McRae Women's Facility (McRae-Helena): capacity, deaths and violence, prosecutions, lawsuits, staffing, money and audits
McRae Women's Facility: the public record, 2015 to 2026
This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia, federal sources, South Carolina, Tennessee, national and multi-state sources and other sources. Each entry gives a short statement, the exact passage from the source that supports it, and the source's title, web address and the date it was retrieved. Searches of a source that found no match are listed too, with the wordings that were tried. The entries record what each source said when it was retrieved. They aren't a complete account of the subject, and they don't add analysis or conclusions.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 5 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Budget & Spending
Georgia's prison budget rose from $1.53 billion in fiscal 2024 to an all-time peak of $1.91 billion in fiscal 2025, then settled near $1.79 billion for fiscal 2027. Across that arc the money moved toward health contracts, private beds and surveillance technology while the state-operated prison program, food service and education shrank. GPS's own budget series has since corrected several of its earlier headline claims, and the gap between what the state appropriates and what it can show for it remains the central accountability problem.
11,375 data points
Mortality & Deaths in Custody
Georgia's prison system recorded at least 1,915 deaths in custody between January 1, 2020, and the registry cutoff — a floor, not a total, because the Georgia Department of Corrections reports deaths roughly two months late and stopped publishing cause of death in March 2024. Homicides rose from a ceiling of nine a year (2011–2018) to 142 across 2018–2023, a 95.8% increase in the last three years, while the department's own mortality data classified obvious homicides as unknown and medical examiners recorded at least 44 overdose deaths the department had labeled natural or undetermined. The same reporting collapse now covers suicide, heat death, and medical neglect — the categories in which the state's own records show people dying unattended in cells for days.
8,758 data points
Oversight & Accountability
Georgia runs one of the largest prison systems in the United States with no independent body empowered to inspect it, and every internal mechanism that might substitute for outside oversight — the Board of Corrections, the Office of Professional Standards, the inmate grievance system, PREA audits, ACA accreditation, and the department's own mortality reviews — is staffed, funded, and answered to by the agency it would police. The result is a documented pattern in which the only functioning accountability actor has been the federal government: a Justice Department investigation opened in 2016, expanded twice, and concluded in October 2024 with a finding that Georgia's prisons violate the Eighth Amendment, followed by no consent decree, no enforcement action, and no new federal prosecution of prison staff. This page collects what the record shows about how oversight fails in Georgia, how the failures are measured, and what the evidence says an actual oversight mechanism would require.
16,182 data points
Staffing Crisis
Georgia's prison system has run correctional officer vacancy rates above 50 percent since 2021, with ten of its largest facilities above 70 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Justice's October 2024 findings and the state's own budget testimony. Turnover compounds the shortfall: 82.7 percent of officers hired between January 2021 and November 2024 left within a year, and Georgia ranks last among the 50 states in correctional officer pay. Federal investigators, state-hired consultants and the Georgia Senate Study Committee have each identified staffing as the primary mechanism behind the violence, delayed medical response and unchecked gang control documented inside the system.
9,994 data points
Violence & Safety
Georgia's prisons kill people at several times the national rate, and the state's own records understate how often. A three-year federal civil rights investigation concluded in October 2024 that Georgia violates the Eighth Amendment by failing to protect incarcerated people from violence and sexual abuse, finding "near-constant life-threatening violence" and gang control of housing units. The documented record runs from 142 homicides in six years to more than 1,400 violent incidents in sixteen months — and a death registry that keeps growing.
11,037 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding and its source.
The finding
On July 25, 2022, CoreCivic entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Georgia Building Authority for the sale of CoreCivic's McRae Correctional Facility in McRae, Georgia, for a gross sales price of $130.0 million; the sale was completed on August 9, 2022.
Source
The finding
CoreCivic's Form 10-K states the sale of the 1,978-bed McRae Correctional Facility to the Georgia Building Authority resulted in a gain on sale of $77.5 million after transaction costs.
Source
The finding
WUGA reported the McRae facility was once a private prison housing federal inmates that closed in 2022, and that the Georgia Department of Corrections bought the prison for $130 million.
The finding
The FY2026 General Appropriations Act item 116.6 enacts increased funds for food costs related to the opening of Smith Transitional Center ($101,615), McRae Women's Facility ($972,055) and Tift Cafeteria Contract for Basic Correctional Officer Training cadets ($103,525), for a total of $1,177,195 agreed across the Governor, House, and Senate/CC columns.
The finding
CoreCivic's annual report describes McRae Correctional Facility as a 1,978-bed prison with one prison contract with the Bureau of Prisons that expired in November 2022 and was not renewed.
Source
The finding
CoreCivic's annual report states that during 2022 the McRae Correctional Facility generated facility net operating income of $6.4 million.
Source
The finding
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute's overview of GDC's budget listed $25.7 million to fund the opening of McRae prison for women.
The finding
GDC confirmed inmate Shannon Rush died at McRae Women's Facility on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The cause of death remains undetermined, with no reports of an altercation and no signs of foul play. Rush was serving a 15-year sentence for armed robbery out of Elbert County.
The finding
The U.S. Department of Justice's findings report on Georgia prisons states that in 2023, GDC announced plans to close or repurpose Lee Arrendale State Prison and began to implement plans to open a larger, renovated women's prison in McRae, Georgia, to which most of the Lee Arrendale population would be moved.
The finding
WGXA published a story on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 reporting two inmates at McRae Women's Facility, Shannon Rush and Chasity King, died in custody within two days of each other.
The finding
Comparing fourteen contract prisons over fiscal years 2011 to 2014, the DOJ Inspector General reported in August 2016 that McRae had the highest rate of inmate suicide attempts and self-mutilation, the second highest rate of positive drug tests, and the third highest rates of cell phones found among those facilities.
The finding
The DOJ Inspector General's August 2020 pandemic inspection found that McRae waited seven days after its first symptomatic COVID-19 case before confining all inmates to their housing units, and by August 4, 2020, eighteen inmates had tested positive and one had died (Report 20-098 at pp. ii-iii).
The finding
CoreCivic's annual report states that its one prison contract with the Bureau of Prisons at the 1,978-bed McRae Correctional Facility expired in November 2022 and was not renewed; BOP transferred the BOP inmates to alternative federal capacity prior to expiration of the contract.
Source
All Data Points
185 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
CoreCivic sold McRae Correctional Facility for $130.0 million Statistic
On July 25, 2022, CoreCivic entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Georgia Building Authority for the sale of CoreCivic's McRae Correctional Facility in McRae, Georgia, for a gross sales price of $130.0 million; the sale was completed on August 9, 2022.
$130M
Source
Wendy Miller promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at McRae WF Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Wendy Miller, Chief Counselor at McRae Women's Facility, to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at McRae WF effective January 16, 2026.
Inmate sentenced for assaulting supervisor at McRae Case detail
Juan Alvardo-Baltazar, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, was sentenced to 12 additional months in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting an assistant shift supervisor on July 5, 2021, at McRae, a privately operated prison in Telfair County.
FY2026 bond package: House proposed $15.5M for McRae construction, Senate/CC zeroed it Legal fact
The FY2026 General Appropriations Act bond package item 382.372 describes 'GDC multi-projects: $0 in principal for 20 years at 6.5%: Fund additional construction at McRae State Prison, McRae-Helena, Telfair County,' noting the House had proposed $15,500,000 in 20-year bonds for this purpose, but the Senate and Conference Committee instead reflected the funds in the Capital Projects Fund program.
