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Riot at Sierra Conservation Center

May 20, 2015, 9:18 am
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JAMESTOWN – On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, approximately 150 inmates were involved in a large-scale riot on the A-Facility main exercise yard just after 8:00 p.m.  The riot was quelled and no staff were injured. The cause of the riot is under investigation. Several inmate-made weapons were discovered.

The majority of the inmates involved in the riot sustained minor injuries and are being evaluated by on-duty medical staff.  Those with more severe injuries were transported to local hospitals by ambulance and state vehicles. 

Two inmates sustained injuries requiring immediate transport via air ambulance and are being treated at outside hospitals.  One was in surgery this morning; CDCR does not know his condition at this time. The other suffered various injuries, and is said to be in stable condition.  Five additional inmates who were transported to local hospitals for treatment will be released back to the prison.

This incident is being investigated by the Investigative Services Unit at the prison. The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was notified.  CDCR’s Deadly Force Investigation Team will also review this incident.

The prison has been placed on a modified program and A-Facility is expected to remain on modified program until the investigation into the cause of the riot is complete.

Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) opened in 1965 and houses 4206 inmates. The primary mission of SCC is to provide housing, programs and services for minimum- and medium-custody inmates. SCC is one of only two prisons in the State responsible for the training and placement of male inmates in the Conservation Camp Program.  SCC administers 20 male camps located from Central California to the Southern California Border.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
May 20, 2015   
                                                                           
Contact:Lt.R.Kelsey                                                                                                    
(209) 984-5291 ext. 5499
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Condemned Inmate’s Death Investigated as a Suicide

May 26, 2015, 3:30 pm
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SAN QUENTIN – Condemned inmate Michael Lamont Jones, 44, who was on California’s death row from Riverside County, was pronounced dead at San Quentin State Prison on Monday afternoon, May 25, 2015, at 3:51 p.m. The cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy; however, the death is being investigated as a suicide. Jones was single-celled.

Jones was sentenced to death on December 13, 1991, by a Riverside County jury, for the January 21, 1989, murder of Herman Weeks, 24, during the armed robbery of a Domino’s Pizza store. Jones had been on death row since January 2, 1992.

Since 1978 when California reinstated capital punishment, 66 condemned inmates have died from natural causes, 24 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri, seven have died from other causes and the causes of death are pending for four condemned inmates. There are 749 people on California’s death row.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2015

CONTACT: Lt. Sam Robinson
(415) 455-5000

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Inmate Who Walked Away from Residential Treatment Facility Back In Custody

June 15, 2015, 11:22 am
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SAN FRANCISCO — An inmate who walked away from a Treasure Island residential treatment facility on Sunday, June 14, turned herself in to authorities Monday, June 15.
 
Maria Vasquez, 38, had been participating in the Alternative Custody Program (ACP) at the Treasure Island Female Offender Treatment and Employment Program (FOTEP) facility since May 20. Vasquez was scheduled to return to the Treasure Island program on June 14 but did not.
 
ACP is a voluntary program developed for female non-violent, non-serious and non-registerable sex offense inmates which allows them to serve up to the last 24 months of their sentence in the community in lieu of confinement in state prison. Eligible participants may be housed in a private residence, a transitional care facility or a residential drug or other treatment program.
 
The Treasure Island FOTEP provides a smooth transition for female offenders from custody to the community, focusing on intensive, gender-responsive counseling services. The goal of the FOTEP is to reduce recidivism through substance abuse treatment services, family reunification, vocational training and employment services.
 
Vasquez was committed to CDCR on April 9, 2014, from Kern County to serve a four-year sentence for vehicle theft with prior vehicle theft-related convictions and evading a peace officer while driving recklessly.

For more information, contact Krissi Khokhobashvili at (916) 445-4950.

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Inmate Walks Away from La Cima Conservation Camp

June 16, 2015, 8:57 am
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JULIAN, CA – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are looking for a minimum-security inmate who walked away from the La Cima Conservation Camp #42, located near the community of Julian, in San Diego County. 

Inmate Jesse Lozano, 41, CDCR# AV8184, was discovered missing by camp staff at approximately 2:30 pm. Camp staff searched the inmate dormitory area, surrounding buildings and the camp perimeter after he was discovered missing.  All local law enforcement agencies have been notified and are assisting in the search for Inmate Lozano, and apprehension efforts are continuing.

Inmate Lozano was last seen wearing orange-colored CDCR inmate clothing and is described as a Hispanic male, 6’1”, 275 pounds, with black curly hair, brown eyes, and was last seen with a mustache and goatee (see photo below).  Inmate Lozano was committed to San Diego County Jail for Possession for Sale of Controlled Substance (HS 11351) with related enhancements for a total of 8 years.  Inmate Lozano was a county boarder housed at the Fire Camp which is under the joint operation of CDCR and CAL FIRE.

