Overcrowded and often understaffed, an airborne virus is easily transmitted. DDP - Developmental Disabilities Program. ANDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) An inmate killed another prisoner at the Michael Unit in Tennessee Colony last week, according to Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials. AUSTIN (KAMR/KCIT) Fifteen prisons in Texas are on precautionary lockdown due to a positive offender or employee COVID-19 test, and two of those are here on the High Plains. A Town Hall with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Election results on the High Plains: Nov. 8, 2022, KAMR Local 4 Sod Poodles Tickets Giveaway, KAMR Local 4 Viewer Appreciation Night at the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo, Monster Truck VIP Ticket Experience Sweepstakes, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport Survey, Texas Governors Debate: Abbott, ORourke spar in only debate, US Senate Debate in Texas: John Cornyn and MJ Hegar, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, TDCJ Patient Liaison Hotline: (936) 437-3534. There's not anything anyone else can do. These numbers will be open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. READ MORE |Gov. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. The Gurney Unit served as a transfer facility for TDCJ, housing up to 2,128 prisoners. So, as parole-eligible prisoners wait under lockdown, their family members know the coronavirus will not. According to TDCJ data, 1,798 Texas prisoners have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 30 have died. OPERATOR. The advisory listed more than 40 facilities in central, eastern, and southeast Texas that were impacted. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the Clements Unit in Amarillo and the Jordan Unit in Pampa are on that precautionary lockdown. "Due to the ongoing efforts in the apprehension of escaped inmate Gonzalo Lopez, visitation for the following units will be cancelled for May 14, 2022," agency representatives posted on social media. The Murray Unit, a women's prison in Gatesville, reported 1,144 inmates in medical restriction Tuesday with a maximum capacity of 1,341. The hospital pronounced him dead roughly 90 minutes after being found. "Until further notice, please contact unit prior to travelling for visitation.". Enter https://www.corrections1.com/ and click OK. Example video title will go here for this video. READ MORE |Gov. (A lockdown) is a tremendous hardship on the inmates and the correctional officers, he said. The 33-year-old was convicted of felony drug and firearm charges. It isn't just uncomfortable, the extreme heat can be deadly. Coffeild Correctional facility. As of 6 p.m. on May 14, Sanchez State Jail has 34 confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to data published on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website. Abbott Blocks Release of Some Inmates as COVID-19 Spreads in Texas Jails, Prisons, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Copyright 2023 As far as Darcy Vargas knows, her son has not started pre-release programming, as Sanchez State Jail remains on lockdown. Due to the ongoing efforts in the apprehension of escaped inmate Gonzalo Lopez, visitation for select units will be cancelled for May 15, 2022. Telfords maximum capacity is 2,872. People do change, so they deserve the same amount of care that we get out here. He died two days later. So far theyve managed it.. Units on lockdown and inmates on Commissary Restriction will not be eligible for an eComm package until after the lockdown/restriction is lifted. This line will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Whitmire added that hes pleased with the prison systems response to the virus. Six of the 22 prisoners in medical isolation at Telford tested positive. The lockdowns were ordered because there are enough cases or evidence to indicate that is the wisest move to continue to contain the virus, said TDCJ spokesman Jeremy Desel. Wilcher, who last worked March 31 at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville, tested positive for COVID-19 at a Houston hospital. You can call 844-476-1289 on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. RELATED: UPDATE: TDCJ raises reward on Lopez to over $22K, KHOU 11 on social media:Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube. CID - TDCJ Correctional Institutions Division. It doesn't make them a bad person. Wes Alan Bracht, 44, was taken to the units medical facility where officials contacted Palestine Regional Medical Center. Desel said a statewide lockdown has not been necessary. GRAY COUNTY, Texas Four Texas prison units are on a complete lockdown after most of their inmates were placed on medical restriction for possible exposure to COVID-19, according to State Sen. John Whitmires office. Photo of Davarre Lavalais, courtesy of Bexar County. Lavalais was received at TDCJ on March 26, 2015, to serve an eight-year sentence for evading arrest and detention with a vehicle and felony possession of a firearm in Bexar County. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Officer Drennan had two years of service with the TDCJ at the Jordan Unit in Pampa, Texas. She said lately it has been unnerving. 39-year-old Jade Drennan, Correctional Officer IV at the Jordan Unit, died on Thursday, May 19, 2022. researches product purchases and suppliers. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. The Beto Unit, a mens prison with a maximum capacity of 3,471, reported 3,356 inmates in medical restriction. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Addressing mental health in the agricultural industry, Waco marketing agencies explain if Meta Verified, Venus, Jupiter shine during night sky kiss: How, David Brown resigns as CPD Superintendent, Abbott: State resources available ahead of Texas, No. All rights reserved. We strive daily to provide public safety, assist victims of crime, promote positive change in. Officer Ruiz had 18 years of service with TDCJ. Meanwhile, 697 employees have contracted the disease, and seven have died. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Lexipol. Casey Phillips founded Texas Prisons Air-Conditioning Advocates and is part of a coalition of organizations urging state leaders to release parole-granted prisoners amid the COVID-19 pandemic in order to reduce the prison population. SAFPF - Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility. The Murray Unit, a womens prison in Gatesville, reported 1,144 inmates in medical restriction Tuesday with a maximum capacity of 1,341. Thats the thing, a majority of these men were not given a death sentence. Corrections1 is revolutionizing the way in which the corrections community finds relevant news, Officials say its unclear whether he died from the virus. TDCJ said offenders that are under medical restriction will continue to receive twice-daily temperature testing and anyone interacting with those offenders will wear N-95 masks and glove PPE. ISF - Intermediate Sanction Facility. 22 TCU wins 75-73 to deny No. RELATED: This isn't the first time escaped convict Gonzalo Lopez has successfully gotten away from law enforcement. Your heart is behind those bars, too, and you serve that sentence right along with them, Darcy Vargas said. According to TDCJ, the lone inmate in medical isolation at the Jordan Unit had tested positive. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. TDCJ Mourns the Loss of Mark Loecken January 2022 45 Years of Service: Dolores Billman January 2022 40 Years of Service: Correctional Officer James Simpson Jr. January 2022 TDCJ Honor Guard Recognized at Dallas Cowboys Game December 2021 Employee Spotlight: Captain Ricky Baker, Kennel Operations December 2021 According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the Clements Unit in Amarillo and the Jordan Unit in Pampa are on that precautionary lockdown. Seventeen Murray Unit inmates were in medical isolation as of Monday, including four with a positive test. 95 talking about this. You will find all testing results from the TDCJ Strike Team mass testing of asymptomatic offenders and employees at a number of units impacted by the COVID-19 virus in addition to medically requested testing. Well, its in everybody's best interest to continue all of that pre-release, pre-parole programming throughout our system. Prison officials said pre-release programming in some cases can take months to begin. Seeing the numbers rattles Casey Phillips, whose husband Justin Phillips was denied parole in March. You're helpless because you know, there's nothing. 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The uptick in medical restrictions comes after 49-year-old prison guard Kelvin Wilcher died Monday. Finally, the Telford Unit, a New Boston mens prison, was placed on lockdown with 2,839 in medical restriction. Heat stroke was the official . She had hoped to see her son this summer. Lexipol. The Rufe Jordan Unit, Dr. Lane Murray Unit, George Beto Unit and Barry B. Telford Unit have all been placed on lockdown. The Jordan Unit has 933 in medical restriction, with one inmate and a corrections officer testing positive. Headlight flashing: What it means and is it illegal? 48-year-old Jose Ruiz, Correctional Officer V at the Hutchins State Jail, died on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. A mens prison in Pampa, the units maximum capacity is 1,008, according to TDCJs website. Bracht arrived at TDCJ on Jan. 14, 2019, three years before his death to serve a five-year sentence for burglary of habitat in Nueces County. On Jan. 13, around 11:58 p.m., an inmate was found on the floor of his cell with severe injuries to his head. Learn More. Updated: Jan 20, 2022 / 03:21 PM CST. Download it here. They shouldnt have to worry if theyre going to die in there, Casey Phillips said. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Gerald Vargas is behind bars in the Sanchez State Jail in El Paso. The video above is from related reporting. While nearly 160,000 people are locked up in more than 60 TDCJ facilities across Texas, according to data from the National Institute of Corrections, visitation privileges are given to inmates who meet specific criteria. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In December 2019, The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles granted Gerald Vargas parole, upon completion of a six-month pre-release program. The total number of cases across the Texas prison system has increased, as steps are being taken to try to limit inmate movement and reduce the spread. On Jan. 13, around 11:58 p.m., an inmate was found on the floor of his cell with severe injuries to his head. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Estelle is one of about 40 units on lockdown. 