FY2024 recommended increase for McRae opening under Food and Farm Operations Statistic
The Governor's FY2024 Budget Report recommended, under the Food and Farm Operations program for GDC, 'Increase funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison' with a recommended change of $1,186,164.
$1.2M USD
CCA announced 1,524-bed McRae prison, $45 million, completion February 2000 Case detail
Corrections Corporation of America announced it would design, build, finance and operate a 1,524-bed medium-security prison in McRae, Georgia, to house county and state inmates from within Georgia, expected to generate over $22 million in annual revenues, with construction on the $45 million facility in Telfair County scheduled to be completed in February 2000.
Kristal Mills Layne obituary Case detail
Kristal Mills Layne, 55, of Dunlap, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, according to her hometown newspaper obituary.
CoreCivic net proceeds from McRae sale: $129.7 million Statistic
CoreCivic's annual report reports that the sale of McRae Correctional Facility generated net proceeds of $129.7 million and a gain on sale of $77.5 million after transaction costs.
$129.7M
Source
Carnesia Mack promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at McRae WF Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Carnesia Mack, Unit Manager at Coastal State Prison, to Deputy Warden of Security at McRae Women's Facility effective April 16, 2026.
NELSON Worldwide led McRae conversion to multi-custody female facility Case detail
NELSON Worldwide's project page states that NELSON led the transformation of the McRae Correctional Facility, repurposing the site into a specialized multi-custody female facility for the Georgia Department of Corrections, using a collaborative multidisciplinary approach spanning architecture and complex engineering systems to address the operational and social needs of female residents.
Proposed new GDC facility size and capacity Policy
At a Board of Corrections meeting, Chief of Staff Alan Watson discussed a new facility being approximately 900,000 square feet and housing approximately 3,000 offenders.
FY2026: Governor recommended $917,170 for McRae Women's Facility opening admin costs, zeroed by CC Statistic
The FY2026 General Appropriations Act item 114.8 shows a Governor's recommendation of $917,170 in State General Funds for administrative costs for the opening of McRae's Women Facility, marked '(CC:NO)', with $0 in the House and Senate columns.
$917,170 USD vs. Conference Committee appropriation
FY2024 recommended increase for McRae opening under State Prisons program Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for Amended FY2023 and FY2024 shows a FY2024 recommended change for GDC's State Prisons program: 'Increase funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison' of $19,435,914.
$19.4M USD
All GDC facilities locked down after June 18 fights Case detail
A GDC spokesperson said all Georgia Department of Corrections facilities were placed on lockdown after multiple fights occurred across GDC facilities the evening of June 18th, stating the lockdown was "not uncommon."
PREA audit assigned to McRae Women's Facility Policy
The PREA Resource Center's audit directory lists an assigned PREA audit for McRae Women's Facility (Georgia Department of Corrections, McRae Helena, GA), facility type Prison, audit type Facility, with auditor Mable Wheeler.
Source
CoreCivic gain on sale of McRae: $77.5 million Statistic
CoreCivic's Form 10-K states the sale of the 1,978-bed McRae Correctional Facility to the Georgia Building Authority resulted in a gain on sale of $77.5 million after transaction costs.
$77.5M
Source
McRae was formerly a private prison housing federal inmates, closed 2022 Finding
WUGA reported the McRae facility was once a private prison housing federal inmates that closed in 2022, and that the Georgia Department of Corrections bought the prison for $130 million.
Shannon Rush died in custody at McRae on May 16 Case detail
WGXA reported that GDC confirmed Shannon Rush died in custody at the McRae Women's Facility on May 16.
New facility could replace up to three existing facilities Policy
The proposed new facility could replace up to 3 existing facilities, with the goal of a much higher level of security utilizing newer durable construction, improved floorplan layout/sightlines, leveraging technology to improve officer efficiency, safety and retention, and energy efficient design.
FY2026: $972,055 food costs approved for McRae Women's Facility opening Statistic
The FY2026 General Appropriations Act item 116.6 enacts increased funds for food costs related to the opening of Smith Transitional Center ($101,615), McRae Women's Facility ($972,055) and Tift Cafeteria Contract for Basic Correctional Officer Training cadets ($103,525), for a total of $1,177,195 agreed across the Governor, House, and Senate/CC columns.
$972,055 USD vs. 1,177,195 Total food cost increase across three items
FY2024 recommended increase for McRae opening under Engineering and Construction Services Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for Amended FY2023 and FY2024 shows a FY2024 recommended change for GDC's Engineering and Construction Services program: 'Increase funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison' of $1,629,757.
$1.6M USD
BOP contract with McRae ended November 30, 2022 Legal fact
The Bureau of Prisons' contract with McRae Correctional Facility, located in McRae, Georgia, ended on November 30, 2022, as the last private prison contract BOP ended under the President's January 26, 2021 executive order.
McRae Correctional Facility bed capacity: 1,978 Statistic
CoreCivic's annual report describes McRae Correctional Facility as a 1,978-bed prison with one prison contract with the Bureau of Prisons that expired in November 2022 and was not renewed.
1,978 beds
Source
Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee toured McRae WF on June 5, 2025 Case detail
WUGA published, dated June 5, 2025, that the Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee toured McRae Women's Facility.
Visitor Jennifer Culpepper arrested with marijuana at McRae WF Case detail
On September 21 at McRae Women's Facility, Civilian Jennifer Culpepper entered the front entry and was unable to clear the metal detector; a search recovered several bags of marijuana, several individually wrapped cigarettes, and a bag of strips, and the Telfair Sheriff's Office arrested her.
Programming for new facility awarded to Nelson Worldwide Policy
Mr. Watson announced that programming has been awarded to Nelson Worldwide and the vendor is currently obtaining data to begin needs analysis.
FY2026: Governor recommended $998,022 for McRae Women's Facility healthcare contract, zeroed by CC Statistic
The FY2026 General Appropriations Act item 117.10 shows a Governor's recommendation of $998,022 in State General Funds to increase funds for a healthcare contract for McRae Women's Facility to account for additional full time physical health employees, marked '(CC:NO)', with $0 in the subsequent columns.
$998,022 USD vs. Conference Committee appropriation
FY2024 recommended increase for McRae opening under Rehabilitation and Risk Reduction Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for Amended FY2023 and FY2024 shows a FY2024 recommended change for GDC's Rehabilitation and Risk Reduction program: 'Increase funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison' of $3,405,311.
$3.4M USD
CCA 2011 BOP contract: up to 2,275 male inmates after 454-bed expansion Case detail
CCA announced on October 28, 2011 that it received a new contract from the Bureau of Prisons under the Criminal Alien Requirement XII Solicitation for the expansion and continued management of McRae Correctional Facility, giving CCA the ability to house up to 2,275 male inmates after completing a 454-bed expansion, with the contract effective December 1, 2012.
CoreCivic sale of McRae Correctional Facility for $130 million Case detail
CoreCivic agreed to sell McRae Correctional Facility in Georgia for $130 million as it expected to lose its contract to run the federal prison.
McRae facility net operating income in 2022: $6.4 million Statistic
CoreCivic's annual report states that during 2022 the McRae Correctional Facility generated facility net operating income of $6.4 million.
$6.4M
Source
Rush serving 15-year armed robbery sentence from Elbert County Case detail
WGXA reported that Shannon Rush was convicted of armed robbery out of Elbert County and was serving a 15-year sentence.
