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A Riot at CCA's Mineral Wells Facility?

Tue, 07/29/2008 - 19:03 — Bob

We've received a steady stream of reader tips about unsafe conditions at Corrections Corporation of America's Mineral Wells' prison, a TDCJ-contracted facility. The latest comes from a reader who reports:

There was a major prison riot in Mineral Wells on 07-23-2008 involving over 50 inmates. CCA was unable to handle the situation as usual and the inmates where ship back to TDCJ.

Racial tensions were the motive for the riot. The white offenders ended up at the Byrd Unit in Huntsville and the black offenders ended up at the Goree Unit in Huntsville, after the riot.

These inmates all had low custody and trustee custody levels being G1-G2. This shows again, CCA is unable to even handle minimum custody offenders.

We're unable to verify these claims at the moment, but have submitted an Open Records Request to determine what exactly is going on at Mineral Wells. As some readers may remember, Mineral Wells was home to a major disputurbance last summer and an escape in May 2007, and drew reader concerns over safety after metal coverings were placed over dorm windows in March. We'll keep you posted on developments from Mineral Wells and all CCA prisons.

 


Comments

Fri, 09/19/2008 - 22:20 — donna123

Open Records Information On Mineral Wells

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Any new information on the Mineral Wells, CCA riot in July 2008, from the open records act? Nothing new posted and I was just wondering what they documented. Thanks


Sat, 08/02/2008 - 22:51 — donna123

Mineral Wells Prison, CCA

.The CCA Mineral Wells prison riot involved 200 people not 40 or 50. I was informed the national guards were brought in and people were care-flighted out. There are only about 2 guards for 300 in-mates and the food portions are getting smaller. The inmates have no protection from other inmates in gangs or associations. I have heard they do not release inmates on their projected parole date, even if all courses required are completed, have not been in trouble, and are model prisoners. There is always a long waiting list for courses they are required to take. The in-mates are very lucky to receive parole, related to retaining revenues and more profit for CCA.. Recently they have been releasing some to everyone's surprise. There is suppose to be major changes coming in Sept. 2008, resulting from TDCJ. From my understanding the Gatesville parole board lead voter on DWI is J. Gonzales and never paroles DWI offenders as her dtr. was killed or injured by a drunk driver. Is this a conflict of interest as all people should be given a second chance. The treatment is inhumane and CO'S (so few of them) are of no help in time of crisis for the inmates. Visitors have to stand in heat or cold for 2-3 hours to see loved ones. Also if the CO or classification officers do not like the inmates they will give them a case ti be added to their file. There will a a major incident at mineral wells before it's over, just hide and watch. The only good thing is they have A/C and contact visits.