Trans-Gender Translates Into: Unsanitary Conditions, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Abuse at Virginia Prisons

TOTAL DISRESPECT AT VIRGINIA VADOC's INSTITUTIONS

Ja-Quitha Earth Camellia fka Steven Ray Delk TransWoman incarcerated in VADOC. (Name legally changed in VA.) (By the way, we at "vapacommittee" ask why the Virginia Department of Corrections is refusing to use her legally changed name?)

Upon arrival at Sussex 1 State Prison (S1SP) after an 8-hour ride from [Virginia] Red Onion State Prison in a steel box (a steal death trap) She, Ja-Quitha was subjected to blatant unmasked discrimination and sexual harassment by S1SP administration she is a bra and panty wearing girl known by the fact that is an essential critical element in her mental health treatment (Dr. Meredith R. Carey VADOC, her priority mental health provider) but S1SP gave her 3X boxer and so bra she has 38B breast so it is quite obvious that S1SP actions were geared to cause mental and emotional pain. (But Ja-Quitha knows the evils of the VADOC quite well she was RAPED at ROSP [Red Onion State Prison] physically and mentally (see active civil action (2) ) S1SP only stuck to the VADOC guideline in treating us transgender-women: It only got worst- (yes I was denied proper undergarments I am 5'7 168lb) (A 3X even if I were going to wear boxers).

Oh yeah, I was held in a visitor booth for 2 hours waiting to be seen by medical and today which is 1-13-19 as I write this I still have not seen a physician here at S1SP. But fear is as I was in the booth on 12-27-18 with full restraints including the black box what if I fall there is no one in the 4x6 to help me no security present. (Violation 3) I was denied my medical lotion and anti-embolism thigh highs, no hygiene no toothpaste, soap, deodorant or toothbrush for 7 whole days, no shower shoes.

I was forced to stand in a shower box after I refused to go into a cell with a broken toilet full of fermenting fecal matter and urine (see video footage of CO's gagging as they open the door to the cell 3B41 on 12-27-18,

I am being treated for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I also suffer from all that comes with Gender Dysphoria. Fear consumes me but the VADOC's daily menu of subjection to hate bias prejudice abuse simply because I am Trans Gender & sexual makes life unbearable requiring constant therapy and treatment. I am being denied the basic of life. It is a sad day when life's essential needs are denied simply because I was born different then [than] you.

So VA. politicians, citizens and all of you: I nor any other Trans Gender sexual was sentenced to these acts of violence!!

So which of you will stand and with a beaming smile take credit yes proudly cradling the birth of your child the VADOC, S1SP, ROSP.

State Prisons of corruption.

Will you be there when they kill me?

Trans Lives Matter~No one can speak for us & We will be heard

Please respond to my (no our fight) 

Ja-Quitha Earth Camellia #1097269

F/K/A Steven Delk

(NOTE Ms. Camellia provided a S1SP address but she has since been transferred Red Onion State Prison)

Ja-Quitha Earth Camellia FKA Steven Ray Delk is imprisoned in Virginia's prison system, serving her sentence at this time in Sussex 1 State Prison. She wanted to share with the public a glimpse of a life of a Trans in the VADOC. Her following is with the Pink Panthers, she stated If you wish to receive the latest news in the Trans Community following [me] "Earth", Write to her and show her support. Her address is: 

Ja-Quitha Earth Camellia #1097269 

F/K/A Steven Ray Delk
Sussex 1 State Prison
24414 Musselwhite Drive
Waverly, VA 23891-1111

References

Delk-v-Moran 7:16-CV-00554

Pink Panther Movement

Two South Carolina mental health patients drowned in a prison transport

Freddie Gray Van Driver Found Not Guilty of Administrative Charges

Freddie Gray Died From ‘Rough Ride,’ Prosecutors Assert

🔥PRIORITYALERT🔥 Criminality By Two Virginia Sussex 1 State Prison Guards By Emmit G Roscoe Jr.

"Incident of September 29th, 201." On 9/29/18 @ approximately 7:30 am C/O B began feeding breakfast meals on 3 delta solitary confinement unit of Sussex One State Prison. While C/O B conducted feeding I overheard other prisoners complaining about being deprived of recreation and shower. Correctional officer then approached 3 delta 04 which house myself, as I began to verbally express the disservice of being continuously deprived of recreation and shower. I ceased my complaining by requesting C/O B to provide me with an informal complaint, to grievance this ongoing deprived of recreation and showers while housed in solitary confinement at Sussex 1 State Prison. C/O B then informed me that he (C/O B) was going to steal (deprive) Roscoe his breakfast meal for being allegedly verbally disruptive. C/O B also informed me that if I kept "complaining" I would be deprived of meals to come and C/O B said he would justify his action by saying I was being verbally disruptive. I respectfully responded telling C/O B it was against the law to use my food as punishment. That's when C/O B told me if I "uttered" one more word that he would show me that he could [do] what he wants and get by with it. C/O B then went on to say that Cheif Warden Isreal Hamilton told him and his co-workers at a managers meeting approximately a week prior "that anyone" whom is being "verbally disruptive" that they (correctional staff) could refuse prisoners meals as punishment.