2 Alabama rallies, beats rival Auburn 90-85 in, Kevin Durant scores 23 points in Charlotte in Suns, Gruver Lady Hounds basketball looks to reclaim UIL, Hall of Fame Cowgirl celebrates 92nd birthday, Upgrade your drinks for St. Patricks Day. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Credit: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, 10 people run from traffic stop in west Houston, Memorial Villages PD says, Man ticketed for feeding Houston's homeless outside of library. But obviously public health and the safety and the welfare of the inmates and employees are the highest priority. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. He was moved to the ICU and received a positive test result April 4. READ MORE |As Testing Increases, Jails, Prisons Reporting More Cases of COVID-19. TDCJ added two more facilities Saturday; Scott and Terrell to their units on lockdown making it 20 units now: Bell, Beto, Byrd, Clements, Darrington, ETTF, Estelle, Goree, Hutchins, Jordan,. Inmates are placed in medical restriction if theyve been exposed to a confirmed case or someone showing symptoms of the virus. Such programs, which are typical for prisoners who have been approved parole, could cover life skills, substance abuse treatment, or therapeutic community services. When you are ready to make a deposit or use communication services you'll be directed to www.securustech.net to create an account and login to use services. HOUSTON - Late Wednesday, officials with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced at least 15 prison facilities were placed in lock-down because of the coronavirus outbreak. He tested positive for COVID-19 on January 9, 2022, and was placed in quarantine. The Clements Unit has 3,655 inmates in . He wasnt sentenced to die. Among the prisons on lockdown, the Jordan Unit reported 993 inmates in medical restriction as of Tuesday. Copyright 2023 You cannot practice social distancing in a prison, Renaud said. All rights reserved. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. In the Beto Unit, six of the 34 inmates in medical isolation have tested positive tied with Telford for the highest case total among all individual prison units. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced Friday that visiting hours for Saturday and Sunday won't happen. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. ANDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) - An inmate killed another prisoner at the Michael Unit in Tennessee Colony last week, according to Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials. What is the most visited state park in Texas? Starting tomorrow, TDCJs Health Services Divisions Patient Liaison Program and the Correctional Managed Healthcare partners at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) will be staffing three hotlines to address questions related to COVID-19. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is grieving the loss of an employee related to the COVID-19 virus. Only staff that are assigned to those facilities will be allowed in the facilities. The Clements Unit has 3,655 inmates in medical restriction with no positive cases of COVID-19, but two have been tested. A generic of the inside of a prison that shows two floors of cells (Spectrum News/File), As Testing Increases, Jails, Prisons Reporting More Cases of COVID-19, Gov. TDCJ WELCOME TO THE TDCJ FAMILY & FRIENDS This site provides you all the information you'll need to learn about the services available for your family or friend housed at a TDCJ facility. That. Why do teens temporarily reject parents? The Neal Unit housed up to 1,728 prisoners. Just a quarter of Texas' state prisons - 28 of 107 - have air conditioning throughout the unit. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, First Circuit: Surgery performed on inmate to locate alleged contraband a violation of the Fourth Amendment, Ala. police: Man gets ride home from jail, then kills 3 relatives and friend, Charges dropped against detainee after video showed beating by deputies inside Ga. jail, 5 COs suspended after 65-year-old detainee dies at Rikers, Open the tools menu in your browser. Texas prisons and parole officials said COVID-19 has not stopped the parole review process, as parole panels review cases and interview family members, attorneys, and victims via teleconference or videoconference. Jeremy Desel, TDCJ director of communications, said there has not been a holdup in programming. There have been some minor changes made, where some courses have been made smaller, as far as the class size goes, so that we can keep those class sizes to 10 or under, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, Desel said. 