GBPI: $25.7 million to open McRae prison for women Statistic
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute's overview of GDC's budget listed $25.7 million to fund the opening of McRae prison for women.
$25.7M million USD
CCA managed BOP populations at McRae since 2002; 454-bed expansion cost $17.1 million Case detail
CCA's 2011 press release states that CCA has managed populations for the BOP at the McRae facility since 2002, and that the 454-bed expansion, estimated to cost $17.1 million, was to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011 with construction expected complete in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Dates-Bell v. Yancy dismissed without prejudice Legal fact
Dates-Bell v. Yancy was dismissed without prejudice and closed by order adopting the magistrate's report and recommendation, signed September 2, 2026.
McRae Women's Facility property: approximately 135 acres Statistic
The Georgia Board of Corrections' June 2024 minutes record that the State of Georgia owns and holds title to, and the Georgia Building Authority is in custody of, approximately 135 acres in McRae-Helena, Telfair County, Georgia, known as the McRae Women's Facility located at 112 Jim Hammock Drive, and GDC requested the property be transferred from the Georgia Building Authority to GDC for operation of the facility.
135 acres
Inmate Shannon Rush died at McRae WF on May 16, 2026 Case detail
GDC confirmed inmate Shannon Rush died at McRae Women's Facility on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The cause of death remains undetermined, with no reports of an altercation and no signs of foul play. Rush was serving a 15-year sentence for armed robbery out of Elbert County.
McRae State Prison to replace Lee Arrendale with 1,600-bed capacity Policy
A Georgia House Budget and Research Office brief states that more than $25 million in new funding was budgeted for the Georgia Department of Corrections to open McRae State Prison, which will replace the Lee Arrendale State Prison for female offenders and will have the capacity to house 1,600 inmates when fully operational.
King serving five-year aggravated assault sentence from Fulton County Case detail
WGXA reported that Chasity King was convicted of aggravated assault out of Fulton County and was serving a five-year sentence.
DOJ: GDC planned to move most Lee Arrendale population to renovated McRae women's prison Finding
The U.S. Department of Justice's findings report on Georgia prisons states that in 2023, GDC announced plans to close or repurpose Lee Arrendale State Prison and began to implement plans to open a larger, renovated women's prison in McRae, Georgia, to which most of the Lee Arrendale population would be moved.
McRae Women's Facility address in GDC directory Finding
GDC's facility directory lists McRae Women's Facility's address as 112 Jim Hammock Drive, McRae-Helena, Ga. 31005, in Telfair County.
2011 McRae contract worth up to $401.0 million with all renewals Statistic
CCA's 2011 federal contract for McRae's 454-bed expansion was worth up to $401.0 million if all renewal options were executed, with the expansion estimated to cost $17.1 million, beginning construction in the fourth quarter of 2011 and expected complete in the fourth quarter of 2012; CCA had managed BOP populations at McRae since 2002.
$401M
Galloway v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility summary judgment for CCA Legal fact
Galloway v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility ended when the court adopted the report and recommendation, granted summary judgment for CCA McRae Correctional Facility, dismissed the case, and closed the civil action, by order signed 02/02/2017.
Board of Corrections approved McRae property transfer, June 2024 Legal fact
Board of Corrections minutes record that the Board approved three property resolutions, including the McRae property transfer, by a motion from Mr. W. D. Strickland, seconded by Ms. Rose Williams.
Inmate Chasity King died at McRae WF on May 18, 2026 Case detail
GDC confirmed inmate Chasity King died at McRae Women's Facility on Monday, May 18, 2026. Her cause of death also remains undetermined, with no reports of an altercation or signs of foul play. King was serving a five-year sentence for aggravated assault out of Fulton County.
GDC said no signs of foul play in McRae deaths; OPS investigating Finding
WGXA reported that GDC did not clarify whether the deaths were related but said both showed no signs of foul play or reports of an altercation, and that both deaths were being investigated by GDC's Office of Professional Standards with bodies sent to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy.
McRae Women's Correctional Facility food inspection current score 93 Statistic
A Georgia Department of Public Health inspection report for McRae Women's Correctional Facility records a current score of 93, with a prior score of 94.
93 score vs. 94 Prior inspection score
Telfair State Prison opened 1992 with capacity 1,420 Finding
Telfair State Prison is a Georgia Department of Corrections state prison for men located on 210 Long Bridge Road, McRae-Helena, Telfair County, Georgia, and opened in 1992 with a capacity of 1,420 prisoners.
BOP exercised two-year renewal at 1,978-bed McRae, housing up to 1,724 federal inmates Case detail
CoreCivic announced that the Bureau of Prisons exercised a two-year renewal option at the 1,978-bed, company-owned McRae Correctional Facility, with the amended contract commencing December 1, 2016 and providing for housing up to 1,724 federal inmates.
DeAvila-Cabrera v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility dismissed for failure to state a claim Legal fact
The amended complaint in DeAvila-Cabrera v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility was dismissed for failure to state a claim and the case was closed, by order signed 9/10/14.
Aimee Smith reassigned as Warden of McRae Women's Facility Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of Aimee Smith from Warden at Dooly State Prison to Warden at the 'newly established' McRae Women's Facility, effective March 1, 2023.
Bodies of Rush and King sent to GBI Crime Lab; deaths under GDC OPS investigation Case detail
Following the deaths of Shannon Rush and Chasity King at McRae Women's Facility, both bodies were turned over to the county coroner and sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab to determine official causes of death. The deaths remained under investigation by GDC's Office of Professional Standards.
Bodies sent to GBI Crime Lab for autopsy Case detail
WGXA reported that both Shannon Rush's and Chasity King's bodies were taken to the GBI Crime Lab for an official autopsy, and each death was being investigated by GDC's Office of Professional Standards.
FY2023: $14,350,840 appropriated for GBA debt service enabling $167,650,000 in bonds Legal fact
The enacted FY2023 Georgia General Appropriations Act specifically appropriates $14,350,840 from State General Funds for debt service for the Georgia Building Authority, enabling issuance of not more than $167,650,000 in principal amount of General Obligation Debt for financing projects and facilities for the Georgia Building Authority.
Source
McRae Women's Facility classification and security level Finding
GDC's own facility page lists McRae Women's Facility as a State Prison serving Adult Female Felons at Close Security, located at 112 Jim Hammock Drive, McRae-Helena, GA 31055.
DOJ OIG Report 20-098 on McRae posted August 31, 2020 Legal fact
The U.S. DOJ Office of the Inspector General posted a "Remote Inspection of Federal Bureau of Prisons Contract Correctional Institution McRae, Operated by CoreCivic" report on August 31, 2020, numbered Report 20-098.
Duncan v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility dismissed for failure to effect service Legal fact
Duncan v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility was a prisoner civil rights case under 42 U.S.C. 1983 filed by Oliver Duncan, dismissed without prejudice for failure to timely effect service, by order signed 4/27/09.
Commissioner Oliver quote on Aimee Smith and McRae WF Quote
"We are confident she will create a safe and secure environment at the newly established McRae WF, while maintaining the GDC mission."
WGXA reported two McRae inmate deaths within two days Finding
WGXA published a story on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 reporting two inmates at McRae Women's Facility, Shannon Rush and Chasity King, died in custody within two days of each other.
FY2023 State Prison Facility Transformation Program: $432.5M to GBA Statistic
Georgia's Governor's Budget in Brief document includes $432,500,000 for the State Prison Facility Transformation Program provided to the Georgia Building Authority to purchase an additional facility and begin construction on a new state prison.