Sometime latter [later] that "a.m." (Department of Correction) Lt C entered 3 delta pod, I presented my complaint of being deprived my meal by C/O B and Lt C only response to this form of prohibited Corporal Punishment was "you've already lost one meal and you still complaining" I ceased my complaining and asked for an informal complaint. Lt C then said to me if I didn't let it go that he would "personally make it his "duty" to make me wish that I had left it alone. Latter at approximately 1:45 pm that same day I was moved from my assigned cell 3 delta 04 and put in the show [shower] so my toilet could be fixed. I stayed in the shower from 1:45 pm to about 4:30 approximately. Lt C and C/O Gb came to put me back in my assigned solitary confinement cell 3 delta 04 being a solitary confinement prisoner I am only allowed to be moved with wrist cuffs and leg iron once properly administered. The shower has available cutout spaces so these restraints may be administered be for the shower door is open. The wrist cuffs were put on me with the shower door locked however In violation of safety concerns Lt C ordered C/O Gb to open the shower door which C/O Gb followed that order, without applying the leg irons first. The Lt then told me to get on my knees in the wet unclean shower when I said no explaining to Lt C. that if he (Lt C) followed policy and apply the leg irons with the shower door secured. That's hen Lt C began jacking my arms up behind my head as my hands were cuffed from behind while use joint manipulation then I was slamed [slammed] and my head slamed [slammed] into the shower wall then to the floor I then temporarily lost consciousness when I regained consciousness multiple prisoners began [to] call my name out of concern of my well being watching me be assaulted maliciously and sadistically. My legs were then apprehended with leg irons as I lay defenseless on the unsanitary shower floor I was then picked up by my arms by Lt. C and C/O Gb and dragged to the cell I was not offered any sort of medical attention I was I was left laying on the floor for about and [an] hour Pluss with my hands cuffed behind me until shift changed. I requested medical attention and was taken to medical. I suffered a knot on my forehead which was dressed and cleaned. I filed multiple informal complaints. One for use of unnecessary use of force, the other informal complaint was about deprivation of my meal.

On 11/2/18 after not receiving an answer to either complaint I began to explain to Captain R that I never received a response for both complaints. Captain R responded "if you don't shut the hell up Im going to buck on your trays for being disruptive" days latter C/O B deprived me of my lunch tray which camera footage will show during feeding time he did not access the tray slot box to allow me to except my tray. When I began to complain about the deprivation of this meal C/O B state "R. said dont feed you" as a matter of fact the deprivation of meals carried on to November 5th 2018 when I was deprived my breakfast, lunch, and dinner and I asked C/O G why I was not being fed his exact words were "Im following orders or my family wont eat" On Wednesday 11/7/18 after my family made a local police report and called the prison complaining that I was beat and was deprived of my meals in retaliation of that I was then placed on hunger strike observation,

Incident of November 8th-9th 2018
On November 8th, 2018 I was awakened out my sleep at approximately 7:15 am by Sgt. M. whom knocked on my cell window with a camera and ambulatory restraints. When I got out the bed I asked Sgt Moyer what was the restraints for he informed me that I was being placed on ambulatory restraints for allegedly flooding my assigned cell which was impossible because I was on alleged hunger strike observation which water was terminated when I informed Sgt. M of this then stated, "Man Im following orders." I then asked to speak with the Watch Commander and was denied that request. Having no one to appeal to I stated my claims on the hand held camera the restraints were put on me I was placed in the shower and Sgt. P took the mattress out my assigned cell I was then put back in the cell without being checked by medical and mental health I stayed in the maliciously and sadistically administered restraints for 30 hours approximately. On 11/9/18 at about 10:30 am despite being ordered to remove the restraints, Sgt P refused to remove the restraints forced me back in the cell where I stayed for an additional 3hrs approximately.