Anyone knowing the location of inmate Jesse Lozano, or having other relevant information is asked to contact the La Cima Conservation Camp Commander at (760) 765-3085, or the Sierra Conservation Center Watch Commander at (209) 984-5291, extension 5439.

Of all offenders who have escaped from an adult institution, camp or community-based program since 1977, 98.7 percent have been apprehended.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2015                       

Contact:  Lt. M. Williamson
(760) 765-3085
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CDCR’s Special Agents help lead Mexican Mafia Takedown in LA

June 18, 2015, 5:00 pm
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Agents and task force partners follow crimes and money trail to imprisoned EME leader

LOS ANGELES – Special agents from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Office of Correctional Safety, in conjunction with federal and local authorities, have arrested 15 defendants named in a federal racketeering indictment that describes the development and implementation of a coalition of three criminal street gangs in the Northeast Los Angeles area. The gangs were brought together under a truce ordered by a Mexican Mafia member for the purpose of controlling criminal activity in the neighborhoods where the trio of gangs operated.

Unlike previous federal racketeering cases in this region that targeted long-established street gangs, the indictment that was returned yesterday by a federal grand jury outlines how Mexican Mafia member Arnold Gonzales created a criminal enterprise by unifying three gangs that had traditionally been rivals. According to the 27-count indictment, the “peace treaty” imposed by Arnold Gonzales brought together the Frogtown, Toonerville and Rascals gangs, which then worked “in concert to control the narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities committed in their territories,” which run along the Los Angeles River from Elysian Park nearly to Burbank.

The indictment alleges a conspiracy to violate the Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and accuses a total of 22 defendants of being “members and associates of a criminal organization engaged in, amongst other things, conspiracy to traffic in narcotics, narcotics trafficking, extortion, and crimes of violence, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, and robbery.”

 “There is a path of lives ruined, and families devastated by the violence, extortion, and addictions that were created by this gang alliance,” said Bill Kunz, Special Agent in Charge, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Correctional Safety. “So, those who join with the Mexican Mafia should be on notice: law enforcement is also banded together. We will track you down, and take you down.”

Gonzales is listed as an unindicted co-conspirator.  He is serving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole at Pelican Bay State Prison.  He was convicted on

September 7, 1982 of murder in the first degree, assault with the intent to murder, and burglary in the 2nd degree out of Los Angeles County. 

Exploiting a power vacuum created by previous federal RICO cases targeting Northeast Los Angeles gangs and the Mexican Mafia members who controlled them, Arnold Gonzales allegedly assumed control of the three street gangs in the fall of 2010. Because he was incarcerated in Pelican Bay State Prison after being convicted of murder, Arnold Gonzales anointed another Frogtown member – Jorge Grey, also known as “Bouncer” – to be his emissary on the streets, according to the indictment. Acting as the so-called shot caller, Grey convened a meeting of representatives of Northeast Los Angeles gangs in September 2010. At this meeting, Grey informed the gang representatives that he was Arnold Gonzales’s “mouthpiece” and that he had orders to broker a truce among the rival gangs of Frogtown, Toonerville, and the Rascals so that they could work together to control illegal activities in the area on behalf of, and for the benefit of, Arnold Gonzales.

The investigation showed that nearly two years after its formation, the criminal organization had achieved its goal of unifying the three longstanding rival gangs into a single criminal enterprise. Less than two years after Arnold Gonzales imposed the truce on the gangs, one of the Toonerville shot callers, Manuel Vallejo, was talking about the “United Nations,” “New World Order” and “United Neighborhoods,” which he said was the “game plan.” Just a few months ago, Vallejo was boasting about the execution of that “game plan,” noting that he was part of something that had ended more than 50 years of fighting between Frogtown, Toonerville and the Rascals.

“For the past two decades, federal authorities have been fighting the influence of the Mexican Mafia both inside prison facilities and on the streets of Southern California,” said Assistant United States Attorney Robert Dugdale, Chief of the office’s Criminal Division. “We sought to ensure that being a shot caller in such a gang is a job whose only reward will be many, many years in federal custody. The indictment announced today is the latest salvo in this battle, and we will continue our crackdown on criminal organizations like the Mexican Mafia and street gangs that do its bidding as long as they threaten our communities.”

