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

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

🔥PRIORITY ALERT🔥 - Virginia Sussex 1 State Prison Dog Bites Prisoners In A Melee, Subsequent Transfers

Prison Dog Bites Prisoners In A Melee on 1/9/19;  at Virginia Sussex 1 State Prison general population, during one of it's infrequent out of cell exercise. Subsequently on 1/10/19; members of the Sussex 1 State Prison Strike Force and others from within the Virginia Department of Corrections Eastern Region participated in transferring at least 30 prisoners from Sussex 1 to Red Onion State Prison and Wallens Ridge State Prisons. The prison is/was on total lockdown and a shakedown [cells are being searched]. This is not the first time incidents have happened at Sussex 1 State Prison, with response from the administration, en masse transfer to Red Onion or Wallens Ridge Stae Prison.

Also around 12/21/18 or 12/23/18 a prisoner allegedly committed suicide in a Sussex 1 State Prison Solitary Confinement cell in pod 3D

Prisoner families and friends are urged to contact the prisons and check up on the well being of their loved ones. We also ask mainstream media to find out what's going on at Sussex 1 State Prison

LETS HOLD PRISON OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE

By vapac

Correctional Staffs Disregard for life & Warnings Ignored With Cell Incompatibility Leads To Lethal Consequences At Virginia Sussex 1 State Prison

IS A PRISONER WRONG FOR DEFENDING HIMSELF WHEN THE VADOC WOULDN'T?

Reference: Everett Byrd #1632329
Cell incompatibility

*UPDATE*

December 19, 2018

Negligence of Sussex 1 State Prison 

I was housed in 2A27, with a man who was completely incompatible with me. We went to all the people with power asking to be separated. We filed paperwork and did face to face begging.

I pointed out the facts to Staff ~ say we were incompatible. Age, Race, time are [is] the main grounds! They were ignored. I told Sgt. Evans, I feared for my life her response was "go to the cell."

On January 11, 2018 My celli and I got physical and the altercation ended tragically! No weapons were used!

The [Virginia] Department of Corrections failed yet again to protect and serve leading to the death of yet another man! And putting the other on long-term segregation [Solitary Confienment]

Am I wrong for defending myself when DOC wouldn't?

Everett Byrd 

22years old

Dear People:
Please be informed this is another case of Institutional Staff unprofessional behavior that has resulted in another inmate losing his life and another one, the one referenced may end up with a charge of murder.

As this inmate explains he was put in a cell mistakenly and was promised he would be moved. He was not and after being in the cell a few days the problems started between him and his celli. He did many things to halt the coming altercation but no one helped him. He spoke with Lieutenants and other staff asking them all to move him out. He called home and spoke with his grandmother about it. He even got other inmates to sign a written petition detailing his need to be removed from the cell and they didn't pay him any attention.

After he and his celli began to fight at least two officers were on another pod and knew they were fighting and did not come to stop it. Inmate Byrd says they fought for 2 hours without a weapon and yet after the fight the other inmate later died.

This is a very tragic matter and the Staff is to blame for the inmate's death. They should be terminated. Someone besides inmate Byrd should be held responsible and should receive all repercussions.
Shaheed Omar

Click on arrows icon to read the entire PDF file ↓↓↓↓↓

*UPDATE* Everett has since been transferred to Red Onion State Prison

Everett Byrd 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: 

Everett Byrd #1632329

Red Onion StatePrison

P.O. Box 1900

Pound, Virginia 24279

By Everett Byrd & In Collaboration with Shaheed Omar

Virginia Prisons Accountability Committee

A Story Of Professional Irresponsibility and Ethical Indifference By A Virginia Sussex l State Prison [SXISP] Mental Health Official By William Thorpe

On 8/30/18; a prisoner soon to be released was removed from Sussex l State Prison [SXISP] General Population [GP] and placed in Solitary Confinement Unit because he was allegedly cursing and acting out because SXISP guards wouldn't allow him use of a phone to set up an alternate home release plan because his mother was refusing to let him live with her once he was released.

On 8/31/18; a SXISP Mental Health official came to the prisoner's cell door, identified herself and said she was here to talk to him because he'd got locked up last night. To which the prisoner responded, and I paraphrase, he goes home in a week and his release plan fell through because his mom wouldn't let him live with her, so he had to use the phone to figure out alternatives and the officers wouldn't allow him its use. The prisoner was cogent and clear in expressing what his issue was. To which the Mental Health official responded and I am paraphrasing, the counselor for the Solitary Confinement unit didn't show up for work and Monday is Labor Day so she'd email the counselor about his situation after the Labor Day holiday.

Professional Duty and Ethical Responsibility 

Virginia Law provides a generalized requirement for a Mental Health official's contact with a prisoner initially placed in Solitary Confinement and Virginia Department of Corrections Operating Procedure [VADOCOP] 730.4, 730.5, 841.1 861.3 all specifically detail and define a VADOC Mental Health Officials Responsibility. This "Story" about a SXISP Mental Health officials contact with a prisoner initially placed in the prisons Solitary Confinement unit reveals, the legal obligations, professional duty and ethical responsibilities of a Virginia prison Mental Health official. But what it also seriously exposes is official misconduct and the culture of professional irresponsibility and ethical indifference that grows unchecked when prison officials accountability to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, which particularly includes its prisoners are allowed to be demagogued away by political reaction.