"Declaration"

I, Emmit G. Roscoe Jr swear under penalty of perjury that the above is a true account of described incidents


                            Click on Arrows to read prisoners PDF in its entirety ↓↓↓↓↓

By Emmitt G Rosco Jr.                   1/9/19
vapac

*UPDATE* Emmit Roscoe Jr. has since been transferred to Red Onion State Prison

Emmitt G. Roscoe Jr. is imprisoned in Virginia's prison system, serving his sentence at this time in Red Onion State Prison. Write to him and show him support. His address is: 

Emmitt G Roscoe Jr. #1422097

Red Onion State Prison
P.O. Box 1900
Pound, Virginia 24279

🔥ACTIONS NEEDED🔥 THERE IS CONCERN FOR TWO VIRGINIA SUSSEX 1 STATE PRISONERS KELLEY & GARRETT

There is concern about Michael Kelley #1190718 and Curtis Garrett #1546886, who are in solitary confinement at Sussex I State Prison.  
DETAILS:

Michael Kelley #1190718 was transferred from Red Onion to Sussex I State Prison in October 2017 and has been in solitary confinement ("restrictive housing") since then.  The reason for his transfer was ostensibly so that he could receive medical treatment at VCU.  He told IAHR that he was nearing completion of the Step-Down Program immediately before his transfer, but his participation in the program was suspended when he was transferred.  He has not been provided with a pathway toward release from isolation at Sussex I.  He has had a few medical appointments at VCU, but each appointment is followed by long delays until the next appointment.  His access to phones and electronic media is extremely limited, and he reports that his isolation at Sussex I has been even more stressful than at Red Onion.

Curtis Garrett #1546886 is in a reentry unit at Sussex I and is due to be released from prison in June of this year.  His family reports that on Christmas Day, a prisoner started walking around the pod and swinging a broom handle at people.  As Curtis and others tried to stop him, officers came in with dogs.  Immediately, as instructed, Curtis and the other prisoners lay on the floor as the dogs came close.  Frightened and eager to get away from the dogs, Curtis got up, ran into his cell, and closed his cell door.  Officers with dogs pursued him, entered Curtis' cell and told the dogs to attack.  Curtis was bitten by the dogs as officers allegedly beat him.

Curtis was taken to Southside Regional Medical Center for treatment.  He suffered serious wounds and nerve damage in his left arm and leg.  When Curtis returned to Sussex I, he was put in solitary confinement.  At an initial meeting with the warden and assistant warden on Wednesday, January 2, his mother was told that they had reviewed the security footage of the incident and that it showed Curtis was not at fault in the melee but he should not have run back to his cell.  Nevertheless, they said the reason Curtis was in solitary was that there is a pending investigation of the incident, and he would have to stay there until the investigation is completed.  No one has been able to tell Curtis or his family how long the investigation is likely to last.  No investigator had talked to Curtis as of January 12.  His family's attempts to communicate with the warden or assistant warden since this meeting have been unsuccessful.  They are asking for Curtis to be transferred to another facility where his injuries can be treated effectively and where he will not be in solitary confinement ("restrictive housing").

Curtis' mother visited him on January 2 and January 9.  Both times he was wheeled to the visit in a wheelchair.  During the first visit, she reported that he was in a panic mode, clearly traumatized by the dog attack and continually reliving it.  During the second visit, a week later, he was physically and mentally drained.  He looked weak and dehydrated and had trouble articulating his feelings.  She also noticed that blood was soaking through his bandages.  A nurse herself, she reported that the hospital had directed that his dressings be changed every day, but the medical unit at Sussex I decided that they only needed to be changed every other day.  We are concerned about the quality of the medical care he is receiving.

Your action is needed,  "vapac" in alliance with Gay Gardner & Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR) on these issues ask you to contact the below DOC officials, urging them to remove these men from solitary confinement/"restrictive housing" and transfer them to a setting where they can receive effective medical treatment without damage to their mental health.

Israel Hamilton, Warden, Sussex I State Prison

Israel.hamilton@vadoc.virginia.gov

804-834-9967

William Jarratt, Assistant Warden, Sussex I State Prison

William.jarratt@vadoc.virginia.gov

804-834-9967

Harold Clarke, Director of Corrections

Harold.clarke@vadoc.virginia.gov

804-674-3000

A. David Robinson, Chief of Corrections Operations

David.robinson@vadoc.virginia.gov

804-674-3000

Steve Herrick, Director of Health Services

Steve.herrick@vadoc.virginia.gov

804-887-8118

Via Gay Gardner & Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR) &

Virginia Prisons Accountability Committee

WHEN NOTED "EXPRESS INDIFFERENCE": RED ONION STATE PRISON, MENTAL HEALTH and IT'S PRACTICE OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

As early as 1890: the U.S. Supreme Court in the case: In Re Medley, 134 US 160 [1890] dealing with Solitary Confinement or as it's currently nuanced euphemistically Administrative Segregation wrote:

"A considerable number of the Prisoners fell after even a short confinement, into a semi-fatuous condition from which it was next to impossible to arouse them, and other became violently insane; others, still, committed suicide; while those who stood the ordeal better were not generally reformed, and in most cases, did not recover sufficient mental activity to be of any subsequent service to the community."