The RICO indictment targeting the Arnold Gonzales Organization is the result of Operation “Gig ‘em,” which was a 2½-year investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Violent Crime Impact Team; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Correctional Safety, Special Service Unit; the Glendale Police Department; and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Glendale Police Chief Rob Castro stated, “The Glendale Police Department recognizes that gang crimes have no borders and the City of Glendale is not immune to the impact of gang violence. Our participation in a multi-jurisdictional operation such as this ensures the safety of our community.”

This morning, authorities arrested 14 of the defendants named in the RICO indictment. Four other defendants were already in custody, and law enforcement continues to search for three defendants, including Grey. (Two other individuals named in separate one-defendant, one-count drug trafficking indictments were also arrested this morning.)

Members of the organization also implemented plans to expand operations into the greater Lancaster, California area, where they hoped to engage in drug trafficking and collect “taxes” on behalf of, and for the benefit, of Arnold Gonzales.

As part of the scheme, several participants in the enterprise allegedly deposited money into Arnold Gonzales’s prison account, with one individual depositing over $133,000 on her own over the course of the 2-year investigation. The money was closely tracked by investigators.

The indictment alleges that Grey and other members of the enterprise engaged in narcotics and weapons transactions at Homeboy Industries, and one defendant allegedly planned to use Homeboy Industries as an “alibi” if he was accused of associating with other gang members in violation of a gang injunction.

In addition to the RICO charge in the indictment, various defendants are charged with narcotics and weapons offenses, including, in one instance, the possession of a machinegun.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

If they are convicted of charges contained in the indictment, all of the defendants would face potential sentences of decades in federal prison.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2015

CONTACT:  Luis Patino   
(916) 445-4950

 



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Inmate Captured after Walking Away from Minimum Support Facility

June 23, 2015, 11:38 am
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On June 22, 2015, a minimum-security inmate walked away from the Minimum Support Facility of Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP), which is located in south Monterey County, near Soledad.

Inmate Tevis M. Stephens was unaccounted for at approximately 9:15 p.m. He was captured by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department at approximately 11:10 p.m. in Soledad, and taken into custody by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit approximately 15 minutes later.

Inmate Stephens was committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on July 18, 2014, from Kern County for being an ex-felon in possession of controlled substance.

SVSP opened May 1996 on approximately 300 acres in Monterey County. The institution provides long-term housing for 3,700 minimum- and maximum-custody male inmates and employs 1,395 people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2015

CONTACT: Lieutenant Eduardo Mazariegos
(831) 678-5554
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California State Prison, Corcoran Correctional Officer Assaulted by Inmate

July 7, 2015, 8:22 am
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CORCORAN – A correctional officer has been treated and released for injuries he suffered from an assault by a California State Prison, Corcoran inmate last night.

On Monday, July 6th at approximately 8:30 p.m., a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) correctional officer was on duty when inmate Danny McManus, 22, struck the officer in the facial area with a state-issued cup. Inmate McManus continued to strike the officer as they both fell to the ground. The officer deployed OC spray as responding staff arrived and helped secure inmate McManus. 

The officer was taken to an outside hospital for treatment for a fractured nose and is expected to be out of work for one to two months.

Inmate McManus was committed to CDCR on June 11, 2014 from Los Angeles County to serve a life with parole sentence for attempted second-degree murder, intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury, attempted carjacking, discharge of a firearm in inhabited dwelling/vehicle, and additional street gang enhancements.

CSP-Corcoran’s Investigative Services Unit is investigating the incident. The incident will be referred to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

CSP-Corcoran opened in 1988 and houses approximately 4,000 minimum-, medium-, maximum- and high-security custody inmates.  The Kings County prison offers academic classes and vocational programs as well as community programs and work crews. The prison employs approximately 2,300 people.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2014
Contact: Lt. Luis Martinez
 (559) 992-6104
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New Report: California’s Return-to-Prison Rate Falls for the Fourth Straight Year to 54.3 percent

July 8, 2015, 12:41 pm
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Offenders who receive substance abuse treatment are dramatically less likely to return to prison

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today released the fifth in a series of annual reports analyzing the rate at which people released from state prison return to state custody. The new report, 2014 Outcome Evaluation Report, shows that the total three-year return-to-prison rate for all offenders released during fiscal year 2009-2010 is 54.3 percent, down from 61.0 percent last year.
                                                                   
“Reducing recidivism and making our communities safer is a top priority for us,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Beard. “We are committed to providing inmates and parolees with the tools they need to turn their lives around and we will continue to implement innovative and evidence-based programs to sustain this downward trend.”

The rate at which people return to prison has been trending downward since fiscal year 2005-2006 when the rate was 67.5 percent.


The 2014 Outcome Evaluation Report looked at the return-to-prison rates of offenders and found significant success among those who received substance abuse treatment. Offenders who received both in-prison substance abuse treatment and post-release aftercare had a 20.9 percent return-to-prison rate.

