Alabama: Five state prison guards were arrested in May , accused of using their positions for personal gain. The arrests followed a three-month investigation at the Staton Correctional Facility, and resulted in Ronald Dickerson, 23, Jarod McDowell, 29, Joshua Alexander, 26, Leonard Scott, 31, and Patrick Jones, 42, being charged in connection with a bribery scheme.
The guards allegedly smuggled contraband into the prison, including cell phones and drugs, in return for clothing, home electronics, car accessories and even a cruise trip. Several prisoners were charged, too. Guard Lewis Jones witnessed the assault during a routine security check. On August 23, , in a brief court appearance, Scaggs entered not guilty pleas to felony charges of rape, first-degree sexual assault and sexual indecency with a child.
The investigation identified at least two other victims β one female, one male β who claimed they were abused by Scaggs. Peterson agreed not to run for public office as part of his plea bargain, and also may face state bar disciplinary action. California: On May 21, , the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility RJDCF hosted a unique gathering focused on inspiration, transformation and interaction in the style of the short, powerful talks that are the hallmark of the nonprofit TED organization.
TEDxDonovanCorrectional is an occasion to showcase another side of our prison, the potential power of rehabilitation, and an opportunity for the inmates to give back to our local community.
Florida: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the August 17, arrests of Norma Wynn, a former G4S Facility Administrator, Jose Sanchez, a former G4S Assistant Administrator, and Johnny Hart, another former G4S Assistant Administrator, who were charged with a combined 25 felony counts plus a single misdemeanor related to their intentional destruction or tampering with evidence, failure to report child abuse and willful neglect of juveniles under their care at the Highlands Youth Academy.
