts Continue in 2nd Quarter 2018 | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-07-25) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-07-25/gdc-contraband-interdiction-efforts-continue-2nd-quarter-2018
- GDC Facilities Lockdown Update, Georgia Department of Corrections, July 11, 2016, Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-07-11) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2016-07-11/gdc-facilities-lockdown-update
- GDC prisons locked down statewide after multiple inmates injured in 'gang-related' fights Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, NewsChannel9 (2026-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://newschannel9.com/news/local/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 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 Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 1), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-wilcox-audit-cycle-1/download
- GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 2), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-wilcox-audit-cycle-2/download
- GDC, PREA Wilcox - Audit (Cycle 3), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-wilcox-audit-cycle-3/download
- GDC: 4 arrested for attempting to smuggle contraband into Wilcox State Prison Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/amp/news/local/gdc-4-arrested-for-attempting-to-smuggle-contraband-into-wilcox-state-prison
- GDC: 9 hurt after 'gang-related' fight at Dooly State Prison, prompting statewide lockdown Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/local/gdc-9-hurt-after-gang-related-fight-at-dooly-state-prison-prompting-statewide-lockdown-georgia-department-of-corrections-prison-crime-violence-no-visitation-at-washington-ware-and-hancock-state-prisons
- gdc.georgia.gov: gdc annual fiscal report 2021, Georgia Department of Corrections (2021-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2021/download
- Georgia Department of Corrections Coronavirus (COVID - 19) Response | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2020-03-16) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20251008103324id_/https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-03-16/georgia-department-corrections-coronavirus-covid-19-response
- Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 511.04, Fire Station Operations (passage checked against GPS's copy), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105850
- Georgia Department of Corrections Suspends Visitation Statewide | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2020-03-12) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-03-12/georgia-department-corrections-suspends-visitation-statewide
- Georgia State Financing & Investment Commission, Georgia State Financing & Investment Commission (2025-12-10) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gsfic.georgia.gov/document/document/gsfic-board-meeting-summary-dec-10-2025/download
- 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
- High-speed pursuit across four counties after prison contraband drop foiled Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, WGXA [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://wgxa.tv/news/local/high-speed-pursuit-across-four-counties-after-prison-contraband-drop-foiled
- House Budget and Research Office, Georgia House Budget and Research Office (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/house-budget-and-research-office-document-library/newsandhighlights/2024/2024_session_brief_public_safety_highlights.pdf?sfvrsn=fdd75227_2
- How Poor Food in Georgia Prisons Leaves People Hungry and Sick | The Marshall Project, The Marshall Project (2026-05-16) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260824021421id_/https://www.themarshallproject.org/2026/05/16/georgia-prison-food-poor-health
- Inmate at Wilcox State Prison dead, multiple others injured in gang-related fight, Georgia Department of Corrections confirms, WALB (2026-09-04) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/2026/09/04/coroner-confirms-inmate-death-wilcox-state-prison/
- Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death being investigated apparent suicide, Georgia Department of Corrections (2017-10-30) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2017-10-30/inmate-death-being-investigated-apparent-suicide
- Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide | Georgia Department of Corrections, inmate death being investigated apparent suicide 0, Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-06-25) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-06-25/inmate-death-being-investigated-apparent-suicide-0
- Inmate dies after gang-related altercation at Wilcox State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT, 41NBC News | WMGT-DT [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.41nbc.com/wilcox-state-prison-inmate-death-gang-related-altercation/
- Investigation underway after inmate dies at Wilcox State Prison - 41NBC News | WMGT-DT, 41NBC News | WMGT-DT [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.41nbc.com/investigation-underway-inmate-dies-wilcox-state-prison/
- James Spann Reassigned | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-08-08) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-08-08/james-spann-reassigned
- JOHNSON v. LEWIS, 2017-06-20 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2017-06-20) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6197767/
- Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder, Georgia Recorder (2025-01-08) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260709142034id_/https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/01/08/kemp-unveils-plan-to-to-spend-millions-intended-to-restore-order-in-georgia-prisons/
- Man attempts to sneak contraband into Wilcox Prison | Cordele Dispatch, Cordele Dispatch (2019-07-22) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://cordeledispatch.com/2019/07/22/man-attempts-to-sneak-contraband-into-wilcox-prison/
- MORRISON v. RIVERA, 2025-07-18 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-07-18) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67800639/