“This finding shows that a combination of substance abuse treatment and recovery coupled with continuing care in the community makes a big difference in helping offenders turn their lives around,” Secretary Beard said.

The 2014 Outcome Evaluation Report examines and analyzes return-to-prison rates by age, gender, ethnicity, length of time to serve, offense, county of commitment, county of parole, sentence, prior incarcerations and other characteristics.

An offender is counted as a recidivist if he or she has returned to state prison for a new crime or for a parole violation within a three-year period.

Assembly Bill 1050, enacted in September 2013, required the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), in consultation with the Secretary of CDCR and others, to develop definitions of key criminal justice terms including “recidivism” in order to facilitate consistency in local data collection, evaluation and implementation of evidence-based programs.

BSCC defines recidivism as “conviction of a new felony or misdemeanor committed within three years of release from custody or committed within three years of placement on supervision for a previous criminal conviction.” BSCC’s definition also includes supplemental measures of recidivism, including arrests, returns to custody, criminal filings and supervision violations.

CDCR studies recidivism by tracking arrests, convictions and returns to prison and uses one of BSCC’s supplemental measures – returns to prison – as its primary measure. This approach is consistent with previous reports so policymakers and researchers have year-to-year comparisons. CDCR has reported the rates at which adult offenders return to prison following release from state prison since 1977.

The 2014 Outcome Evaluation Report also includes rates for arrests and convictions for offenders released between fiscal year 2002-2003 and 2011-2012. Over a 10-year period, the one-year supplemental recidivism rates show an increase in arrests and convictions while returns to prison decreased substantially. The two- and three-year supplemental recidivism rates also show a decrease in returns to state prison, but arrests and convictions are relatively steady.

The 2014 Outcome Evaluation Report shows that following the implementation of California’s Public Safety Realignment Act, there are fewer offenders who are eligible to return to state prison for parole violations. Assembly Bill 109, passed by the Legislature in 2011, was intended to close the revolving door of low-level offenders cycling in and out of state prison and it contributed to this year’s decline in the return-to-prison rate.

The 2014 Outcome Evaluation Report is published by CDCR’s Office of Research, which provides research data analysis and evaluation to implement evidence-based programs and practices, strengthen policy, inform management decisions and ensure accountability.

View the entire report here: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Adult_Research_Branch/Research_Documents/2014_Outcome_Evaluation_Report_7-6-2015.pdf

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California State Prison-Sacramento Investigating Inmate Homicide During Riot

August 12, 2015, 2:56 pm
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FOLSOM – California State Prison-Sacramento (SAC) administrators are investigating the cause of a riot that occurred this afternoon involving numerous inmates and in which one inmate was killed. The identity of the victim is being withheld until next of kin has been notified. 

At 12:55 p.m., approximately 70 inmates started fighting on one of the institution’s maximum-security general population yards. Inmate-made weapons were used in the riot.

Correctional peace officers used pepper spray, less-than-lethal force options, and at least two warning shots from the Mini-14.

Numerous inmates were injured and 11 inmates with stab wounds were taken to an outside hospital for treatment. There are also inmates being treated at the prison’s on-site medical unit.

No staff were injured in the disturbance. 

Inmate movement and programming is limited to facilitate the investigation. SAC is a maximum-security prison housing approximately 2,300 general population inmates.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 12, 2015
CONTACT: DANA SIMAS
(916) 445-4950
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California State Prison-Sacramento Inmate Homicide Victim Identified as Hugo Pinell

August 12, 2015, 5:24 pm
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Pinell was part of infamous “San Quentin Six” involved in deadly 1971 attack

FOLSOM – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has identified the inmate killed in this afternoon’s riot on a California State Prison, Sacramento maximum-security yard as Hugo Pinell.

Pinell, 71, was initially committed to CDCR on February 17, 1965 from San Francisco County to serve a life-with-parole sentence for rape with force.

Pinell killed Correctional Officer R.J. McCarthey on March 3, 1971 at Correctional Training Facility in Soledad. He was sentenced to serve life-with-parole on May 22, 1972.

He was involved in the August 21, 1971, escape attempt at San Quentin State Prison that left six people dead, including three correctional officers, three inmates and George Jackson, founder of the Black Guerrilla Family prison gang.

Pinell was convicted of violently assaulting two correctional officers during the escape attempt and sentenced to life-with-parole on September 1, 1976.

SAC is a maximum-security prison housing approximately 2,300 general population inmates.