This Story: A Second Aspect  

The prisoner then told the SXISP Mental Health official that he had spent the entire night in the cell without a blanket and sheets and he was cold to which the Mental Health official responded: and this is a direct quote, you look pretty warm to me, your face is red", then she turned around and left the prisoners door. The Mental Health official never bothered to look through the glass window to verify the prisoner's claim of being without a blanket and sheets. Which the U.S. Supreme Court has long since settled the question: that prison officials have the legal obligation to provide prisoners with adequate clothing and not to do so violates the U.S. Constitution 8th Amendment dicta against the cruel and unusual punishment of prisoner. Also the Virginia Constitution and formulations of Virginia Statutorial Law also prohibits cruel and unusual punishment of prisoner.

Prisoner Official Accountability: It's Lack

For the reader and the Virginia public, I ask:

• Is the behavior of the SXISP Mental Health official reflective of the professional duty and ethical responsibilities anticipated by the Virginia taxpayer?
• The Virginia Department of Corrections is a sprawling $1.5 billion a year behemoth of taxpayer money and if it's function is so integral to Virginia society, are the watchdogs: Governmental and non-governmental up to it?                                                                                                                                                    

The callousness displayed cavalierly by the SXISP Mental Health official on 8/31/18; besides those specific violations of VADOC OP's i.e not even a pro forma inquiry into the state of the prisoner's mind, or a follow up on the inadequacy of the prisoners clothing. Instructs of and illustrates what endemic, systemic indifference looks like. We are constantly lectured by Senior Virginia Governmental officials and VADOC executives that Virginia penology is on the just side of history because for one, "low" recidivism says so [this work isn't dealing with recidivist claims by Virginia's Government] yet the actual behavior of Virginia prison officials in its prisons are anything but. From acts, which if were committed by a regular taxpaying citizen would be seen as felonies and prosecuted as such. To administrative malfeasance of the like existing at the U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs of which the Virginia mainstream media presumes its disclosures satisfies and completes its duty to educate the taxpaying citizen, while serious acts of governmental misconduct and unaccountability play out as nauseam behind the concertina wire and storm fences of its prisons, without a squeak from its mastheads.

Re-Entry Into Society

The release of a prisoner back into society is serious business and those responsible for its process should see it as such. When a prisoner within days of release informs the only prison official with administrative authority, he had contact with, within hours of his placement in Solitary Confinement, due to an issue with his home release plan because it has fallen through and he virtually has nowhere to go upon release and that prison official only sees the issue as an emailing one, for another prison official, a counselor who wouldn't be back to work till after the holidays, then the question has to be asked to what extent is this SXISP Mental Health official cognizant of her professional duty and ethical responsibilities and what exactly are the taxpayers of Virginia paying for?

Furthermore what has become of Brian Moran's Virginia Secretary for Public Safety and Homeland Security much vaunted "Re-Entry Program" and the assertion, no prisoner is released from Virginia prisons without Re-Entry Programming? Because had this prisoner been in the SXISP "Re-Entry Program" this wouldn't have been an issue necessitating critique.

By William Thorpe who is in Solitary Confinement currently at Sussex l State Prison

Virginia's Sussex l State Prison and The Serial Violator Prison Guard N.Iwuamadi By William Thorpe

The Virginia Department of Corrections [VADOC] at its Sussex l State Prison [SXISP] is employing Nigerians who are crooked, corrupt and who blatantly violate U.S. and Virginia law and VADOC Operating Procedure.

On 8/19/18; SXISP guard N. Iwuamadi denied me and 2 other prisoners on long-term solitary confinement the mandatory outside exercise. Claiming the building Sergeant Dunleavy had told him to do so. On 8/20/18; Sgt. Dunleavy told me and the other 2 prisoners, he never told the Nigerian N. Iwuamadi to deny us anything.

This prison guard N.Iwumadi is a serial violator of U. S. Virginia law and VADOC Operating Procedures:

• From, capriciously denying prisoners in Solitary Confinement outside exercise.
• Serving meals ice cold in violation of Virginia Department of Health Regulations and Law, VADOC Food Service Manual Directive, SXISP-3D Post Orders.
• Tampering with prisoners outgoing mail
• Arbitrarily cutting off water to all 44 cells in 3D because of actions of 1or 2 prisoners., 
• Denying prisoners showers
• Threatening & attempting to assault prisoners. Recently, around 8/10/18; the prison guard N Iwuamadi tried to break a prisoners arm in the tray box by repeatedly closing the tray box on the prisoner.
• He refuses to provide complaint forms and emergency and regular grievance forms when prisoners ask for them.
• He denies prisoner access to PREA calls to report sexual harassment and misconduct
• He is reluctant and unwilling to notify his superiors when prisoners are in need of emergency medical care.
• He talks to prisoners abusively and belligerently in violation of VADOC professional conduct code.   