$432.5M USD
GDC suspended statewide visitation due to COVID-19 Policy
Following Governor Kemp's directive, GDC suspended visitation at all correctional facilities statewide, effective through April 10, 2020, due to COVID-19.
Officer Michael Kerr charged with 12 counts of bribery for cigarette smuggling Case detail
Michael Kerr, a correctional officer at McRae Correctional Facility, a private prison operated under a federal contract in Telfair County, was charged with 12 counts of bribery after allegedly accepting payments ranging from $400 to $640 on 12 occasions in return for smuggling cigarettes to an inmate.
Blanchard v. McRae Correctional Facility dismissed for failure to exhaust Legal fact
Blanchard v. McRae Correctional Facility was dismissed and judgment entered in favor of defendants for failure to exhaust administrative remedies under 42 U.S.C. 1997e(a), by order signed 3/22/06.
Commissioner Oliver discussed possible December 2024 opening of McRae WF Finding
The Georgia Board of Corrections' November 2024 minutes record Commissioner Tyrone Oliver discussing 'the possible opening of the McRae Women's Facility in December 2024.'
Georgia Building Authority approved $130.0M purchase of 1,978-bed McRae Correctional Facility Legal fact
CoreCivic's Form 8-K states that on June 13, 2022, the Georgia Building Authority approved the purchase of CoreCivic's 1,978-bed McRae Correctional Facility located in McRae, Georgia, for a purchase price of $130.0 million.
Source
FY2023 bond line: $167.65M for prison facility transformation project Statistic
Georgia's Governor's Budget in Brief bond package table includes a Georgia Building Authority line item providing $167,650,000 in 20-year bonds for property acquisition, design, construction, and equipment for the state prison facility transformation project.
$167.7M USD
Officer Tiffany Fletcher admitted $4,390 in bribes June-December 2019 Case detail
Tiffany Fletcher admitted accepting bribes totaling $4,390 from June to December 2019 in return for turning a blind eye to smuggling and possession of contraband at McRae Correctional Facility.
Marriot v. McRae Correctional Facility dismissed without prejudice Legal fact
Marriot v. McRae Correctional Facility, a prisoner civil rights case under 42 U.S.C. 1983, was dismissed without prejudice by order adopting the report and recommendation, signed 12/2/05.
GDC 12-month priority: transition to new facility in McRae (October 2022) Finding
The Georgia Board of Corrections' October 2022 minutes record GDC staff discussing, among 12-month priorities, 'the transition to new facility in McRae.'
McRae Correctional Facility bed capacity: 1,978 Statistic
CoreCivic's Form 8-K describes the McRae Correctional Facility as a 1,978-bed facility located in McRae, Georgia.
1,978 beds
Source
CCA announced 1,524-bed McRae prison in 1998 Case detail
Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) announced on December 7, 1998 that it would design, build, finance and operate a 1,524-bed, medium-security prison in McRae, Georgia, with construction on the $45 million facility in Telfair County scheduled to be completed in February 2000.
Nine inmates injured in gang-related altercation at Dooly State Prison; statewide lockdown Case detail
WGXA reported that nine inmates were injured in a 'gang-related' altercation at Dooly State Prison on Thursday, prompting a statewide lockdown, and that 'all GDC facilities have been placed on lockdown until further notice.'
Officer Meagan Deaton pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle cell phone Case detail
Meagan Deaton, a former Federal Bureau of Prisons Contract Correctional Officer assigned to the Correctional Institution in McRae, Georgia, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide a cell phone to an inmate on October 17, 2013, in exchange for money.
Mudahy v. McRae Correctional Facility dismissed without prejudice Legal fact
Mudahy v. McRae Correctional Facility, filed by Damion Christopher Mudahy, was dismissed without prejudice and closed by order adopting the report and recommendation, signed 3/13/06.
Jody Yancey promoted to Deputy Warden of Administration at McRae WF Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Jody Yancey to Deputy Warden of Administration at McRae Women's Facility, effective April 1, 2023.
Board minutes: funds shifted from Georgia State Prison closure to McRae State Prison opening Policy
Board of Corrections minutes record a discussion of reducing funds to reflect the closure of Georgia State Prison, increasing funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison, and increasing funds for technology projects to improve safety.
$25,657,146 budgeted to open McRae State Prison (FY2024) Statistic
Georgia's Governor's Budget in Brief document lists, under the Department of Corrections State Prisons program recommended changes, "Increase funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison" in the amount of $25,657,146.
$25.7M
Dooly, Washington, Ware, Hancock prisons suspended visitation May 22-25 holiday weekend Policy
The GDC shared a social media post notifying the public that Dooly, Washington, Ware and Hancock state prisons would not have visitation 'this holiday weekend from Saturday, May 22, to Monday, May 25,' while all other state facilities would remain open.
McRae Women's Facility listed as Foothills Regional High School site 'Coming soon' Policy
GDC's Inmate Services Fact Sheet lists McRae Women's Facility as one of GDC's three Foothills Regional High School program sites, with its program status listed as 'Coming soon.'
McRae housed 530 prisoners, primarily noncitizens facing deportation Statistic
The Telfair County prison (McRae Correctional Facility) housed 530 prisoners who are primarily noncitizens convicted of federal crimes and facing deportation after release.
530 prisoners
Fletcher v. McRae Correctional Facility dismissed without prejudice Legal fact
Fletcher v. McRae Correctional Facility, filed by Dave Fletcher, was dismissed without prejudice and closed by order adopting the report and recommendation, signed 3/13/06.
Jody Yancey began with CoreCivic at McRae Correctional Facility in 2007 Case detail
A GDC press release states that in 2007, incoming McRae Women's Facility Deputy Warden Jody Yancey began working with CoreCivic as Assistant Chief of Security at McRae Correctional Facility.
McRae construction completed 2000; opened for low-security male population December 2002 Finding
Georgia Board of Corrections minutes record that GDC's Chief of Staff discussed the McRae Correctional Facility, including construction completion in 2000, the facility opening for a low-security male population in December 2002, precast construction, and additional dorms and administrative space added in 2012.
Statewide GDC lockdown after gang-related fights (April 2026) Case detail
WGXA reported that all Georgia Department of Corrections prisons were placed on lockdown after a string of gang-related altercations across the state left multiple inmates injured; as a GDC facility, this statewide lockdown plainly includes McRae Women's Facility.
Prior statewide lockdown followed gang-related altercations at five state prisons Case detail
WGXA reported it had 'previously reported that all GDC facilities were on lockdown following a string of gang-related altercations at Dooly, Smith, Wilcox, Hays and Valdosta state prisons last month,' referring to an earlier statewide lockdown distinct from the one triggered by the Dooly fight this article reports.
Dillon-Griffin v. McRae Women's Facility: habeas petition dismissed Legal fact
In Dillon-Griffin v. McRae Women's Facility, the court adopted the Final Report and Recommendation, dismissing the Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus without prejudice, denying the motion for immediate release as moot, and denying a Certificate of Appealability.
McRae closure to cost more than 250 jobs Statistic
CoreCivic announced that the closure of McRae Correctional Facility would mean more than 250 people would lose their jobs.
250 jobs
Ahmed v. McRae Correctional Facility dismissed without prejudice Legal fact
Ahmed v. McRae Correctional Facility, filed by Mohmed Ahmed, was dismissed without prejudice by order adopting the report and recommendation, signed 3/13/06.