That 1890 court concluded that Solitary Confinement is "an infamous punishment"

In 1988; The Seventh Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals determined in Davenport v. Derobertis 844 F.2.d 1310: 

"That isolating a Human Being from other Human Beings year after year or even month after month can cause substantial psychological damage, even if the isolation isn't total".

The court went on to state "there is plenty of medical and psychological literature concerning the ill effects of Solitary Confinement [of which Segregation is a variant]

In 1995; The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, in Madrid v. Gomez 889 f.supp.1146 [A case so comprehensive in it's finding that the state of California didn't even bother to appeal] wrote:

   "Subjecting individuals to conditions [Solitary Confinement] that are "very likely" to render them psychotic or otherwise exacerbate a serious Mental Illness cannot be squared with evolving standards of humanity and decency, especially when certain aspects of those conditions appear to bear little relation to security concerns. A risk this grave      this shocking and indecent----simply has no place in civilized society".

In 2003 Human Rights Watch quoted a California Prison Psychiatrist in Human Rights Watch, Ill-equipped: U.S. prisons and offenders with Mental Illness 149-513 saying: "It's a standard psychiatric concept, if you put people in isolation [Solitary Confinement] they will go insane.......
most people in isolation will fall apart".

In 2005: in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Wilkinson v.Austin #04-495, also 545 U.S. 209.  A group of Psychologists and Psychiatrists filed a Amicus Curiae or Friend of the Court brief in support of Prisoners stating:

No Study of the effects of Solitary or Supermax-Like confinement that lasted longer than 60 days failed to find evidence of negative psychological effects".

Recently the fourth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals which has Jurisdiction over the Commonwealth of Virginia and four other states determined in the 2015 case, Incumaa v. Stirling 791 f.3d 517 [2015] that:

"[Prisoner] had liberty interest in avoiding Solitary Confinement in security detention, as required for his claim that his placement in Solitary for 20 years violated [U.S.] Fourteenth Amendment Procedural Due Process: [Prisoner] was subject to near daily cavity and strip searches, he was confined to small cell for all sleeping and waking hours aside from 10 hours of activity outside the cell per month, he was denied educational, vocational, and therapy programs, [Prisoner] was socially isolated, and confinement was indefinite."

In light of the above cited, quoted and excerpted authorities which are but a sample of the exhaustively comprehensive legal and Mental Health findings and works on practice of using Long Term Administrative Segregation or Solitary Confinement, of which contrary to recent noises by the Virginia Politicos and officials at it's flagship primary Solitary Confinement Prison, Red Onion State Prison [ROSP] that Solitary Confinement in VADOC has been reformed and done away with.

The practice of Long Term Solitary Confinement is alive and well and ongoing at ROSP, where a number of Prisoners have been detained in Solitary Confinement for over 20 years and counting of which I am one, experiencing identical conditions as the Prisoner in the Incumaa case, since 1996.

It is to the above-referenced works as back drop, that the Mental Health Department of ROSP, a Prison where Solitary Confinement is the Primary Form of detention. Gave the terse response "NOTED" in it's professional capacity to my question on:

"What is the current contemporary consensus from Mental Health Professionals on Psychological and physiological effects of Long term Solitary Confinement or Administrative Segregation".  [see response from ROSP Mental Health Department: "NOTED".

What is to be made of the situation where ROSP officials are indifferent and unwilling to recognize that a practice of detention utilized as their Primary Operational Model----Solitary Confinement is distinguished by negative critique extending over a hundred years?

By William Thorpe

William Thorpe is detained at ROSP in Solitary Confinement since 1998 

Related Articles & Links:

1. Commonwealth of Virginia - Department of Corrections - Percentage of Virginia Inmates in Restrictive Housing Among the Lowest in the Nation http://bit.ly/2hfYJBy
2. "NOTED" : ROSP Mental Health Response
3. Prison Mental Health Care lawsuit proceeds as Class Action Lawsuit
4. An update the following is the second response to ROSP Mental Health question.(click Sentence) Response: I am unable to answer your question.