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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 12, 2015
CONTACT: DANA SIMAS
(916) 445-4950
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Update: California State Prison-Sacramento Continues Investigation of Riot and Homicide of Hugo Pinell

August 14, 2015, 10:32 am
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FOLSOM – California State Prison-Sacramento investigators are continuing their probe of the homicide of inmate Hugo Pinell and the subsequent riot that involved approximately 70 inmates.

Two inmates allegedly stabbed Pinell at approximately 12:55 p.m. on August 12. The riot started immediately after the attack. Pinell succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead at 1:22 p.m.

Correctional peace officers used significant amounts of pepper spray, approximately 160 rounds from less-lethal munitions and three warning shots fired from the Mini-14 rifle to stop the disturbance that lasted for about 20 minutes.

So far, correctional officers have recovered at least 15 inmate-made weapons. The B Facility maximum-security general population yard is still being processed as a crime scene. Inmate movement and programming on B Facility is limited to facilitate the ongoing investigation.

A total of 29 inmates were injured. Eighteen were treated for their injuries at the institution. Eleven were transported to outside hospitals for treatment of stab and puncture wounds, broken bones, head trauma and other serious injuries. Five of the 11 inmates were admitted; one is in an intensive care unit in critical condition suffering from a severe head injury and multiple stab wounds.

No staff members were injured in the disturbance.

Two inmates have been identified as suspects in the alleged murder of Pinell.

Hugo Pinell, 71, was serving six life sentences for murder, rape, battery, aggravated assault and voluntary manslaughter.

Pinell, who was born in Nicaragua, was convicted of rape in 1965 in Marin County and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. Pinell began his sentence on March 19,

1965, at San Quentin State Prison, where he was convicted in 1968 of attacking a correctional officer and was transferred to Folsom State Prison. There, he attacked another correctional officer and was transferred to Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, where in March 1971 he stabbed and killed Correctional Officer R.J. McCarthy.

Pinell was involved in the August 1971 uprising at San Quentin State Prison that resulted in the murder of three correctional officers: Paul Krasenes, Jere Graham and Frank Deleon. Following his convictions and subsequent life sentences for the murders and assaults, Pinell was incarcerated at California State Prison-Corcoran and Pelican Bay State Prison.

Until his transfer to California State Prison-Sacramento on January 8, 2014, as a result of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s case-by-case reviews of gang-validated inmates, Pinell was the longest-serving Security Housing Unit inmate. He had been denied parole 10 times, most recently in May 2014.

California State Prison-Sacramento, opened in 1986, is a maximum-security prison that houses approximately 2,300 general population inmates and employs about 1,700 people. The institution houses inmates serving long sentences and those who have proven to be management problems at other institutions. California State Prison-Sacramento also houses inmates requiring specialized mental health treatment.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 13, 2015
CONTACT: TERRY THORNTON
(916) 445-4950
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Attempted Homicide on a Peace Officer Under Investigation

August 18, 2015, 3:22 pm
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VACAVILLE – Officials at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville are investigating the attempted homicide of a correctional officer early Tuesday morning.

At approximately 1:40 a.m., while working in CMF’s Psychiatric Administrative Segregation Unit, a correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with an unidentified weapon. The officer was able to fight off the attack and secure himself in a safe area.

Additional staff responded to the incident and secured the inmate. 

The officer was transported to the CMF Medical Clinic for initial treatment but was transported to an outside hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment. The officer was later released from the outside hospital and is recovering.

The inmate was medically evaluated and transferred to another institution.

At this time, the motive for the attack is unknown. The incident is being investigated by CMF’s Investigative Services Unit.

No other staff members were injured as a result of this incident.

The Psychiatric Administrative Segregation Unit is for inmates at the Enhanced Outpatient Program or Correctional Clinical Care Management System level of mental health care.

CMF was established in 1955 and houses minimum-, medium-, maximum-and high security inmates. CMF has a Correctional Treatment Center, in-patient and out-patient psychiatric facilities, a Hospice Unit for terminally ill inmates, and general population.  Additionally, the Department of State Hospitals operates a licensed, Acute Care Psychiatric Hospital and an Intermediate Care Facility within CMF.  The prison houses approximately 2,400 inmates and employs nearly 2,000 people.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2015
Contact: Lt. Andre Gonzales 
(707) 449-6509


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California Correctional Center Investigating Deadly Force Incident

August 19, 2015, 12:19 pm
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SUSANVILLE— Officials at California Correctional Center (CCC) in Susanville are investigating the cause of a riot that occurred Sunday, August 16 in which one inmate was fatally shot.
   
At approximately 5:45 p.m. about 45 inmates started fighting in one of the prison’s Level III, medium-security dining halls.