Gwendolyn Green reassigned to Deputy Warden of Security at McRae WF Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the reassignment of Gwendolyn Green to Deputy Warden of Security at McRae Women's Facility, effective April 16, 2023.
McRae Inmate Services: 5 education classrooms, 5 vocational classrooms, greenhouse, library, chapel Finding
Georgia Board of Corrections minutes record that McRae's Inmate Services space includes 5 education classrooms, 5 vocational classrooms, 1 greenhouse, a library/law library, and a chapel.
GDC cites 'abundance of caution' for statewide lockdown Policy
GDC told WGXA that, out of an abundance of caution, all GDC facilities had been placed on lockdown until further notice because the incidents were believed to be gang-related.
Inmate charged with assaulting McRae unit management chief (Dec. 7, 2020) Case detail
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia stated Luis Cedillo-Narvaez is charged with assaulting the chief of Unit Management at McRae on Dec. 7, 2020 and is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jadia C. Rozier, age 23, died July 20, 2025 Case detail
Jadia C. Rozier, age 23, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, per her funeral home obituary from Mathis Funeral Home in Cochran, Georgia.
CoreCivic sale of McRae Correctional Facility for $130 million Case detail
CoreCivic's SEC Form 10-Q states that on July 25, 2022, CoreCivic entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Georgia Building Authority for the sale of the McRae Correctional Facility for a gross sales price of $130.0 million.
Source
McRae built 2000 for CCA, 1,524 beds, initially without a contract Case detail
McRae Correctional Facility was built in 2000 for Corrections Corporation of America (now CoreCivic); the company's report for that year called the 1,524-bed prison substantially complete but without a contract.
Mortimer v. McRae Correctional Facility dismissed without prejudice Legal fact
Mortimer v. McRae Correctional Facility, filed by Judlin Nathaniel Mortimer, was dismissed without prejudice by order adopting the report and recommendation, signed 2/10/06.
Sonja Brown promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at McRae WF Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Sonja Brown to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at McRae Women's Facility, effective April 1, 2023.
McRae recreation space: 10,600 sq ft covered gymnasium, 25,200 sq ft paved areas Finding
Georgia Board of Corrections minutes record that McRae's recreational space includes a 10,600 square feet covered gymnasium, 25,200 square feet of paved recreation areas, a soccer field, a softball field, and a volleyball field.
Lee Arrendale capacity 1,476; to become 112-bed transition center Policy
GPB reported that the Lee Arrendale State Prison, located in Habersham County, has a 1,476-inmate capacity, and that under the GDC budget proposal it would continue to operate as a 112-bed "transition center."
FY2026 budget: $15.5M additional construction at McRae State Prison Statistic
Georgia's Governor's Budget in Brief bond/capital project list includes 'Corrections, Department of: Additional construction at McRae State Prison, McRae-Helena, Telfair County' in the amount of $15,500,000.
$15.5M USD
Inmate Malindzo Hatcher died at Telfair State Prison July 21 after altercation Case detail
WGXA reported that an inmate named Malindzo Hatcher died in custody on July 21 at Telfair State Prison following 'an altercation with another inmate.'
BOP awarded CCA 1,524-prisoner McRae contract May 30, 2002 Case detail
On May 30, 2002 the Bureau of Prisons awarded Corrections Corporation of America a contract to hold 1,524 federal prisoners at McRae, for three years with seven one-year renewals, and the prison began receiving federal prisoners on December 1, 2002.
Marriott v. McRae Correctional Facility dismissed without prejudice Legal fact
Marriott v. McRae Correctional Facility, filed by Paul Marriott, was dismissed without prejudice and the civil action closed, by order adopting the report and recommendation, signed 5/1/06.
Shameka Lilliott promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at McRae WF Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Shameka Lilliott, Unit Manager at McRae Women's Facility, to Deputy Warden of Security at McRae WF, effective December 16, 2024.
McRae Health Services: dental, clinical, emergency/radiology, 3 observation cells, 2 negative pressure cells, infirmary Finding
Georgia Board of Corrections minutes record that McRae's Health Services area includes dental, clinical, emergency/radiology spaces, 3 observation cells, 2 negative pressure cells, and an infirmary.
Commissioner Oliver: Arrendale women moving to McRae on opening Quote
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said during state budget hearings, "The ladies that are at that prison [Arrendale] right now are moving to McRae as soon as we get that facility opened up."
FY2026 food cost increase for McRae Women's Facility: $972,055 Statistic
Georgia's Governor's Budget in Brief Department of Corrections recommended changes include increasing funds for food costs related to the opening of Smith Transitional Center ($101,615), McRae Women's Facility ($972,055) and Tift Cafeteria Contract for Basic Correctional Officer Training cadets ($103,525), totaling $1,177,195.
$972,055 USD
Georgia bought McRae Correctional Facility from CoreCivic for $130 million after BOP exit Case detail
Prison Legal News reported that unconfirmed reports had the Georgia DOC opening a new women's prison at McRae Correctional Facility, with the state having bought the prison from CoreCivic for $130 million after the federal Bureau of Prisons pulled out on November 30, 2022.
McRae Women's Correctional Facility food inspection score 100 Statistic
A Georgia Department of Public Health initial inspection report for McRae Women's Correctional Facility records a current score of 100.
100 score
CoreCivic sold McRae to Georgia state authority August 2022 Case detail
CoreCivic, which owned and ran McRae Correctional Facility, had sold it to a Georgia state authority in August 2022, before the BOP contract ended on November 30, 2022.
Mora-Gonzalez v. McRae Correctional Facility habeas petition dismissed Legal fact
Mora-Gonzalez v. McRae Correctional Facility was a petition for writ of habeas corpus filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241, dismissed by order adopting the magistrate judge's report and recommendation.
Jody Yancey promoted to Warden at McRae WF Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Jody Yancey from Deputy Warden of Security at McRae Women's Facility to Warden at McRae WF, effective January 16, 2025.
McRae facility improvements: electric fence 2012, CCTV 2017, contraband netting 2018, LED lighting 2018 Policy
Board of Corrections minutes record McRae facility improvements including a non-lethal electric fence completed in 2012, a CCTV camera upgrade added in 2017, contraband netting in 2018, and high-mast lighting transitioned to LED in 2018. Additional technology mentioned includes drone detection, a body scanner in the front bunker, cell sense, and a managed access system.
State purchased former private McRae prison for $130 million Case detail
GPB News reported that Georgia planned to create the McRae State Prison in Telfair County in the former McRae private prison that the state purchased for $130 million; the facility had been owned by a private prison contractor and housed federal prisoners until it closed late last year.
FY2026 combined food cost increases: $1,177,195 Statistic
The FY2026 Budget in Brief food cost increases for Smith Transitional Center ($101,615), McRae Women's Facility ($972,055), and Tift Cafeteria Contract ($103,525) total $1,177,195.
$1.2M USD
McRae Women's Correctional Facility second food inspection score 100 Statistic
A Georgia Department of Public Health initial inspection report for McRae Women's Correctional Facility records a current score of 100, with no prior score shown.
100 score
Georgia re-commissioned McRae site for women December 2022 Policy
Georgia re-commissioned the former McRae Correctional Facility site for women as McRae Women's Facility in December 2022.
Dillon-Griffin v. McRae Women's Facility dismissed for lack of jurisdiction Legal fact
Dillon-Griffin v. McRae Women's Facility was dismissed without prejudice for lack of jurisdiction, by order adopting the final report and recommendation, signed 7/29/25, with a certificate of appealability denied.
