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FLORIDA STATE PRISON |
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Making The Walls Transparent
PRESENTS
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FLORIDA STATE PRISON |
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P.O. Box 181
Starke, FL 32091-0747
NEW ADDRESS FOR FLORIDA STATE PRISON:
7819 NW 228th Street, Raiford, FL 32026-1000
Which, except for the last 4 digits of the zip, is also the address for
Lawtey CI - 2000, New River East and West - 3000, and Union - 4000.
904-368-2500 SC: 830-2500
Fax: 904-368-2732
WC: 904-964-8125
Total Staff: 604
Total Inmate Capacity: 1,176
VISITING AT FSP:
Visiting at FSP starts at 8:45 am both days, Saturday and Sunday. You can not come into the facility until that time and then have to do the sign up etc. Visitors do not have to have a scheduled day.
The McSpadden Report
"I like when inmates write grievances; it makes me look
good.” ~Sgt. McSpadden
FSP Warden prior to James V. Crosby: Ron McAndrew
FSP Warden prior to Joseph Thompson: James V Crosby Jr.
The Ex-Warden of the worst prison in Florida, James V. Crosby, Jr., is now, post Valdes murder, director of probably the worst region in the state of Florida for human rights abuses.
UPDATE: Jan 2003: JEB APPOINTS "JIMMY" CROSBY
"SECRETARY OF THE DOC"
OFFICER ON CROSBY
Sat, 25 Jan 2003
"Not only does The Florida Department of Corrections NOT care about inmates, but they do not care about their employees either. Crosby is a horrible man who will stop at nothing to get what he thinks he wants or needs. He IS to be feared. Satan lives inside this man and he breathes hate everyday."
"Jeb Bush is an idiot!!!!! Sooner or later they are all going to come tumbling down. And when they do, it will be a hard fall." An Officer
Now the Current Warden is: Bradley Carter
"Warden Bradley Carter... He refused to be called Superintendent. He was to be addressed as 'Warden'. Gives you some idea of what you dealing with."
Hearts GFeb. 2003: Bradley Carter is now the new Director of Region II. I've been told he is a "very mean and petty man who hides behind 'christianity'. He tends to stay out of the limelight which is probably best for him considering his alliances."
Now comes JOSEPH THOMPSON proudly touted by FDOC administrators as "The First Black Warden at FSP"** I pray he thinks for himself and acts with dignity and honor.
Jan. 2003: "THEY MOST LIKELY HIRED A BLACK SUPT UNTIL AFTER FRANK VALDES' CASE. THEY ARE TRYING NOT TO LOOK PREJUDICE. BUT I REMEMBER WHEN MR DECKER, WHO WAS ONCE A BIG DEAL AT FSP, TOLD ME HE WOULD "...NEVER WORK FOR A N----R". THAT WAS HIS EXACT WORDS.
Wanda Valdes"Feb, 2003: Overheard conversation between a group of off duty guards in a store in Lawtey: "Ain't no way a 'ni--er' is going to give me orders".
Ron Berry, 'Acting Warden' until Joe Thompson arrives.
Feb. 20, 2003: Joe Thompson has now arrived as warden at FSP. Best of luck, Mr. Thompson. We pray for your personal strength, sense of justice, and courage. We'd stand behind you if you ever want to fight them for your job!
HAS ANYONE NOTICED WE HAVEN'T HEARD A WORD FROM JOE THOMPSON SINCE HE WAS INSTALLED AS WARDEN? HE WASN'T EVEN PRESENT AT AMOS KING'S KILLING - EX-WARDEN CROSBY WAS! Anytime you call the prison and ask to speak to Warden Thompson, he is 'in a meeting'.
It is now August 13, 2003 and I'd just like to note that Joe Thompson has proven to be a figurehead, in place to make a very prejudiced department look non-prejudiced. Mr. Thompson has been silent and invisible for all the months of his appointment.Well, here it is less than a year later, June 2004, and
Warden Thompsonis gone as quietly as was his stay. Lots less fanfare than when he arrived.
Then comes Warden Michael RathmanFrom: Horler, Rhonda
Cc: Rathmann, Michael ; Gonzalez, Daniel A.
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2004 2:00 PM
Subject: Attn: Warden Joseph Thompson
Dear Mr. Davis:
Due to the allegations and concerns in your e-mail, it will be copied to Inspector Daniel Gonzalez for his review. NOTE: Mr. Thompson is no longer Warden here since his retirement, but I will bring your e-mail to the attention of Warden Michael Rathmann.