Correctional peace officers used pepper spray, less-than-lethal force options, and at least four warning shots from the Ruger Mini-14 to quell the disturbance.

One inmate, who was attacking another with a weapon, was struck by a fifth round from the Mini-14. Inmate Jonathan Velarde was pronounced dead at the prison’s medical unit. The inmate’s next-of-kin has been notified.

Velarde, 23, was committed to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) from Los Angeles County on September 16, 2013 to serve a two-year, eight-month sentence for attempted second-degree robbery and possession of marijuana for sale by a second-striker.

No staff members were injured in the disturbance.

This incident is an on-going investigation by the prison Investigative Service Unit and will be referred to the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of the Inspector General was notified.

CDCR also sent a Deadly Force Investigations Team (DFIT) to CCC to investigate the incident. DFIT is a team of trained CDCR investigators that conducts criminal and administrative investigations into every use of deadly force. A deadly force review board will conduct a full and complete review of the incident as well.
Inmate movement and programming is limited to facilitate the investigation.

CCC opened in 1963 and currently houses approximately 4800 conversation camp, minimum-medium custody inmates that work with CAL FIRE in wild land conservation and firefighting projects. CCC offers academic classes, vocational programs, and firefighter training.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 18, 2015

CONTACT: DANA SIMAS 
(916) 445-4950
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Seven California Prisons Accredited with the American Correctional Association

August 25, 2015, 12:07 pm
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With two-thirds of California prisons now accredited, CDCR on track to have
all adult institutions accredited by 2017

SACRAMENTO – The Commission on Accreditation for Corrections has accredited seven more California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) prisons, bringing the total number of accredited California prisons to 23. The most recent round of accreditations was announced during the American Correctional Association’s (ACA) 145th Congress of Correction in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Since last year, ACA audit teams conducted comprehensive on-site audits of Avenal State Prison, California Medical Facility, California Men’s Colony, California State Prison-Corcoran, California State Prison-Los Angeles County, San Quentin State Prison and Salinas Valley State Prison, and found that all seven prisons met all of the mandatory requirements and significantly exceeded the 90 percent mark for non-mandatory items.

In addition, California State Prison-Sacramento, California State Prison-Solano and Central California Women’s Facility – accredited in 2012 – were re-accredited for three more years.

“Earning accreditation for our institutions means much more than just meeting national compliance standards,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Beard. “It also shows how far the department has come in improving its operations and meeting the expectations of the public we serve.”

Founded in 1870, the ACA is the leading internationally recognized authority on corrections and its role in the criminal justice system. It develops standards based on valid, reliable research and the experiences and practices of corrections professionals. The ACA audits prisons and its Commission on Accreditation for Corrections certifies them.

Institutions seeking accreditation must undergo rigorous evaluations that culminate in the accreditation audit. CDCR’s Special Review Unit in the Office of Audits and Court Compliance provides departmental oversight and works with the Division of Health Care Services in the accreditation process.

The accreditation audit is a comprehensive assessment that encompasses every area of prison management including administrative and fiscal controls, staff training and development, the physical plant, safety and emergency procedures, conditions of confinement, rules and discipline, inmate programs, health care, food service, sanitation, and the provision of basic services that can affect the life, safety and health of inmates and staff.

Institutions seeking accreditation have to comply with 525 ACA standards and score 100 percent for 60 mandatory requirements and at least 90 percent on 465 non-mandatory requirements. Half of the mandatory standards address health care.

All seven prisons accredited yesterday received a score of 100 percent on the mandatory items.

For the non-mandatory requirements, Avenal State Prison received a score of 98.8 percent, California Medical Facility received 98.8 percent, California Men’s Colony received 98.2 percent, California State Prison-Corcoran received 99.3 percent, California State Prison-Los Angeles County received 98.61 percent, Salinas Valley State Prison received 99.1 percent and San Quentin State Prison received 97.9 percent.

California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran, Valley State Prison, Calipatria State Prison, California Institution for Men, California Correctional Center, Pleasant Valley State Prison and RJ Donovan Correctional Facility have started the process of seeking accreditation in 2016.

CDCR began the process of seeking nationally recognized accreditation from the ACA in 2010. Its goal is to have all of its 34 institutions accredited by 2017.

For more about CDCR: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/

For more about the American Correctional Association: http://www.aca.org/
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2015
Contact: Jeffrey Callison  
(916) 445-4950


 
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Salinas Valley State Prison Investigating Cause of Inmate Riot

August 27, 2015, 3:59 pm
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SOLEDAD – Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) administrators are investigating the cause of a riot that occurred this morning involving approximately 90 inmates.

