TIP BRIEF
February 14, 2026
media@gps.press
February 14, 2026
media@gps.press
Untested Warden Leads Georgia's Most Troubled Women's Prison After 22 Deaths
THE STORY IN ONE SENTENCE
Georgia promoted Wendy Jackson, whose only experience was running a 235-bed minimum-security facility, to lead Pulaski State Prison — a 1,200-inmate women's prison with a history of 22 deaths under one doctor, gang violence, and constitutional violations.
Wendy Jackson jumped from running a 235-bed minimum-security transitional center to leading Georgia's most troubled women's prison, where at least 22 women died under a single doctor's care and gang members sexually assaulted inmates at knifepoint. Her promotion exemplifies Georgia's pattern of promoting unqualified leaders to manage facilities in crisis, while families report new patterns of intimidation and retaliation under her leadership.
FACILITY BREAKDOWN
| Facility | Current Population | Capacity Utilization | Officer Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulaski State Prison | 1,185 | 96.9% | Highest in GDC system |
| Metro Transitional Center | 235 | Minimum | Warden |
What GPS Documented (Original Findings)
- At least 22 women died under Dr. Yvon Nazaire's care between 2005-2015 at Pulaski State Prison — Source: GPS analysis of AJC investigations and settlement records
- Georgia paid more than $3 million in settlements to families, including $1.5 million to Mollianne Fischer's family — Source: GPS analysis of settlement records and AJC reporting
- Wendy Jackson promoted from 235-bed minimum-security facility to 1,223-capacity women's prison on April 16, 2025 — Source: GPS analysis of GDC press releases and personnel records
- Jackson's educational background is associate degree in early childhood education from Perimeter College — Source: GPS analysis of personnel records
- Pulaski has more correctional officer vacancies than any other prison in GDC — Source: GPS analysis of GDC staffing reports
- Reports of intimidation and retaliation under Jackson's leadership, including extended lockdowns and warnings against filing grievances — Source: GPS correspondence with inmates and families
Data source: GPS analysis of GDC reports, settlement records, personnel files, and family interviews
What DOJ Already Confirmed
- Constitutional violations during 2022-2023 investigation at Georgia women's facilities — Pages DOJ Findings Report
- Grievance systems plagued by delays, dismissals, and lack of transparency — Pages DOJ Findings Report
- Incarcerated people who cooperated with DOJ faced ongoing violence and retaliation — Pages DOJ Findings Report
- GDC fails to provide constitutionally required minimum of reasonable physical safety — Pages DOJ Findings Report
Source: DOJ Findings Report, October 1, 2024
https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1364546/dl
What GDC Concealed
-
Dr. Nazaire was hired despite documented patient deaths and malpractice accusations from New York
How to verify: Request hiring records and background check documentation through Open Records Act -
Health administrator praised Dr. Nazaire for 'saving the DOC so much money' while women died under his care
How to verify: Request internal communications and performance evaluations from Dr. Nazaire's employment period -
Outcomes of 20 gang assault and extortion investigations opened at Pulaski
How to verify: Request investigation files and disciplinary records through Open Records Act -
Specific qualifications and selection criteria used to choose Jackson for warden position
How to verify: Request hiring committee records, job posting requirements, and candidate evaluation materials