MICHAEL L. RATHMANN, WARDEN
R. J. Horler, Staff Assistant
Florida State Prison
** NEW FSP WARDEN Michael Rathmann
MTWT GOLD STAR NOMINATION
September 17, 2004
I would like to nominate the current warden Michael Rathmann and his assistant warden Willie Dixon for a gold star nomination. As Ronald Clark Jr. stated, "I wish everyone in corrections handled themselves the way Mr. Rathmann does. The abuse that was taking place with Chemical Agents is not happening here at F.S.P. like it once was. This man is straight and he's a man of his word."
Thank you ~Jillian O'BrineTherefore, MTWT is pleased to present the
Gold Star of Professionalism and Humanity to Warden Rathmann and Assistant Warden Dixon, whose efforts to improve a prison with a history are so greatly appreciated.
FDOC WARDENS LISTS
Well, sadly
Warden Rathmanis gone.
NOTE: As you can see, wardens are frequently changing in FDOC. I can't even begin to keep up. This link brings up the most current list of Warden's and Administrator, although it's accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. It comes out every two months: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/publications/AgencyAddresses/CorrectionLabels.pdfFor a past history of wardens lists they are archived on MTWT at
http://www.angelfire.com/fl5/mtwt/wardenlist.html
MOVING ON UP...
FSP NOTE: An officer by the name of Marcus Hodges was hired and recruited to play ball for FSP. The problem is that he is an ex-con from Georgia. Next, his brother in law is reportedly the Colonel Allen Clark!!!
"I heard from a fairly reliable source that all Crosby is waiting for is to make sure he gets well established as our secretary and he will move AC Clark up to Tallahassee with him. I find it a little surprising, but even if Clark gets to be Warden of FSP, I was told it is just a small stepping stone for his bid to get to central office. Just something to keep an eye out for."
SPRING TRAINING!
May, 2003
There was another two (2) "ball players" promoted at FSP. Captain K. Lamp is now Major at the Work Camp and Major Jarvis is now the Major at the main unit. Also, Lt. "PeeWee" Henderson was promoted to Captain. Both of them are very much ball players. Henderson will even be up front about it and tell you that he was promoted to Lt. because he could hit a softball!
Keep an eye out for K. Lamp to rise again when they have an assistant warden slot for Col. L Griffis (as when AC Clark makes Warden).
Capt. K. Lamp (now a major) and Lt. 'PeeWee' Henderson (now captain) are the ball players. Lamp also deals in his own business (some kind of sports supplement) at work as well. By work camp, I mean FSP's work camp. FSP is actually two compounds: The main unit and the work camp.
FSP employees on Crosby: LET'S PLAY BALL!
"I do not know who will be the new colonel at FSP, but personally, I think it will be Capt. Lamar Griffis."
"Definitely look for Capt. Lamar Griffis to become the new Colonel at FSP. I think this because, at least back in late 2002, he was acting major at the FSP main unit."
January 25th, 2003:
Sigh... James Crosby has made a couple more changes to the administration at FSP. The plot thickens as the notorious "BAD BOYS" and those obedient to them are moved into position like some malevolent chess game and nobody seems to care - or even notice.
Assistant Warden Lazenby was moved to NFRC and Col. Clark was promoted into the assistant warden position.
Feb. 15, 2003:
Last week, Capt. Lamar Griffis was promoted to Colonel at FSP. As I mentioned before to you, it was NOT a real big suprise to the staff at FSP. I also think he will probably be a reasonable Colonel. I know this kind of contradicts what is known about FSP upper staff, but in my dealings with then Capt. Griffis, he was reasonable and seasoned. However, if push comes to shove, he IS DEFINITELY aligned with Secretary Crosby and Assistant Warden Clark. (From An Officer)
Colonel Clark is NOT a nice guy!UPDATE ON MARCUS HODGES!
July, 2004"Brian Griffis and Marcus Hodges were both arrested and charged with Posession of Anobolic Steroids and Methamphetamine with intent to Distribute, They were both terminated about 45 days ago but coincidentaly they are still living in staff housing -imagine that."
UPDATE ON AC CLARK!
July, 2004
FLORIDA STATE PRISON OFFICERS
What they do and How they get away with it - over and over again"
ROID RAGE
Sat, 25 Jan 2003
FROM A DOC EMPLOYEE:
I read the new posts on your site under the Guard Index, citing all the goings-on at FSP.I happen to know of two ex-FSP workers (who have transferred elsewhere [one left the department, one still within the Department kl]) that are steroid users, and sold steriods while at FSP. It is very popular there.
One no longer works for the system, and the other is now a Sgt at Gainesville drug rehab." [MORE INFO on the interesting story of the Steroid-running Guard with diplomatic immunity in the "A.C.Clark and Crew" link above.]
