jail crisis
Lawsuit: West Virginia jail correctional officers failed to stop gang from beating inmate
Correctional officers at a West Virginia jail failed to prevent members of a gang from beating another prisoner, leaving the woman with “serious and permanent physical injuries,” a lawsuit filed this month in federal court alleges. Nicole Henry, who was an inmate at the Southern Regional Jail in Raleigh County, filed the lawsuit against the […]
Lawmakers discuss bail, reporting requirements after bill failed to pass last month
After failing to pass a bill during last month’s Special Session that would have changed bail procedures in the state and added reporting requirements meant to limit the number of people being held behind bars without a conviction, lawmakers on Monday had further discussions with individuals who work on both sentencing and bailing out people […]
Honaker appointed inspector general for West Virginia Department of Homeland Security
State Del. Mike Honaker, R-Greenbrier, has resigned from the House of Delegates to be the inspector general for the state Department of Homeland Security. Gov. Jim Justice announced Honaker’s appointment in a new release Wednesday. “Del. Honaker has dedicated his life to public service, and I am thrilled to announce he will be West Virginia’s […]
Justice signs six corrections bills passed during WV special session
Gov. Jim Justice joined officials from the state Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation on Monday to sign a suite of bills aimed at confronting staffing shortages and other issues in the state’s jail systems. The bills — passed by the Legislature in last week’s special session — will implement pay raises and bonuses for correctional […]
Lawsuit filed over state’s crowded, understaffed correctional facilities
A federal lawsuit filed this week seeks to require the state of West Virginia to fix overcrowding, understaffing and deferred maintenance at correctional facilities across the state. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, lists as plaintiffs Thomas Sheppheard, an inmate at Mt. Olive Correctional […]
Bills targeting state’s jails crisis head to governor’s desk
State lawmakers on Tuesday signed off on a number of bills that they hope will address long-standing issues in West Virginia’s jails and prisons. The state’s jails crisis, including its 30% correctional officer vacancy, was a central reason why Gov. Jim Justice called a special session Sunday afternoon. The National Guard has been filling in […]