At 9:47 a.m. several inmates started fighting on one of the institution’s maximum-security general population yards. Numerous inmate-made weapons were used in the riot.

Correctional peace officers used pepper spray and less-than-lethal force options.

Two inmates with slash wounds were taken to an outside hospital for treatment. There are also inmates being treated at the prison’s on-site medical unit.

No staff were injured in the disturbance. 

Inmate movement and programming is limited to facilitate the investigation.

SVSP is a maximum-security prison housing approximately 3,700 general population inmates.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 27, 2015
CONTACT: E. MAZARIEGOS
(831) 678-5554
                                                               
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San Quentin State Prison Responding to Confirmed Case Of Legionnaires’ Disease

August 28, 2015, 4:01 pm
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SAN QUENTIN – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, along with the Marin County Public Health Department and California Correctional Health Care Services, are investigating the source of a confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease at San Quentin State Prison.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. It's caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila found in both potable and non-potable water systems. The illness is carried via aerosolized water, such as steam, mist and moisture.

On Aug. 26, an inmate was transported to an outside hospital where he was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and is being treated. He is currently in stable condition. There are two other inmates who have been hospitalized after displaying symptoms but have not officially been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.

In addition, approximately 30 inmates are under observation for pneumonia-like symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. All unconfirmed cases are being treated at San Quentin’s on-site medical unit.

To eliminate the spread of the bacteria, San Quentin has limited water use at the prison.

After consulting with local, state and national public-health experts familiar with the transmission of Legionnaires’, the prison will resume the use of plumbed toilets inside the facility’s housing units, and monitored use of water for cooking. Secondary water sources such as bottled water and water tanks will continue to be used for consumption until it is deemed safe to resume normal water use.

San Quentin is a reception center for new inmates to the California prison system. Intake has been temporarily halted as the investigation continues.  

San Quentin receives its water supply from the Marin County Municipal Water District and stores the water in a three-million gallon tank on-site.

San Quentin houses approximately 3,700 inmates, including low-, medium-, and maximum-custody inmates as well as condemned inmates. The prison also has approximately 1,800 employees.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2015
Contact: Dana Simas (916) 445-4950
or Lt. Sam Robinson (415) 455-5008

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San Quentin State Prison Continuing Response to Confirmed Case Of Legionnaires’ Disease

August 29, 2015, 1:44 pm
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SAN QUENTIN – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, along with the Marin County Public Health Department and California Correctional Health Care Services, are continuing the investigation of the source of a confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease at San Quentin State Prison.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. It's caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila found in both potable and non-potable water systems. The illness is carried via aerosolized water, such as steam, mist and moisture.

On Aug. 26, an inmate was transported to an outside hospital where he was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and is being treated. He is currently in stable condition. There are three other inmates who have been hospitalized after displaying pneumonia-like symptoms but have not been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.

In addition, approximately 45 inmates are under observation for respiratory illness but have not been diagnosed. All unconfirmed cases are being treated at San Quentin’s on-site medical unit.

To eliminate the spread of the bacteria, San Quentin has limited water use at the prison.

After consulting with local, state and national public-health experts familiar with the transmission of Legionnaires’, the prison resumed the use of plumbed toilets inside the facility’s housing units, and monitored use of water for cooking as of Friday afternoon. Secondary water sources such as bottled water and water tanks will continue to be used for consumption until it is deemed safe to resume normal water use.

Portable shower units arrived at the prison Saturday for inmate use.

San Quentin is a reception center for new inmates to the California prison system. Intake has been temporarily halted as the investigation continues.  

This weekend’s inmate visiting has also been halted as the investigation is ongoing.

San Quentin receives its water supply from the Marin County Municipal Water District and stores the water in a three-million gallon tank on-site.

San Quentin houses approximately 3,700 inmates, including low-, medium-, and maximum-custody inmates as well as condemned inmates. The prison also has approximately 1,800 employees.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 29, 2015
CONTACT: DANA SIMAS
(916) 628-6033
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San Quentin State Prison Legionnaires’ Disease Case Update

August 30, 2015, 2:33 pm
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SAN QUENTIN – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, along with the Marin County Public Health Department and California Correctional Health Care Services, are continuing the investigation of the source of Legionnaires’ disease at San Quentin State Prison (SQ).

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. It's caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila found in both potable and non-potable water systems. The illness is carried via aerosolized water, such as steam, mist and moisture. It is not transmitted from person to person and has a normal incubation period from two to 10 days after exposure.

On Aug. 26, a SQ inmate was transported to an outside hospital where he was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.

As of Sunday, there are six confirmed cases with five inmates currently at outside hospitals. The additional diagnoses are the result of tests conducted over the last few days after the exposure.