[NOTE FROM KAYLEE: That's kind of funny, about one of them working at a drug rehab. Maybe it will help him get off his drug of choice.]
"DOC doesn't do drug testing (not EVER after being hired) and even if they did, steroids would have to specifically be tested for, so it wouldnt show in a normal drug test.
When these employees started at my Institution, they brought the habit with them, and introduced it where I was at. Thank god they have left since then. The big "corn-fed" boys of FSP arent really that at all....they "reek" of steroid use, and they have the tempermental mood swings that go hand in hand. Uncontrollable rage."
Officer XXX
GAMBLE WITH FREEDOM WINS LIVING HELL
An Inmate's Life at FSP
FOOD PROBLEMS:
Feb 14, 2003: I wanted to let you know a few things about what is going on at FSP. I received a letter yesterday stating that Aramark (food company) is violating many health codes and are not giving the inmates the right amount of portions. The prisoners write grievances to them, but never hear anything from them. The food is served to them cold because they don't have the right food carts with heating devices to keep the trays warm. For about a month straight they were given sweet potatoes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many of the prisoners have lost weight."
Feb, 2003: Dear KayLee, my son has lost nearly 20 pounds more in the last two months. I don't know if it is sickness or the terrible food situation, but I'm frightened for him."
Not all the inmates being held in q-wing are death row inmates. Some of them are lifers, and some of them have release dates - although they do tend to be around the year 2020.
THE FOOD JUST GETS WORSE
Kay Lee
This incident happened on 16 Oct 2003 on G wing at FSP where all the death row inmates are housed. There were some problems that occurred and I don't want my name brought into it but could you please do something about an enquiry?
Went to visit on Sunday and my family member told me about this and today I got a letter from another inmate that is in the cell next door and this is what happened:
"We did have a bit of a drama here today: As I'm sure you are aware, the food here is terrible at best. The last few days its been really bad not to mention very late and cold. But I guess the cold is really nothing new: That pretty much has always been the norm around here.
When lunch did finally get here today at around 2 pm they tried to feed us some of the nastiest uncooked fish I've ever seen! As soon as you took the lid off the tray it was like getting hit in the face with a rotten fish.
We tried to get them to take the trays back to the kitchen but of course they would not so when they came around to pick them up we wouldn't give them up. Then the threats came of course gassing DR's etc etc. Ya know. Finally a white shirt came and sweet-talked us. They got the trays and we got no lunch. Oh and your hubby was out on a medical call-out at the time and he got peanut butter on his tray instead of fish so he did not lose a meal."
Now when my hubby was being escorted back to his cell from the medical call out the nurse that was escorting him back said Oh my God what a terrible smell she asked what it was and the inmates said the fish that they are trying to feed us for lunch.
I understand that some of the inmates have already filed grievance forms and they got the little acknowledgement slip back saying that they have been received.
Now if you require me to try to get some names for you like the medical nurse, and the officers that were there and also which officer made the threats to the inmates about gassing DR's etc and the white shirt officer I will try.
Please do not let my name or my hubby's name be known as those officers will gas him and gas him bad!!!!!!You'd think Columbia CI's 300 sick prisoners would make them clean up this food situation. You'd also think more guards would realize that hungry people can be dangerous people.
Kay Lee
kaylee1@charter.netDate: Thu, 29 Jan 2004 14:13:44 -0500
Subject: BOOKS TO INMATESHello! My name is Dr. Morris Lewis. I am employed with the Department of Corrections at Florida State Prison, Florida's Maximum Security Institution. I am a Psychologist in charge of coordinating groups here at the Institution. I'm currently trying to implement new and innovative programs, which includes establishing a Mental Health Library.
The institution does not currently have a Mental Health Library or offer reading materials to inmates. Due to budget restraints, as well as cuts, there are no resources for this type of endeavor. However, I believe your organization can offer assistance.
I am respectfully requesting that you consider donating as many self-improvement books as humanly possible to Florida State Prison. In addition, I am requesting additional information regarding other organizations that may offer assistance.
Thanks for your consideration regarding this matter, I look forward to your response. If you have any questions, please contact me @ 904-368-2500 ext.3034
Morris Lewis, Ph.D.
Counseling Psychologist
Florida State Prison
Lewis.Morris@mail.dc.state.fl.us
Florida State Prison
Mental Health Department
c/o Dr. Morris Lewis
7819 NW 228th Street
Raiford, Florida 32026-1000
THE BODIES OF THE INDIGENT DEAD
I was told that there is no designated area for burial of the dead prisoners at FSP. No markers, no "graveyard".
