Major Inquiry Launched into Practices at Notorious State Facility

At a Glance

The U.S. Department of Justice is conducting a comprehensive investigation into potential abuses at Tennessee’s Trousdale Turner Correctional Center.
The prison has reported alarming statistics, including numerous assaults, incidents of sexual misconduct, and fatalities.
The investigation follows reports of systemic issues ranging from violence to inadequate healthcare within the facility.
The findings could lead to significant reforms and new oversight strategies.

Overview of the Investigation

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced an in-depth investigation into civil rights abuses at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, the state’s largest prison. This probe is a response to growing concerns from advocacy groups and political figures about the conditions and treatment of inmates within the facility. According to federal sources, the investigation aims to address ongoing issues of violence, sexual abuse, and insufficient medical care.

Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke stressed that prisoners retain their fundamental rights even behind bars. Clarke remarked, “In our country, people do not surrender their constitutional rights at the prison door. Every person held in a jail or prison retains the fundamental right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.” The investigation is set to uncover whether state and prison officials uphold these constitutional protections.

Background on Trousdale Turner Correctional Center

Situated in Hartsville, Tennessee, Trousdale Turner Correctional Center has encountered various issues since its opening in 2016. CoreCivic, a private company, manages the facility. The state of Tennessee, however, remains ultimately responsible for ensuring the protection and rights of its inmates. The prison has faced state fines, and chronic understaffing.

Justice Department Announces Civil Rights Investigation into Conditions at Tennessee’s Trousdale Turner Correctional Center

🔗: https://t.co/70x1AcHcJo pic.twitter.com/ynZIABrVyR

— DOJ Civil Rights Division (@CivilRights) August 20, 2024

Reported Incidents and Concerns

Between July 2022 and June 2023, the prison recorded 196 assaults and 90 incidents of sexual misconduct. During this same period, there were two murders and 15 “accidental” deaths. Early in 2024, five stabbings occurred within a three-week span. Additionally, a 2023 state audit reported a turnover rate of 188% amongst corrections officers, exacerbating the already critical understaffing issue.

Former prison chaplain Jon Shonebarge resigned, citing inadequate staffing, unmet medical needs, and the risk of potential riots. Similarly, Ashley Jackson, whose fiancé is currently incarcerated at Trousdale Turner, reported issues such as prolonged solitary confinement, restrictions on phone use, and insufficient accommodation for religious practices.

Steven Owen, a spokesperson for CoreCivic, stated that the facility prioritizes safety and dignity. However, ongoing issues and the multitude of lawsuits filed against CoreCivic tell a different story. Nashville attorney Daniel Horwitz asserted, “The heinous abuses that occur with regularity at the chronically understaffed facility are unhidden, and they have been documented year after year in the dozens of wrongful death and other lawsuits that our firm and others have filed against CoreCivic and its employees.”

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

The investigation, conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, is jointly managed by the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. If systemic abuses are identified, the DOJ will release a public report and recommend remedial measures. This could result in sweeping reforms and more stringent oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with constitutional standards.

Individuals with pertinent information are encouraged to contact the DOJ. Further details on the Civil Rights Division’s work with correctional facilities can be found on their official website.

Broader Implications and Related Investigations

This investigation is part of a broader effort to examine similar issues within correctional facilities across southern states, including Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. U.S. Attorney Henry Leventis highlighted the state’s repeated contract renewals for the troubled facility, noting the significant influence of CoreCivic within Tennessee. CoreCivic has deep political connections in Tennessee and is a prominent campaign donor. CEO Damon Hininger is even considering a gubernatorial run in 2026.

The outcome of this investigation could not only instigate critical changes at Trousdale Turner but also set a precedent for prison reform nationwide, ensuring that all inmates receive fair and humane treatment under the law.