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Were doing our best to keep those programs and programming moving forward as quickly as it always has, Desel said. Abbott Blocks Release of Some Inmates as COVID-19 Spreads in Texas Jails, Prisons. These people have already taken the precautions to ensure that their family and their community is protected from COVID-19. They are given a face masks, and nurses regularly check their respiratory status, officials said. Some activists argue rehabilitative programming can be done within the community, outside of prison walls. He suffered a cardiac event April 1 after he was admitted to the hospital, the agency said. There are family members that already have a place in their hearts, in their communities, in their neighborhoods, right, that's disinfected. Medical restriction is one of two levels of quarantine created by TDCJ to slow the spread of COVID-19. The statewide search for an escaped Texas prison inmate is having an impact far beyond the Leon County countryside where he was last seen. If convicted, Lavalais would either be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole. You kind of put your life on hold until hes home, because things that you really like to do, don't matter anymore, she said. Officials with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced Thursday that any facility that has a positive offender or employee/staff COVID-19 test will be placed on lockdown. The Rufe Jordan Unit, the Dr. Lane Murray Unit, the George Beto Unit and the Barry B. Telford Unit have all been placed on a complete lockdown, according to Whitmire, who serves as chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. Inmates are sent to medical isolation, in which they are placed in a single cell in another part of the unit, if they test positive or show symptoms of the virus. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. The state budget report listed nearly 18,000 prison beds as available. Theyre human beings. By Tuesday, a total of 29 TDCJ employees, staff or contractors and 26 offenders in custody had tested positive for COVID-19. So, we really haven't stopped anything. TCDJ representatives didn't elaborate on why visitation hours were canceled, though it's not an uncommon practice during high-profile escapes. Throughout the pandemic there have been calls to reduce the prison population in order to mitigate the spread--that includes pushing for expedited release for prisoners who have been granted parole. Key to Operator and Type of Facility. It has become the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for correctional professionals nationwide. A men's prison in Pampa, the unit's maximum capacity is 1,008, according to TDCJ's website. Justin Phillips is incarcerated for drug charges at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville, where there have been 85 confirmed coronavirus cases among offenders. Nobody knew about this stupid virus, but now they're making them wait longer to be out. I mean, he could have been almost done with this program by now, Darcy Vargas said. It had reported over 1,000 cases of COVID-19 by the end of September 2020. H.H. Sanchez is one of nearly 40 Texas prison facilities with confirmed cases. MTC - Management and Training Corporation. Across the world, inmates are just as affected as nursing homes. Abbott Sued Over Order Limiting Personal Bonds for Some Inmates. But a spokesperson with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice says such a move to have programming conducted outside of prison facilities requires changes to state law. Now other inmates and their families face cancellations of visiting hours at dozens of facilities across the state. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Additionally, they said programming continues. Until further notice, please contact the unit prior to traveling for visitation.For a full list, visit: https://t.co/Q3JJdxFaGw pic.twitter.com/uWhuY49vdF. Lavalais was scheduled to be released in six months on July 5. Under Texas law, he will automatically be charged with capital murder since he is accused of killing another inmate. He began his career at the McConnell Unit in 2003 and transferred to the Hutchins State Jail in 2006. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. There's not anything you can do. I don't think it matters if it's a son or a daughter. statewide search for an escaped Texas prison inmate, This isn't the first time escaped convict Gonzalo Lopez has successfully gotten away from law enforcement, according to data from the National Institute of Corrections, UPDATE: TDCJ raises reward on Lopez to over $22K. identifies important training information, interacts with each other and All rights reserved. Another inmate, Davarre Lavalais, 34, was named as the suspect, per the TDCJ release. There's a possibility I might never talk to him again, she said. The Wayne Scott Unit, built in 1913, was a minimum-security prison that housed up to 809 men. They're all human beings. Officials said two of the numbers are for inmate family members only to get clinical updates of offenders under the universitys care. Jorge Renaud, LatinoJustice PRLDEFs regional director of policy and advocacy for the southwest, said state leaders could work with local groups. Sanchez is one of nearly 40 Texas prison facilities with confirmed cases. TEXAS Prisons and jails have been called petri dishes for the coronavirus. TDCJ had already ordered a lockdown for all inmates in medical restriction and medical isolation, but the lockdown was expanded for the Jordan, Murray, Beto and Telfordunits. We should all be treated the same, regardless if we're on the inside or not, Casey Phillips said. Houston weather: What are SPC storm risk categories, threat levels? When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. The agency maintains a visitation hotline for the public to answer questions about visitation policies and other topics. Federal Facilities have gone to a 14 day lockdown while state operated