Assault Reported at Virginia Department of Corrections Sussex 1 State Prison

*NOTE* This report was shared by IAHR on behalf of prisoners at Virginia's Sussex 1 State prison of alleged abuse by Prison officials, This is a call to action of our  VAPAC members 

IAHR is concerned about an incident that occurred at Sussex I State Prison on May 30, 2019, affecting Darius Richards and others in the prison infirmary.  These men were recovering from surgery.  According to information received by IAHR, a fight broke out between two prisoners, leaving the aggressor badly injured.  Mr. Richards and two others, who were not involved in the fight, were told they were going to be taken to "restrictive housing" (solitary confinement).  They asked why but were given no answer.  A few minutes later they were asked if they were ready to go.  They said no and again asked why they were being taken to "restrictive housing." 

An extraction force of 12 to 16 officers in riot gear lined up outside the infirmary door, led by Major Ruffin. The prisoners asked to speak to him, but he responded, "We'll do that later."  The men in the infirmary raised their arms, signaling they were prepared to be cuffed.  Mr. Richards, because of recent knee surgery, and another prisoner were in wheelchairs.  A third had just had surgery on his shoulder and was in a sling.

Sgt. Williams ran into the infirmary, hitting Mr. Richards with a shock shield, causing his wheelchair to fall backwards.  Officers allegedly punched Mr. Richards repeatedly and bent his injured knee.  This incident was reportedly captured on a security camera, which Mr. Richards believes will show he offered no resistance.  He complains of pain from injuries suffered during this attack and the prison's failure to provide any treatment for these injuries.

Mr. Richards and others were then taken to "restrictive housing."  He wrote an emergency grievance and gave it to a sergeant who refused to submit it.  Two hours later Richards wrote another emergency grievance and gave it to another officer. To the best of our knowledge, he still has not received a response.  DOC Operating Procedure 866.1 states that "the time frame for staff response to an offender's Informal Complaint shall be no longer than 15 calendar days. . ."  It also provides that an emergency grievance should be responded to within 8 hours. 

Mr. Richards and at least one other prisoner were charged with "inciting to riot, rioting, or acting in a manner that disrupts the orderly operation of the institution," even though they stated that the reporting officer could not identify any disruptive actions they took and the hearing officer ignored their pleas to review the video footage from the security cameras. 

Please contact the officials listed below, expressing concern about the treatment of Darius Richards #1442245 and others in the infirmary at Sussex I State Prison on May 30 and urge that the incident be thoroughly and impartially investigated.  You may wish to note the following:

• I am concerned that this incident seems to be an example of overreaction and excessive violence against prisoners.  I am aware of other such incidents at Sussex I State Prison, including attacks by K-9 units that resulted in serious injury to prisoners for which they did not receive appropriate medical treatment.  What steps are being taken to investigate this incident, prevent future incidents of excessive use of force, and ensure that resulting injuries are treated promptly and appropriately?
• Mr. Richards and others who were assaulted in the infirmary deserve a prompt and thorough explanation of why they were placed in "restrictive housing" (solitary confinement) and how long they will have to remain there.  I am aware that VDOC operating procedures bar the use of "restrictive housing" as punishment.  I urge you to inform Mr. RIchards and the other affected prisoners of specifically how they posed a threat to the security of the prison that justified placing them in "restrictive housing."
• Mr. Richards and others who were assaulted in the infirmary on May 30 reportedly suffered new injuries as a result of their forcible extraction.  I urge you to ensure that they receive appropriate medical treatment as long as they need it.

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

Israel Hamilton, Warden of Sussex I State Prison.  israel.hamilton@vadoc.virginia.gov, 804-834-9967

Jamilla Burney-Divens, Regional Operations Chief for the Eastern Region.  jamilla.burney-divens@vadoc.virginia.gov, 434-658-4368

Randall Mathena, Director of Security Operations. randall.mathena@vadoc.virginia.gov, 804-887-7793

Steve Herrick, Director of Health Services. steve.herrick@vadoc.virginia.gov, 804-887-8118.

Brian Moran, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. brian.moran@governor.virginia.gov, 804-786-5351