- Mother and sister of inmate injured in gang-related riot at Wilcox State Prison speak about lack of information from Georgia Department of Corrections, WALB News 10 (2026-09-08) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/2026/09/08/georgia-family-left-dark-after-loved-one-allegedly-stabbed-over-30-times-wilcox-state-prison-fight/
- New Deputy Warden of Care &amp; Treatment Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2015-09-17) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2015-09-17/new-deputy-warden-care-treatment-named-wilcox-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-03-13) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-03-13/new-deputy-warden-care-and-treatment-wilcox-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-04-30) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-04-30/new-deputy-warden-security-wilcox-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security wilcox state prison [1], Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-11-30) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-11-30/new-deputy-warden-security-wilcox-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new deputy warden security wilcox state prison [2], Georgia Department of Corrections (2021-01-04) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-01-04/new-deputy-warden-security-wilcox-state-prison
- New Deputy Warden of Security Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-04-04) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-04-04/new-deputy-warden-security-named-wilcox-state-prison
- New Warden at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden wilcox state prison [1], Georgia Department of Corrections (2018-06-20) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-06-20/new-warden-wilcox-state-prison
- New Warden at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden wilcox state prison [2], Georgia Department of Corrections (2021-01-04) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-01-04/new-warden-wilcox-state-prison
- New Warden at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden wilcox state prison [3], Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-01-15) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-01-15/new-warden-wilcox-state-prison
- New Warden at Wilcox State Prison, GDC press release, Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-07-10) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-07-10/new-warden-wilcox-state-prison
- New Warden Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden named wilcox state prison [1], Georgia Department of Corrections (2013-06-06) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2013-06-06/new-warden-named-wilcox-state-prison
- New Warden Named at Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, new warden named wilcox state prison [2], Georgia Department of Corrections (2017-06-30) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2017-06-30/new-warden-named-wilcox-state-prison
- Performance (audits.ga.gov), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/1741
- PONDE v. WILCOX STATE PRISON, 2016-01-04 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2016-01-04) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5340288/
- PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox audit cycle 4, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-wilcox-audit-cycle-4/download
- PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-wilcox-sp-audit-cycle-5/download
- Prison Rape Elimination Act, Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-annual-report/2016-prea-annual-report/download
- Special Hazards Fire Safety Compliance Officers | Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://oci.georgia.gov/special-hazards-fire-safety-compliance-officers
- State prisons turn to extended lockdowns amid staffing shortages, overcrowding • Stateline, Stateline (2024-12-03) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260214224711id_/https://stateline.org/2024/12/03/prison-lockdowns/
- Steve Eady Promoted | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-11-16) [press_release, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2016-11-16/steve-eady-promoted
- SUMRALL v. MIMS, 2026-07-16 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2026-07-16) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72382587/
- TURNER v. WILCOX STATE PRISON, 2025-08-01 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2025-08-01) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69873287/
- Two-state prisons opening up visitation after pandemic shutdowns, WRDW (2021-06-03) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.wrdw.com/2021/06/03/two-state-prisons-opening-up-visitation-after-pandemic-shutdowns/
- Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2022-01-01) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.ajc.com/sp/news/investigations/prisons-understaffed/
- Wilcox County News, WALB [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/news/local-news/wilcox/
- Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary]
  URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/locations/wilcox-state-prison
- Wilcox State Prison altercation hospitalizes 9 inmates, WALB (2025-01-13) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/2025/01/13/wilcox-state-prison-altercation-hospitalizes-9-inmates/
- Wilcox State Prison legionnaires’ disease investigation enters third year, WALB (2026-09-14) [journalism, secondary]
  URL: https://www.walb.com/2026/09/14/wilcox-state-prison-legionnaires-disease-investigation-enters-third-year/
- WILLIAMS v. WILCOX STATE PRISON Et Al., Court of Appeals of Georgia, 2017-04-21 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2017-04-21) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/4386547/williams-v-wilcox-state-prison-et-al/
- WILLIAMS v. WILCOX STATE PRISON, 2018-06-28 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2018-06-28) [legal_document, primary]
  URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6969561/