Virginia Corrections Ombudsman Andrea Sapone speaks with lawmakers on Dec. 16, 2024. (Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)
Virginia’s top investigative body is turning its attention to Red Onion State Prison after alarming reports of self-harm and poor conditions at the supermax facility in Wise County.
Andrea Sapone, the state’s new corrections ombudsman, announced Monday that her office will prioritize an investigation into the living conditions and health and safety of incarcerated individuals at the prison, which has come under scrutiny following a 2023 hunger strike and six cases where people burned themselves. this year.
“The Office of the State Inspector General takes all allegations of abuse seriously,” she told the House Public Safety Committee. “A Red Onion investigation will be prioritized once we have the full capacity to conduct it properly.”
An offer for one position has been extended and four more positions are being considered from a pool of candidates, an OSIG spokesperson confirmed to The Mercury.
Calls for oversight at Red Onion have grown louder from prison reform advocates, lawmakers and families of incarcerated individuals. Allegations against the institution include poor living conditions, abuse and the long-term use of solitary confinement.
During a presentation to the committee on Monday, Department of Corrections Director Chad Dotson suggested that the recent incidents of self-harm were attempts by inmates to secure transfers to other prisons closer to their families.
“There is no evidence whatsoever that there was any conspiracy or protest,” Dotson said. “All the inmates involved said they did it because they wanted to get away from Red Onion. Two of them have a history of self-harm.”
However, Taj Mahon-Haft, founder of the Humanization Project, pushed back, insisting that the underlying problem is the level of desperation that drives people to harm themselves.
Mahon-Haft, who was previously incarcerated, said he understands firsthand the challenges of captivity, especially how prolonged isolation can lead to harmful thoughts or actions.
April Wright shared a moving story at the meeting, revealing that her imprisoned son had apparently tried to hang himself. Wright said she only learned of the incident when another inmate reached out to inform her.
The use of solitary confinement, or what Virginia calls “restorative housing,” was another major focus of the discussion. Under a state law enacted last year, incarcerated individuals in restorative housing are now allowed outside their cells for four hours a day.
Dotson described the practice as a temporary measure, explaining that it is reserved for individuals with serious conduct violations that could pose a threat to themselves or others.
Plaintiffs in a court case filed by the Virginia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) allege they were placed in restricted housing for extended periods, with at least one person claiming the experience left them feeling suicidal.
“It’s clear this is a systemic problem,” said ACLU attorney Geri Greenspan.
Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved a account aimed to further reform incarceration practices in Virginia’s prisons, but was vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. While it remains unclear whether a similar bill will be introduced during the upcoming legislative session, members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus have hinted at the possibility.
In the meantime, Del is watching. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, calls for a formal investigation into Red Onion State Prison.
Would you like to contact us?
Do you have a news tip?
“I think the most important thing we heard was the ombudsman’s commitment to make this investigation into Red Onion its top priority,” Simon said. “I think this is a victory.”
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