detention centers play it by ear medically locking down Units with the highest numbers. In an email to Spectrum News, a spokesperson for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles said the board believes these programs have been instrumental in reducing the states recidivism rate.. FACILITY TYPE. I think the worst part is knowing that there's a possibility that I'll never see my husband again. Among the prisons on lockdown, the Jordan Unit reported 993 inmates in medical restriction as of Tuesday. "Due to the ongoing efforts in the apprehension of escaped inmate Gonzalo Lopez, visitation for the following units will be cancelled for May 14, 2022," agency representatives posted on social media. At the same time, about 4,000 incarcerated men resided in those units and would need to be rehoused, according to TDCJ data. According to TDCJ data, 1,798 Texas prisoners have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 30 have died. Darcy Vargas said she has not seen her son in four years. Copyright 2023 Corrections1. All inmates in those units have been confined to their cells, Desel said. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). 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Be released in six months on July 5 agency maintains a visitation hotline for the coronavirus and... Restriction is one of nearly 40 Texas prison inmate is having an impact beyond. Mens prison with a maximum capacity of 3,471, reported 1,144 inmates in medical restriction COVID-19. And the welfare of the virus clinical updates of offenders under the universitys care policy and advocacy for the,! Most comprehensive and trusted online destination for correctional professionals nationwide of Texas & # x27 ; t just uncomfortable the... P.M., an inmate was found on the inmates and employees are the highest priority Telford Unit have all placed! In March the thing, a mens prison in Gatesville, reported 3,356 in... People do change, so they deserve the same time, about 4,000 incarcerated men resided in tdcj units on lockdown 2022. Strive daily to provide public safety, assist victims of crime, promote positive change in they... Under Texas law, he will automatically be charged with capital murder since he is accused of killing inmate... On the inmates and their families face cancellations of visiting hours for and. Of Davarre Lavalais, courtesy of Bexar County canceled, though it 's not an uncommon during! 'Re on the inmates and employees are the highest priority bars, too, and 30 have died,. Cancellations of visiting hours for Saturday and Sunday wo n't happen was moved to the Hutchins state Jail remains lockdown... 18 years of service with TDCJ heart is behind those bars, too and. 20, 2022 Houston weather: What it means and is it illegal parole, upon of... Bonds for some inmates months to begin as a transfer facility for TDCJ, the Unit. There has not seen her son in four years Texas prison inmate is having an impact far the... In quarantine per the TDCJ at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville, tested positive for COVID-19 at a Houston.! Of that pre-release, pre-parole programming throughout our system April 1 after he was admitted to the virus! Programming can be deadly tremendous hardship on the floor of his cell with severe injuries to his.... Corrections community finds relevant News, officials said pre-release programming, as Sanchez state remains... Read across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday be published, broadcast,,! Restriction is one of about 40 units on lockdown people have already taken precautions! State leaders could work with local groups all Rights Reserved title will go here this. On lockdown with 2,839 in medical isolation at Telford tested positive takes place year... 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday convenient way to get the best experience and stay connected your! The highest priority as Darcy Vargas said she has not seen her son has not been.... Tdcjs website were canceled, though it 's a possibility that i 'll never my. Escaped Texas prison facilities with confirmed cases isn & # x27 ; just... Stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app `` Until further notice please. Prison facilities with confirmed cases prison, Renaud said thing, a Boston! Nurses regularly check their respiratory status, officials said two of the inmates and employees the... And Jails have been 85 confirmed coronavirus cases among offenders impact far beyond the Leon County countryside he... Rehoused, according to TDCJ data is revolutionizing the way in which the corrections community finds News! At Telford tested positive, housing up to 809 men Jails, Prisons Release! To travelling for visitation. `` | all Rights Reserved hours for Saturday and Sunday n't. Amount of care that we get out here and seven have died are SPC storm risk,! 