The above bullet-pointed examples are some of the prison guard N Iwuamadi's offensive behavior and moral turpitude and VADOC must be held to account for the presence of a prison guard in an environment that is naturally challenged with complying with its own procedures, policies and practices.

William Thorpe in Long-Term Solitary Confinement at Red Onion State Prison but is currently temporarily held in Long-Term Solitary Confinement at Sussex l State Prison'

By William Thorpe

IN VIRGINIA I LOVE YOU CARDS UNAUTHORIZED TO SOLITARY CONFINEMENT PRISONERS AT VADOC SUSSEX 1 STATE PRISON

How can prisoners better nurture and cultivate their relationships with family In Virginia prisons when Guys in Solitary Confinement cannot even send an I LOVE YOU CARD to a loved one?  As limited as gift giving is for prisoners to their loved ones? A simple card, simple but a multifaceted treasure that is beyond personal communication. It is flashes of moments in time of feelings across the miles,  it is I am thinking of you, I miss you, and I LOVE YOU!  It is incomprehensible love cards are considered UNAUTHORIZED by Virginia Department of Corrections [VADOC]  When Solitary Confinement prisoner William Thorpe was REJECTED his Keefe Commissary order for 2 I love cards to send to his beloved wife by Virginia's Sussex 1 State Prison. We must ask who made this negative apathetic judgment call?




By William Thorpe & Wife Dee

Life-threatening Diseases & Conditions If Left Untreated Virginia Prisoners Will Become Sicker or Die

We at vapac have received many alarming letters concerning health.  Life-threatening diseases and conditions if left untreated will cause these prisoners to become sicker and in some instances can be fatal. A Prisoner imprisoned at Sussex 1 State Prison J. Davis (1097342) Suffers from the "silent killer" that has a known treatment and even a cure. In at least nine states, prisoners have filed lawsuits arguing that withholding drugs constitutes deliberate indifference to their dire needs, violating a constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Delaying treatment and curing can have deadly consequences for Mr. Davis who shared with Mr. Shaheed Omar longtime prisoner advocate and collaborator with vapac that he is a great husband, father, son and is a man of faith and is in need of treatment the same treatment Mr. Omar was fortunate enough to get and was cured. We must ask how will Mr. Davis even be considered for a chance to become healthy again if the Sussex 1 State Prison Staff ignore his informal complaints and allow grievances to go unnoticed? Other prisoners who have medical issues whom have provided adequate documentation 

1.  Lester Hayes 1465707 he was in a bus accident on 4-18-17 and has not been Adequately medically treated. He also has issued of a different nature that is not being addressed today. 
2.  Yusuf Hakim Ali 1092185 Stomach and Colon Problems and is suffering very badly and can't get the help that he needs. 
3. Tarik Hudgins 1069060 Just received a letter from him which I have enclosed just one page of it about his feet. 
4.  Michael Kelly 1190718 has Disease called Graves Disease. He is currently at Sussex 1 but a prisoner of Red Onion. The only reason at Sussex is to get treatment for his medical condition but cannot get out of Solitary Confinement etc.
5. Anthony Kirby 1314706 on 6-6-18 fell the on the floor the in the kitchen while no signs of wet floor were present. He is injured and needs help.
6. Jeffrey Whitebey 1118137 Sussex 1 needs surgery on heart but is not getting help 
7. Marvin Rash 1428427 Sussex I Gastroenteritis problem with stomach and not able to get help.
8. Robert Yeary 1035754 having problems with medical treatment for his dentures. Commissary does not sale denture adhesive chemical, therefore he cannot use his denture so he cannot eat properly.

Steve Herrick Director; Office of Health Services Virginia Department of Corrections your job description requires you to supervise all clinical department heads and the local health authorities at the facilities. Your overall responsibility is to assure efficient and quality care is provided to these incarcerated offenders. [prisoners]

It is obvious (in the accompanying documents we received complaints and grievances but for reason of lack of space we can not print all letters, however, copies can be obtained in writing) that these men are not being professionally addressed and need proper attention from every level of the Virginia Department of Corrections. Beginning with the officers who are supposed to provide counsel and words of instruction to inmates who have legitimate questions and requests, but are indifferent, then there are the prison registered nurses and prison doctors who are supposed to provide health care and related services, including advocacy, health education, preventive care, research, and clinical care to prisoners, however, they are also on many occasions indifferent. The requirement is for prison staff, officers, doctors, and nurses to adhere to prison regulations, agency rules and last but not least the law. Director Steve Herrick & Director Harold Clark, we ask you to look into the matter of these life-threatening Diseases and conditions if left untreated, these Virginia prisoners will become sick or/and die.






By vapac
In Collaboration with Shaheed Omar and prisoners listed in this article.

References

The ACLU of Virginia Prisoner Rights to adequate medical care
State Prisons Fail to Offer Cure to 144,000 Inmates With Deadly Hepatitis C
Three N.C. Prisoners Sue the State for Hepatitis C Treatment
The Massachusetts Department of Correction has reached a settlement with prisoners' rights Groups over its medical treatment of prison inmates with hepatitis C.
A peoples’ victory: Court rules to give Mumia Abu-Jamal hep C cure – Workers World