I'm still getting confirmation as to whether the graves at FSP are unmarked, unlike Union CI, where license plates laid flat on the group mark the graves. If anyone knows the truth, please contact me, Kay Lee, at kaylee1@charter.net
RESPONSES: "I asked a couple of people who have been at FSP for better than 20 years, and they both said that this isn't true. There is a graveyard located behind FSP and I was told that is where the indigent inmates are buried. I have never been to this graveyard, but I do know that private burials take place there."
"As for the graves, the staff I talked to said the graves were marked by actual grave stones. I have never been to the cemetary, so I couldn't say for sure."
BURIAL OF INDIGENT PRISONERS:
Info From 'One Who's Been There':
June 9, 2003
UCI (just outside the fence) is the official graveyard for inmates who die at FSP, New River East and West, and Union CI. The "grave-diggers" are usually inmates from the FSP Work Camp (since they are about to be released, and can be trusted outside the fences).
The Chaplains from FSP, Union, and New River take turns doing the funerals (whether they knew the inmate or not, regardless of which institution he was housed at). The 'funerals' can be as short as 2 minutes if no one is there...
When the family members of a deceased inmate show up for the funeral, MANY TIMES the grave diggers have posed as friends of the deceased... They say they knew him, and they say nice things about him to make the family members feel better. In reality, the real friends of the deceased are locked behind the fences and are not allowed to attend the funeral due to security concerns.
MY VISIT TO THE UNION GRAVEYARD
July, 2004
FAMILY VISITING PROBLEMS:
DON'T SIT DOWN TOO FAST
Apparently there are windows that can open in the visitor's park, because it has been reported by families that birds fly in and leave droppings all over the place, on the tables, chairs and floor. So the visitors must spend a lot time cleaning up after the birds before they can even begin the visit. Time is too sparce and precious to them to spend it cleaning up bird doo. I'd think keeping the visitor's park clean would be in the DOC employee's domain.
My suggstion is that anyone who is in contact with FSP give them a call and ask them to please look into it.
******************************************************
UPDATE:
June 6, 2003
Thought you might want to know. I got a letter from an inmate at FSP today telling me that the visiting park at FSP was clean this weekend and there was fresh food in the machines. I don't know what caused this - but it sure is nice. hf
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I did call the vending machine company 1-800 # and spoke to them about the machines being empty all the time etc. But I don't know about the bird droppings someone else must have done that.
Joan~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
MAXIMUM MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS:
HUNGER STRIKE On FSP'S Infamous Q-WING?
February 2004"According to the Maximum Management rules prisoners are allowed outside one time in 30 days. My son has been in that cell since Dec. 23rd and has not been taken outside. He never hears back from them so he figures the grievances are tossed away. I wrote to the Inspector General's office this morning and told them that the maximum management rules are cruel and unusual punishment. Anybody would go insane after awhile. This is supposed to be a temporary stay, but one inmate has been on MM for 18 months and some longer than that! Something really should be done about this situation. These people are human beings!"
Thurs, Jan 9, 2003Hi Kay Lee,Did you get my phone message on the chicken pox on G wing in FSP? I have some more info for you but want to make sure you're getting my messages first.
"The nurses came talking to everyone about having the Chicken Pox and if we wanted the shot. They found out this guy had Chicken Pox on this wing. So they quaranteened the whole wing. I heard something about it being 21 days!"
"They have G-Wing at FSP where some death row inmates are under quarenteen because of one guy who was found to have Chicken Pox."
End of quotes.
MORE NOTES FROM FSP - January 2003
"I just called down to FSP and talked with the new assistant warden Mr Barry. Do you know anything about him?
They still have all these guys on G-wing under quarantine and the guys are starting to fight and have tempers... because they can't get their canteens and other things they ordered.
About 25 guys that belong in I wing instead of G-wing want out..because they can't take all the tension. The guards and people in charge do not give a shit.
The food is really bad too. Plus the guards are opening the windows at night when the heat is off so they freeze when it is only around 20 degrees... saying the men are making to much noise.
It is really bad and someone needs to make phone calls to get something done. The prisoners were told that they would only be on that wing (G Wing) for so long and now they are still on it several weeks longer..for no reason. Quarantine has to be lifted: All sorts of people are coming and going all the time... so there is no more threat of chicken pox."
I DON'T KNOW WHY WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS
- EVERY SINGLE YEAR - Hot in the summer and cold in the winter.Fri, 6 Dec 2002
"Hi Kay Lee,
I got a letter from "X" today and he says that it is 30 degrees at night and they have no heat in FSP. The inmates are freezing and only allowed two thin blankets each because there are not enough to go around. They won't turn the heat on."