Heather Dykes promoted to Deputy Warden of Administration at McRae WF Case detail
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Heather Dykes, Accounting Technician III at Dooly State Prison, to Deputy Warden of Administration at McRae Women's Facility, effective August 16, 2025.
McRae dorm lighting and lock/control upgraded 2019; roofs replaced 2020-2022; fire alarm 2022; all dorms air conditioned Policy
Board of Corrections minutes record that McRae's dormitory interior lighting was transitioned to LED in 2019, the lock and control system was upgraded in 2019, roof replacements occurred in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the fire alarm was replaced in 2022, and all dorms are air conditioned.
Yahoo syndication timestamp: May 19, 2026 Methodology note
The Yahoo-syndicated version of the McRae Women's Facility deaths story carries the byline timestamp 'Updated Tue, May 19, 2026 at 3:18 PM UTC.'
DOJ OIG 2016: McRae highest suicide attempt/self-mutilation rate among 14 contract prisons Finding
Comparing fourteen contract prisons over fiscal years 2011 to 2014, the DOJ Inspector General reported in August 2016 that McRae had the highest rate of inmate suicide attempts and self-mutilation, the second highest rate of positive drug tests, and the third highest rates of cell phones found among those facilities.
Telfair County Superior Court in Eighth District Oconee Judicial Circuit Legal fact
Telfair County Superior Court, where McRae Women's Facility is located, sits in the Eighth District Oconee Judicial Circuit.
McRae Correctional Facility converted to state-owned and operated facility Finding
The McRae Correctional Facility converted to a facility owned and operated by the State of Georgia upon the termination of CoreCivic's lease with the Georgia Building Authority.
Source
McRae listed among 6 state prison units, 4 designated for women Finding
Georgia Board of Corrections minutes list McRae Women's Facility among 6 state prison units discussed, alongside Lee Arrendale State Prison, Pulaski State Prison, Emanuel Women's Facility, Whitworth Women's Facility, and Helms Facility, four of which are designated for women. Director of Women's Services Pamala Wiggins told the Board the state prison units for women included McRae Women's Facility.
Yahoo reports Rush died May 16, 'Chasity Knight' died May 18 Finding
A news article syndicated on Yahoo reported that GDC said Shannon Rush died May 16 while Chasity Knight died May 18, with no reports of a fight and no signs of foul play; GDC said it did not know the cause of death for either.
McRae waited seven days to confine inmates after first symptomatic COVID-19 case; 18 positive, 1 died by August 4, 2020 Finding
The DOJ Inspector General's August 2020 pandemic inspection found that McRae waited seven days after its first symptomatic COVID-19 case before confining all inmates to their housing units, and by August 4, 2020, eighteen inmates had tested positive and one had died (Report 20-098 at pp. ii-iii).
Muhammad-Ybabes v. Yancy magistrate recommends dismissal Legal fact
In Muhammad-Ybabes v. Yancy, the magistrate judge recommended that the case be dismissed without prejudice and that the civil action be closed.
BOP contract at McRae expired November 2022 and was not renewed Finding
CoreCivic's annual report states that its one prison contract with the Bureau of Prisons at the 1,978-bed McRae Correctional Facility expired in November 2022 and was not renewed; BOP transferred the BOP inmates to alternative federal capacity prior to expiration of the contract.
Source
Open positions listed at McRae WF: correctional, administrative, counseling, education roles Finding
As of its fetch date, GDC's jobs listing page for McRae Women's Facility showed open positions including Correctional Lieutenant (CSM), Correctional Sergeant (CSM), CSM Correctional Officer 1, Admin Support 2, Behavioral Hlth Counselor 1, Social Worker NonLicensed 2, and Librarian 2.
Name discrepancy: 'Chasity King' (WGXA) vs. 'Chasity Knight' (Yahoo) Data gap
WGXA identified the second decedent as Chasity King, while the Yahoo-syndicated article identified her as Chasity Knight; the two reports otherwise describe the same two May 2026 McRae deaths.
Sources
- Two inmates at McRae Women's Facility dead, each within two days of each other Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility, two inmates at mcrae womens facility dead each within two days of each other local news inmate deaths women prisoners die middle georgia shannon rush chasity king [2]
- 2 McRae Women's Facility inmates pronounced dead within 2 days of each other, GDC says
GDC lists McRae Women's Facility as close security; July 2026 fact sheet places women's intake center there Policy
GDC lists McRae Women's Facility as serving adult female felons at close security, and a July 2026 fact sheet places the state's intake center for women there.
No McRae match in AFY 2022 and FY 2023 Governor's Budget Report Data gap
A search of the AFY 2022 and FY 2023 Governor's Budget Report for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
McRae built 2000 under CoreCivic; re-commissioned Dec. 2022 as women's facility Policy
A GDC fact sheet states that McRae Correctional Facility was constructed in 2000 and operated under CoreCivic, and it was re-commissioned in December 2022 by GDC to house female offenders and changed to the name of McRae Women's Facility.
McRae had 314 correctional staff providing daily services to inmates Statistic
The DOJ OIG report stated that McRae has 314 correctional staff who provide daily correctional services to inmates.
314 staff
Source
GSFIC: $432.5 million prison transformation to construct first new state prison since 2002 Finding
GSFIC's Preliminary Official Statement for the 2022ABC General Obligation Bonds describes '$432.5 million for the State prison facility transformation initiative to construct the first new State prison since 2002 thus enabling the State to close three other aging prison facilities.'
Escobar v. McRae Correctional Facility habeas dismissed with prejudice April 15, 2010 Legal fact
Escobar v. McRae Correctional Facility, a petition for writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. 2241 filed in the District of South Carolina, was dismissed with prejudice for lack of prosecution by order signed 4/15/10.
Female diagnostic facility located at McRae Women's Facility in Helena Policy
A GDC fact sheet states that the Diagnostic facility for female offenders is located at McRae Women's Facility in Helena, Georgia, and that diagnostic offenders arrive from the county jail.
McRae delayed housing-unit restriction 7 days after first COVID-19 case Finding
The DOJ OIG report found that McRae officials did not restrict all inmates to their housing units until 7 days after McRae identified the first inmate who presented symptoms and ultimately tested positive for COVID-19.
Source
GSFIC project GBA-198A 'McRAE Correctional' under PM Kathryn Folger Case detail
GSFIC's Construction Services project management chart lists project 'GBA-198A' as 'McRAE Correctional' under project manager Kathryn Folger.
Jadia C. Rozier, age 23, of Cochran died July 20, 2025 Case detail
Jadia C. Rozier, age 23, of Cochran, Georgia, died Sunday, July 20, 2025; she was born in Hawkinsville and had lived most of her life in Cochran. Funeral services were held Friday, July 25, 2025, at Mathis Funeral Home in Cochran.
No McRae match in FY2026 amended budget conference committee substitute HB 973 Data gap
A search of the Conference Committee Substitute to H.B. 973 (amended FY 2026) for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
Wilson v. Warden: §2254 petition recommended dismissed for lack of exhaustion Legal fact
Wilson v. Warden, McRae Women's Facility was a petition styled as 28 U.S.C. § 2254, with an amended complaint naming McRae Women's Facility and Jody Yancey, recommended for dismissal without prejudice for lack of exhaustion.