In addition, approximately 51 inmates are currently under observation for respiratory illness but have not been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. All unconfirmed cases are being treated at SQ’s on-site medical unit.

To eliminate the spread of the bacteria, SQ has limited water use at the prison.

After consulting with local, state and national public-health experts familiar with the transmission of Legionnaires’, the prison resumed the use of plumbed toilets inside the facility’s housing units. Secondary water sources such as bottled water and water tanks will continue to be used for consumption until it is deemed safe to resume normal water use.

SQ officials have been in communication with the Men’s Advisory Council, a representative group of inmates who advise and communicate with the Warden and other staff on matters of interest and concern to the inmate general population.

Inmates are currently being served boxed meals to avoid exposure to steam and mist during cooking operations.

Portable shower units arrived at the prison on Saturday. SQ administrators and custody staff are coordinating to provide all inmates with showers and hope to resume out-of-cell activity as soon as possible. 

SQ is a reception center for new inmates to the California prison system. Intake has been temporarily halted as the investigation continues.

All inmate visiting and volunteer programs have also been halted as the investigation is ongoing.

SQ receives its water supply from the Marin County Municipal Water District and stores the water in a three-million gallon tank on-site.

SQ houses approximately 3,700 inmates, including low-, medium-, and maximum-custody inmates as well as condemned inmates. The prison also has approximately 1,800 employees.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 30, 2015
CONTACT: DANA SIMAS
(916) 628-6033
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San Quentin State Prison Legionnaires’ Disease Case Update

August 31, 2015, 3:03 pm
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SAN QUENTIN – Administrators at San Quentin State Prison (SQ) continue to restore services to inmates as the institution deals with a number of confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease. Out-of-cell time for inmates will resume; inmate movement has been limited since August 27 to help facilitate an investigation into an outbreak of the disease.

All inmate services such as the law library and dental appointments have resumed as well.

Inmates are still receiving boxed meals and taking showers in portable shower units to avoid exposure to steam or mist that could contain the Legionella bacteria.

Secondary water sources such as bottled water and water tanks will continue to be used for consumption until it is deemed safe to resume normal water use.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. It's caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila carried via aerosolized water, such as steam, mist and moisture. It is not transmitted from person to person and has a normal incubation period from two to 10 days after exposure.

As of Aug. 31, there are six confirmed cases of inmates with Legionnaires’ disease. Five inmates are in outside area hospitals being treated for pneumonia-like symptoms but none are confirmed to have Legionnaires’ disease.

There are 73 inmates under observation for respiratory illness but have not been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and are being treated at SQ’s on-site medical unit.

Staff at SQ have been sent educational material to inform them of what they should do if they begin to display symptoms. There have not been any confirmed cases of staff with Legionnaires’ disease.

Officials have been in communication with the Men’s Advisory Council, a representative group of inmates who advise and communicate with the Warden and other staff on matters of interest and concern to the inmate general population.

SQ is a reception center for new inmates to the California prison system. Intake has been temporarily halted since Aug. 27 as the investigation continues.

All inmate visiting and volunteer programs have also been halted as the investigation is ongoing.

SQ houses approximately 3,700 inmates, including low-, medium-, and maximum-custody inmates as well as condemned inmates. The prison also has approximately 1,800 employees.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 31, 2015
CONTACT: DANA SIMAS
(916) 445-4950
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CDCR Investigating Inmate Homicide at High Desert State Prison

September 1, 2015, 2:53 pm
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SUSANVILLE—Officials at High Desert State Prison (HDSP) are investigating an incident that occurred on Monday, August 31 in which two inmates attacked and killed another inmate.

The incident occurred just after 1:30 p.m. on one of the prison’s maximum-security yards when two inmates attacked the victim with an inmate-manufactured weapon. Officers quickly intervened using chemical agents to quell the attack.

Medical staff treated the victim on site before transferring him to an outside hospital where the inmate succumbed to his injuries.

The victim is identified as inmate Matthew Jagger, 33, from Contra Costa County. He was received by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on February 1, 2012. He was serving a 13-year sentence for vehicle theft, carjacking, and in-prison offenses of assault by prisoner with deadly weapon and possession of deadly weapon by an inmate. The inmate’s next of kin has been notified.

No staff members were harmed in the incident.

Both inmate attackers have been transferred to HDSP’s Administrative Segregation Unit pending the investigation.  

Inmate movement has been limited to facilitate the investigation.

The Office of the Inspector General has been notified.

HDSP located in Susanville houses approximately 3,660 inmates including low-, medium-, and maximum-security inmates.  

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
CONTACT: Dana Simas
(916) 445-4950




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