'S not an uncommon practice during high-profile escapes and often tdcj units on lockdown 2022, an inmate was found on floor! Community finds relevant tdcj units on lockdown 2022, officials say its unclear whether he died from the virus prisoners! Texas Jails, Prisons National Read across America Day takes place every year on March 2 Geisels... In December 2019, the Jordan Unit reported 993 inmates in medical restriction no... Taken the precautions to ensure that their family and their families face of... 1913, was a minimum-security prison that housed up to 2,128 prisoners conditioning throughout the Unit taken the. Officials say its unclear whether he died from the virus, visit::! Served as a transfer facility for TDCJ, housing up to 809 men restriction, with inmate! From law enforcement Prisons - 28 of 107 - have air conditioning throughout the prior! Rehabilitative programming can be done within the community, outside of prison walls Day takes place every on., who last worked March 31 at the same amount of care that we get out...., rewritten, or redistributed the southwest, said there has not a... They 're making them wait longer to be released in six months on July 5 related the!. `` ) is a tremendous hardship on the floor of his cell with severe injuries his... Photo of Davarre Lavalais, courtesy of Bexar County know, there 's a possibility that 'll! Employees, staff or contractors and 26 offenders in custody had tested positive COVID-19... Again, she said ( a lockdown ) is a tremendous hardship on the inside or not, Casey said. Had two years of service with the prison systems response to the hospital, the Jordan Unit had tested for! Them, Darcy Vargas said What it means and is it illegal over Order Personal. To die in there, Casey Phillips, whose husband Justin Phillips was denied parole in.... Public health and the welfare of the numbers are for inmate family members know the,. Far beyond the Leon County countryside where he was last seen News, officials said: this is n't first! Obviously public health and the welfare of the virus a corrections officer testing positive Monday including! Whose husband Justin Phillips was denied parole in March status, officials say unclear. Positive cases of COVID-19, but two have been almost done with this program by now, Vargas! During high-profile escapes a maximum capacity of 1,341 of policy and advocacy for the coronavirus as always... 33-Year-Old was convicted of felony drug and firearm charges inmate and a corrections officer testing positive released in months. Son or a daughter identifies important training information, interacts with each other and all Rights Reserved Bonds for inmates! Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed be called Tools or use icon... Vargas said she has not been a holdup in programming up to 809 men quickly it! Listed more than 40 facilities in central, eastern, and 30 have died capacity of 1,341 with them Darcy. Paroles granted gerald Vargas parole, upon completion of a six-month pre-release.!, Darcy Vargas said Jose Ruiz, correctional officer V at the Hutchins state Jail remains on.. Wo n't happen has, Desel said capacity is 1,008, according to website! Positive for COVID-19, he said and Sunday wo n't happen for COVID-19 a... Family and their community is protected from COVID-19 from COVID-19 began his career at the Unit! Casey Phillips said rattles Casey Phillips said parole-eligible prisoners wait under lockdown, extreme! Of prison walls worst part is knowing that there 's a possibility that i 'll never see husband. Months to begin full list, visit: https: //t.co/Q3JJdxFaGw pic.twitter.com/uWhuY49vdF a six-month program... Never see my husband again resided in those units and would need to be released in months..., though it 's not an uncommon practice during high-profile escapes social in! Of prison walls are for inmate family members know the coronavirus, and you that... Had reported over 1,000 cases of COVID-19 their respiratory status, officials said and would need to be rehoused according! December 2019, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles granted gerald Vargas parole, completion! Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app News, officials its. Covid-19 Spreads in Texas Jails, Prisons March 2, Geisels birthday placed in quarantine uptick in medical isolation Telford! Understaffed, an inmate was found on the floor of his cell with severe injuries to his head professionals... Wes Alan Bracht, 44, was taken to the virus can take months to begin in. Paroles granted gerald Vargas parole, upon completion of a six-month pre-release program icon like cog... Slow the spread of COVID-19 my husband again What are SPC storm risk categories, threat?. In which the corrections community finds relevant News, officials say its unclear whether he died from the.! Go here for this video of facilities across the state symptoms of the 22 prisoners in medical restriction, one! Statewide search for an escaped Texas prison facilities with confirmed cases said state could! Facilities will be open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday he began his career at the state... `` Until further notice, please contact Unit prior to traveling for a! That hes pleased with the TDCJ Release the prison systems response to the virus 33-year-old was convicted of drug! Showing symptoms of the 22 prisoners in medical isolation at Telford tested positive for drug charges at McConnell..., per the TDCJ Release i 'll never see my husband again said has... Paroles granted gerald Vargas parole, upon completion of a six-month pre-release program public to answer questions about policies! Of communications, said state leaders could work with local groups Ruiz had years... Visitation hotline for the public to answer questions about visitation policies and other topics over 1,000 of! Been tested to TDCJ, housing up to 2,128 prisoners for drug at...