McRae physician linked delayed housing restriction to COVID-19 spread Quote
A McRae physician told the DOJ OIG that the delay in restricting the broader population of inmates to their housing units likely led to the spread of COVID-19 within the institution.
Source
FY2027 intent language: Lee Arrendale additional operations outside scope after transfer to McRae Legal fact
The FY2027 Appropriations Bill intent language states the Department of Corrections' additional 200-offender operations at Lee Arrendale State Prison, funded at $3,879,259 in state general funds in the State Prisons program, is 'outside the scope of intended use of the facility following the transfer of offenders to McRae State Prison,' and instructs the Department to withhold $2,337,080 of that appropriation.
No McRae match in FY2026 conference HB 973 appropriations bill Data gap
A search of the Conference Committee Substitute to H.B. 973 (conference HB 973 AFY26 appropriations bill) for 'McRae', 'McRae State Prison', 'McRae Women's' and 'McRae Correctional' returned no match.
Wilson amended complaint named McRae Women's Facility and Jody Yancey Legal fact
The amended complaint in Wilson v. Warden, McRae Women's Facility named McRae Women's Facility and Jody Yancey as defendants.
CoreCivic-BOP McRae contract began December 2012, scheduled to expire November 2022 Legal fact
The DOJ OIG report states the current contract between CoreCivic and the BOP to house inmates at McRae began in December 2012 and was scheduled to expire in November 2022.
Source
No McRae match in FY2023 HB 911 Data gap
A search of FY2023 HB 911 for 'McRae', 'McRae State Prison', 'McRae Correctional Facility' and 'McRae Women's Facility' returned no match.
Source
Wilson filed in U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia Legal fact
Rameya Wilson filed an amended complaint against McRae Women's Facility and Jody Yancey in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
McRae housed 1,392 low-security criminal alien inmates Statistic
The DOJ OIG report states that McRae houses 1,392 low security criminal alien inmates at its facility in McRae-Helena, Georgia.
1,392 inmates
Source
FY2026 line 382.372: McRae construction bond item, Governor $1,407,400 debt service, final $0 Statistic
The enacted FY2026 General Appropriations Act line 382.372, a GDC multi-projects bond item to 'Fund additional construction at McRae State Prison, McRae-Helena, Telfair County' via 20-year bonds at 6.5%, shows a Governor's recommended debt-service amount of $1,407,400 in State General Funds, with the House proposing $15,500,000 in 20-year bonds for the project but the Senate and final Conference Committee figure at $0, noted 'Reflect funds in Capital Projects Fund program.'
$1.4M USD vs. final CC figure USD
No McRae match in FY2023 amended budget conference committee substitute HB 18 Data gap
A search of the FY2023 amended budget conference committee substitute HB 18 for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
Magistrate recommended dismissal without prejudice and denial of COA Legal fact
A magistrate judge issued a final report recommending that Rameya Wilson's amended complaint be dismissed without prejudice for lack of exhaustion and that a certificate of appealability be denied.
McRae Health Services staff of 30 against 32 authorized positions Statistic
The DOJ OIG report found that as of May 1, McRae's Health Services had a staff of 30, with 32 total positions when fully staffed, including 2 Physicians, 1 Nurse Practitioner, 1 Infectious Disease Nurse, and 1 Quality Assurance Nurse.
30 staff vs. 32 Fully staffed positions
Source
FY2026 line 114.8: $917,170 administrative costs for McRae opening zeroed out in CC Statistic
The enacted FY2026 General Appropriations Act line 114.8, 'Increase funds for administrative costs for the opening of McRae's Women Facility,' noted '(CC:NO),' shows a Governor's recommended amount of $917,170 in State General Funds, with the next two columns both at $0.
$917,170 USD vs. final CC figure USD
No McRae match in FY2023 amended budget HB 18 appropriations bill Data gap
A search of the FY2023 amended budget HB 18 appropriations bill for 'McRae', 'McRae State Prison', 'McRae Women's' and 'McRae Correctional' returned no match.
Source
District court adopted R&R, dismissed habeas petition without prejudice Legal fact
The district court adopted the final report and recommendation, dismissing Rameya Wilson's petition for writ of habeas corpus without prejudice and denying a certificate of appealability.
56% of McRae survey respondents cited more PPE for staff as immediate need Statistic
Despite evidence that McRae had personal protective equipment on hand, 56 percent of McRae survey respondents cited more PPE for staff as an immediate need, compared to 38 percent of all contract prison staff who responded to the OIG survey.
56% vs. 38 Percent of all contract prison staff citing PPE need
Source
FY2026 line 116.6: $972,055 McRae food costs within $1,177,195 total Statistic
The enacted FY2026 General Appropriations Act line 116.6 includes 'food costs related to the opening of Smith Transitional Center ($101,615), McRae Women's Facility ($972,055) and Tift Cafeteria Contract for Basic Correctional Officer Training cadets ($103,525),' with a total State General Funds figure of $1,177,195 recommended by the Governor and enacted at $1,177,195 in the following two columns.
$972,055 USD vs. 1,177,195 total line USD
No McRae match in WGXA article on statewide GDC lockdown Data gap
A search of the WGXA article on GDC prisons locked down statewide after gang-related fights for 'McRae' and 'McRae Women's' returned no match.
Dillon-Griffin habeas petition raised misidentification and sentencing claims Legal fact
Dillon-Griffin v. McRae Women's Facility was a petition for writ of habeas corpus filed against McRae Women's Facility by Rameka Dillon-Griffin, raising grounds including misidentification, procedural irregularities, and sentencing discrepancy.
Telfair County Sheriff's Office announced McRae Correctional Facility transfer to state ownership Case detail
The Telfair County Sheriff's Office announced a transfer in ownership of McRae Correctional Facility, calling it 'the end of an era,' with the facility transferring ownership from CoreCivic to the State of Georgia.
FY2026 line 117.10: $998,022 healthcare contract for McRae zeroed out in CC Statistic
The enacted FY2026 General Appropriations Act line 117.10, 'Increase funds for healthcare contract for McRae Women's Facility to account for additional full time physical health employees,' noted '(CC:NO),' shows a Governor's recommended amount of $998,022 in State General Funds, with the next two columns both at $0.
$998,022 USD vs. final CC figure USD
No McRae match in Hoodline article on Georgia Senate Corrections Committee meeting Data gap
A search of the Hoodline article on the Georgia Senate Committee on Corrections Facilities meeting for 'McRae' and 'Women's Facility' returned no match.
Dillon-Griffin filed in U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia Legal fact
Rameka Dillon-Griffin filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus against McRae Women's Facility in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.
No McRae match in AJC article on Georgia prison reforms Data gap
A search of the AJC article on Georgia prison reforms getting state Senate committee backing for 'McRae' and 'Women's Facility' returned no match.
Dillon-Griffin filed motion for immediate release pending review Legal fact
Rameka Dillon-Griffin filed a motion for immediate release pending review in her habeas case against McRae Women's Facility.
No McRae match in HB 916 FY2025 appropriations Data gap
A search of HB 916 FY2025 appropriations for 'McRae', 'McRae State Prison', 'McRae Women's' and 'McRae Correctional' returned no match.
Source
FY2024 HB 19: $25,657,146 for McRae State Prison opening (State Prisons) Statistic
The enacted FY2024 Georgia General Appropriations Act (HB 19 Conference Committee substitute) increases funds in the Department of Corrections State Prisons program to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison by $25,657,146 in State General Funds, the figure agreed by House, Senate and Conference Committee, versus $19,435,914 in the Governor's original recommendation.