July, 2004
JUST HAD TO SHARE
http://www.pe.net/~rksnow/flcountystarke.htm#indexStarke
Bradford County, FloridaA Wonderful Place to Live
History & History Related Items
When the area had grown enough to have a post office, the first postmaster appointed was George W. Cole, who was an early settler. Because of his appointment, he was given the opportunity to name the new town. According to "The Telegraph," the area newspaper, he named the town Starke for his fiancee.
Starke was once known as "a Friendly Little Town." This slogan appeared on the Chamber of Commerce sign as you entered the town.
history page for Starke.
AttractionsHighway 301 runs right through the middle of town, making us a place for the Tourist to stop. That is, those who are on their way to Disney World or whatever vacationing spot one may be traveling through Florida for. We have many, many motels, restaurants, gas stations, Fast Food restaurants. We are located just south-west of Jacksonville, Fl. and just north-east of Gainesville, Fl. Both of these two towns have many places to visit.
Starke is home of the Florida State Prison, where the Electric chair "Sparky" is located. We now have Intravenous injection at the prison for those who don't like the chair.
FAMILY MEMBERS WORRY ABOUT FSP
THE "MENTAL WARD"
Tue, 19 Nov 2002"About 2 years ago... when "X" was in CM 1.... he was told by a guard to get the hell out of there if he could... because they were turning FSP into a psychic ward. That is why "X" is working his way into population and does not want to mess it up. This is scary - they can and will do anything they want with those men in there!
I got a letter from him yesterday and I am quoting him below.
"They are transfering alot of guys out of here lately. But they are sending more and more in."
He is hoping and praying to be one of them that is tranfered out to a more southern prison. I hope and pray too!"
DOC HERDING MENTALLY ILL INTO DEATH CAMPS
With Comments From Murdered Prisoner, Frank Valdes' Wife
The trial of the three of the guards accused of murdering inmate Frank Valdes at FSP ended in an acquittal on February 15, 2002 in Bradford County. The state then decided NOT to even try the rest of the nine. Now the rogue guards travel with the Police Benevolent Association, who paid for their 'public cleansing'. They are touring Florida prisons, celebrating a hollow victory for people who do their dirty deeds in the shadows of 'justice', Under the Color of Law.
THE TRIAL
VERDICT IN 'MURDER BY GUARD' TRIAL
SENDS DANGEROUS MESSAGEIF IT'S NOT OKAY, IT'S JUST NOT OVER!
To John Ashcroft
Office of United States Attorney General
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001
Re: The murder of Frank Valdes
FOI/PA NO: 2002 0260(4 205)
May 2002If you believe something is wrong with the concept of a Double Standard of Justice, If you believe the laws must apply to those in authority over others and would like to be added to this Petition, send your information to
KAY LEE or LINDY SHELBY and we will add your name to the list of those who care.
Citizen's Complaint:
Writ Writers, WhistleBlowers, and Retaliation
Case 5 of 6 - Florida State Prison:
JUST ANOTHER TYPICAL DOC INVESTIGATION
M a k i n g the W a l l s T r a n s p a r e n t
Introduces the Prisoner's StoriesM a k i n g the W a l l s T r a n s p a r e n t
I know what it's all about: Starke, like all small towns the prison builders choose, soon became totally reliant on the prison economy, the money it generates. Everyone makes money off the prison, and many family members work together inside... as was intended. This blood unity is the basis for the continual cover-ups that protect errant guards and unconcerned wardens.
Nepotism is a big part of the Gray Wall of Silence.
I know small towns were meant to - and have - become dependent on the human warehousing industry, and can't conceive of common sense policies that would send less people to prison. They'd have to go find another job to feed their families. But I just can't fathom why they cannot understand housing the prisoners, if that's what they feel they must do, while still retaining the humanity they were surely born with. We must demand proper treatment for the people inside and proper behavior from the guards. These are human lives in their care: If they were doing what they should be doing, it would all be about "Professionalism."
Still, I'm shocked and saddened at
the lack of conscience in some otherwise 'good' people.
Our Message?
We require Truth from our policymakers.
We insist on Professionalism and Accountability from those in positions of authority.
We feel that two million prisoners in the land of the free is just way too many. Therefore we urge an end to the Drug War.
We know that prohibition has historically proven to be a flawed policy and that it is the reason for the mass incarceration of citizens, which has resulted in the warehousing effect of substandard and criminal living conditions. Therefore we ask why a proven failure would be used for national policy yet again?
We demand equal justice for all: Remembering that the laws must be applied to criminals, even if they wear uniforms of authority!
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