DOJ Investigates Tennessee's Largest Prison Amid Abuse Claims

Federal probe targets Trousdale Turner Correctional Center
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 20, 2024 5:57 PM CDT
DOJ Investigates Tennessee's Largest Prison Amid Abuse Claims
Trousdale Turner Correctional Center is shown in a May 24, 2016 file photo, in Hartsville, Tenn.   (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

The US Department of Justice is investigating Tennessee's largest prison, Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, for unchecked violence and sexual abuse over several years, federal prosecutors revealed Tuesday. The privately operated facility in Hartsville experienced 196 assaults, 90 sexual misconduct incidents, two murders, and 15 deaths categorized as "accidental" from July 2022 to June 2023, per Assistant US Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke. "In our country, people do not surrender their constitutional rights at the prison door," Clarke said.

Operating since 2016 and owned by CoreCivic, Trousdale has faced numerous issues, including chronic understaffing and inadequate inmate management. A 2023 audit showed a 188% officer turnover rate in the prior fiscal year, far outpacing the 37% average in state facilities. Trousdale's understaffing included instances where a single officer managed 360 inmates. CoreCivic's history of noncompliance has resulted in millions in state fines, despite repeated pledges for improvement.

Local attorney Daniel Horwitz lauded the investigation, citing "heinous abuses" and wrongful death lawsuits against CoreCivic. CoreCivic's CEO Damon Hininger has expressed interest in running for Tennessee governor in 2026. State officials have continuously renewed contracts with CoreCivic, even as concerns persisted. CoreCivic spokesperson Steven Owen maintained, "The safety and dignity of every person in our care is a top priority." Tennessee allocates $233 million annually for four prisons managed by CoreCivic, with $80 million specifically for Trousdale. The Tennessee Department of Correction has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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