$25.7M USD vs. 19,435,914 Governor's original recommendation
No McRae match in FY2025 bill conference committee version HB 916 Data gap
A search of the FY 2025 bill conference committee version (HB 916) for 'McRae', 'McRae State Prison', 'McRae Women's Facility' and 'McRae Correctional Facility' returned no match.
Source
FY2024 HB 19: Governor's $1,629,757 Engineering & Construction line zeroed out Statistic
The FY2024 Georgia General Appropriations Act bill text shows a Governor's recommendation of $1,629,757 in State General Funds under the Engineering and Construction Services program, item 115.3, 'Increase funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison,' with $0 in the House, Senate, and Conference Committee columns.
$1.6M USD vs. Final enacted (CC) amount
No McRae match in HB 974 FY2027 Data gap
A search of HB 974 FY2027 for 'McRae', 'McRae State Prison', 'McRae Women's Facility' and 'McRae Correctional Facility' returned no match.
Source
FY2024 HB 19: Governor's $3,405,311 Rehabilitation line zeroed out Statistic
The FY2024 Georgia General Appropriations Act bill text shows a Governor's recommendation of $3,405,311 in State General Funds under the Rehabilitation and Risk Reduction program, item 121.3, 'Increase funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison,' with $0 in the House, Senate, and Conference Committee columns.
$3.4M USD vs. Final enacted (CC) amount
No McRae match in HB 67 FY2025A appropriations bill [1] Data gap
A search of the HB 67 AFY 2025 appropriations bill [1] for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
Source
FY2024 HB 19: Governor's $1,186,164 Food and Farm line zeroed out Statistic
The FY2024 Georgia General Appropriations Act bill text shows a Governor's recommendation of $1,186,164 in State General Funds under the Food and Farm Operations program, item 116.6, 'Increase funds to reflect the opening of McRae State Prison,' with $0 in the House, Senate, and Conference Committee columns.
$1.2M USD vs. Final enacted (CC) amount
No McRae match in HB 67 FY2025A appropriations bill [2] Data gap
A search of the HB 67 AFY 2025 appropriations bill [2] for 'McRae', 'McRae State Prison', 'McRae Women's' and 'McRae Correctional' returned no match.
FY2026 HB 68: $15.5M McRae construction restored by Senate/CC Statistic
The enacted FY2026 Georgia General Appropriations Act (HB 68 Conference Committee substitute) item 380.47 provides one-time funding for additional construction at McRae State Prison, McRae-Helena, Telfair County, with $15,500,000 in State General Funds recommended by the Governor, $0 in the House, and $15,500,000 in both the Senate and Conference Committee (final enacted) columns.
$15.5M USD vs. House amount
No McRae match in House Budget and Research Office amended FY 2024 highlights Data gap
A search of the House Budget and Research Office amended FY 2024 highlights (HB 915) for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
No capacity, construction, or opening data on GDC McRae Women's Facility page Data gap
A search of the Georgia Department of Corrections McRae Women's Facility location page for 'CAPACITY:', 'CONSTRUCTED:' and 'OPENED:' returned no match.
No McRae match in Texas Metro News republication of food investigation Data gap
A search of the Texas Metro News republication of 'Rats, Insects and Mold: How Bad Food Leaves Prisoners Hungry and Sick' for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
No McRae match in Alabama Gazette food investigation Data gap
A search of the Alabama Gazette article 'Rats, insects and mold: How bad food leaves prisoners hungry and sick' for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
No McRae match in NYU information for practice republication Data gap
A search of the NYU information for practice republication of 'Rats, insects and mold: How bad food leaves prisoners hungry and sick' for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
No McRae match in Fergus Now republication Data gap
A search of the Fergus Now republication of 'Rats, insects and mold: How bad food leaves prisoners hungry and sick' for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
No McRae match in KNSI republication Data gap
A search of the KNSI republication of 'Rats, insects and mold: How bad food leaves prisoners hungry and sick' for 'McRae' and 'Telfair' returned no match.
Sources
115 cited sources backing this research.
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Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Legal document
Tertiary
Academic
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Legal document
Secondary
Journalism
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Ahmed v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Aimee Smith
[person]
Alan Watson
[person]
Beth Schwartzapfel
[person]
Blanca Garcia
[person]
Blanchard v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Board of Corrections
[organization]
Carnesia Mack
[person]
Chasity King
[person]
Coastal State Prison
[facility]
CoreCivic
[organization]
Damion Christopher Mudahy
[person]
Dates-Bell v. Yancy
[case]
Dave Fletcher
[person]
DeAvila-Cabrera v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Dillon-Griffin v. McRae Women's Facility
[case]
DOJ Office of the Inspector General
[organization]
Dooly State Prison
[facility]
Duncan v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Emanuel Women's Facility
[facility]
Escobar v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Federal Bureau of Prisons
[organization]
Fletcher v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Galloway v. CCA McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
GBI Crime Lab
[organization]
GDC Office of Professional Standards
[organization]
Georgia Board of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Budget and Policy Institute
[organization]
Georgia Building Authority
[organization]
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Public Health
[organization]
Georgia House Budget and Research Office
[organization]
Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee
[organization]
Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission
[organization]
Georgia State Prison
[facility]
Governor's Office of Planning and Budget
[organization]
Gwendolyn Green
[person]
H.B. 19 (FY2024 General Appropriations Act)
[legislation]
H.B. 68 (FY2026 General Appropriations Act)
[legislation]
Heather Dykes
[person]
Helms Facility
[facility]
Jadia C. Rozier
[person]
Jennifer Ammons
[person]
Jennifer Culpepper
[person]
Jody Yancey
[person]
John Albers
[person]
Juan Alvardo-Baltazar
[person]
Judlin Nathaniel Mortimer
[person]
Kathryn Folger
[person]
Kristal Mills Layne
[person]
Lee Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
Luis Cedillo-Narvaez
[person]
Mable Wheeler
[person]
Malindzo Hatcher
[person]
Maria Smith
[person]
Marriot v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Marriott v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Mathis Funeral Home
[organization]
McRae Correctional Facility
[facility]
McRae Women's Facility
[facility]
McRae-Helena Police Department
[organization]
Meagan Deaton
[person]
Michael Kerr
[person]
Mohmed Ahmed
[person]
Mora-Gonzalez v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Mortimer v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Mudahy v. McRae Correctional Facility
[case]
Muhammad-Ybabes v. Yancy
[case]
NELSON Worldwide
[organization]
Office of Professional Standards
[organization]
Oliver Duncan
[person]
Pamala Wiggins
[person]
Paul Marriott
[person]
PREA Resource Center
[organization]
Pulaski State Prison
[facility]
Rameka Dillon-Griffin
[person]
Rameya Wilson
[person]
Shameka Lilliott
[person]
Shannon Rush
[person]
Shayla Smith
[person]
Smith Transitional Center
[facility]
Sonja Brown
[person]
State Prison Facility Transformation Program
[program]
Telfair County Jail
[facility]
Telfair County Sheriff's Office
[organization]
Telfair County Superior Court
[facility]
Telfair State Prison
[facility]
The Marshall Project
[organization]
Tiffany Fletcher
[person]
Tyrone Oliver
[person]
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia
[organization]
Wendy Miller
[person]
Whitworth Women's Facility
[facility]
Wilson v. Warden, McRae Women's Facility
[case]
Zaniyah Alexander
[person]