Salinas Valley State Prison Homicide Under Investigation

October 4, 2013, 2:41 pm

≫ Next: Condemned Inmate Timothy Michael Russell’s Death Investigated as a Suicide

≪ Previous: In-custody Homicide Under Investigation

SOLEDAD – Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) officials are investigating the death of an inmate as a homicide after he was found unresponsive in his cell on Friday, October 4, 2013.

The victim, age 31, whose name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification, was pronounced dead at the institution at 11:15 a.m. today from apparent blunt force trauma to the head.

The inmate victim was received from Santa Clara County on August 17, 2011, with a 7-year sentence for carjacking. He was a second-strike offender who had served a 2-year term from Santa Clara County in 2006 for assault with force causing great bodily injury.

Prison officials have identified inmate Brandon Scott Keen, 28, as the suspect in the case. He has been placed in the Administrative Segregation Unit pending the investigation.

Inmate Keen was received from Riverside County on April 4, 2013, with a 26-year term for mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon. Inmate Keen is also a second-strike offender who served a prior prison term from Riverside County in 2008 for arson.

Salinas Valley State Prison opened in May 1996, is located on approximately 300 acres in Monterey County, and houses approximately 3,500 inmates. The institution’s mission is to provide long-term housing for both minimum- and maximum-custody male inmates.

For more information about SVSP, visit CDCR’s website at www.cdcr.ca.gov.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2013
Contact: Lt. Darren Chamberlain
(831) 678-5554

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Condemned Inmate Timothy Michael Russell’s Death Investigated as a Suicide

October 7, 2013, 1:57 pm

≫ Next: Inmate Death at California State Prison-Corcoran Investigated as a Homicide

≪ Previous: Salinas Valley State Prison Homicide Under Investigation

SAN QUENTIN – Condemned inmate Timothy Russell, 53, who was on California’s death row from Riverside County, was found unresponsive in his cell late Friday evening in San Quentin State Prison. Subsequently, he was pronounced dead at the prison at 12:48 a.m., on October 5, 2013. The death is being investigated as a suicide. Russell was single-celled.

Russell was sentenced to death on January 8, 1999, by a Riverside County jury for the January 5, 1997, ambush slaying of Riverside County Sheriff's Deputies, James Lehmann Jr., 41, of Apple Valley, and Michael Haugen, 33, of San Jacinto, outside Russell's residence in a remote desert area of Whitewater, an unincorporated area of the county. Russell had been on death row since January 14, 1999.

Since 1978 when California reinstated capital punishment, 60 condemned inmates have died from natural causes, 22 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri, six have died from other causes, and one cause is pending. There are 741 offenders on California’s death row.

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For Immediate Release

October 7, 2013

Contact: Lt. Sam Robinson

(415) 455-5008

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Inmate Death at California State Prison-Corcoran Investigated as a Homicide

October 11, 2013, 4:46 pm

≫ Next: Two Calipatria State Prison Correctional Officers Recovering from Inmate Assault

≪ Previous: Condemned Inmate Timothy Michael Russell’s Death Investigated as a Suicide

CORCORAN – Investigators at California State Prison-Corcoran (CSP-Corcoran) and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the death of a 48-year-old inmate as a homicide. Today at 12:36 p.m., staff found the inmate unresponsive in his Security Housing Unit cell. He was pronounced dead at 1:02 p.m.

The deceased inmate, admitted from Alameda County on October 24, 2011, was serving a 17-year sentence for first-degree burglary with priors. His name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

The inmate’s cellmate, Tyrone Robinson, 49, has been identified as the suspect.

Robinson, admitted from Alameda County on December 9, 1991, is serving 32-years-to-life for several convictions including first-degree murder and robbery.

The Kings County Coroner will perform an autopsy.

The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was notified.

CSP-Corcoran opened in 1988 and houses 4,399 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.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 11, 2013
CONTACT: MARY KIMBRELL
(559) 992-6174

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Two Calipatria State Prison Correctional Officers Recovering from Inmate Assault

October 14, 2013, 12:16 pm

≫ Next: High Desert State Prison Sergeant Injured from Inmate Attack

≪ Previous: Inmate Death at California State Prison-Corcoran Investigated as a Homicide

CALIPATRIA – Two correctional officers are being treated for injuries they suffered from an attack by a Calipatria State Prison inmate Sunday.

On October 13 at 9:45 a.m., a correctional officer approached inmate Anthony J. Martin to escort him to a program office to speak to a sergeant. The inmate turned and unexpectedly punched the officer in his face, knocking him to the ground.

Inmate Martin then picked up a metal chair and was standing over the officer on the ground. A second officer came to the aid of the first officer and fended off the inmate’s attack. Inmate Martin threw the metal chair at the responding officer.

Inmate Martin was subdued by responding staff and subsequently re-housed in the Administrative Segregation Unit pending investigation into the incident.

The officers were taken to an area hospital and treated for their injuries.

The first officer, a 20-year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), suffered a split upper lip and broken teeth. Some of his teeth are lodged in his upper palate. He will need to undergo specialized surgery and is at home recovering.

The second officer, a 22-year veteran of CDCR, suffered bruising to his arms and legs caused when the inmate threw the metal chair at him. He is at home recovering as well.

Martin was committed to CDCR on July 22, 1999, from San Diego County with an 11-year sentence for assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. He suffered injuries to his right fist and was treated at the prison.

The incident is being investigated by the prison’s Investigative Services Unit and will be referred to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office.

Facility D, where the incident occurred, is under a modified program that limits inmate movement to absolutely necessary travel such as trips to the infirmary, law library and the showers as prison officials investigate the cause of the attack.

The prison opened in 1992 and houses 3,707 inmates, 1,700 of whom are serving life and 594 serving life without the possibility of parole. There are 1,280 people employed at the prison.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2013
CONTACT: Lt. Everardo Silva
(760) 604-1618

↧

High Desert State Prison Sergeant Injured from Inmate Attack

October 16, 2013, 4:03 pm

≫ Next: California State Prison-Corcoran Officer Attacked by a SHU Inmate

≪ Previous: Two Calipatria State Prison Correctional Officers Recovering from Inmate Assault

SUSANVILLE – A High Desert State Prison (HDSP) sergeant is recovering from injuries suffered during an unprovoked attack by an inmate Monday night.

The assault occurred on October 14 at 6 p.m. after staff completed a clothed body search of inmate Bernard L. Wildee. Staff found contraband and ordered the inmate to submit to handcuffs. Instead, inmate Wildee repeatedly struck a correctional sergeant in his face and head.

Responding staff used physical force to subdue inmate Wildee.

Two HDSP custody staff members were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The sergeant, a nearly 17-year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), suffered a concussion, three lacerations to his right eye and bruises to his face. He is at home recovering.

A correctional officer, a five and a half-year veteran of CDCR, was also taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries to his right knee and right hand incurred while using physical force to stop inmate Wildee’s attack. He has returned to work.

Inmate Wildee, 39, was received from Sacramento County on September 12, 2005 with a 26-years-to-life sentence for being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm, his third strike. Wildee served a prior commitment from Sacramento County for voluntary manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon and a 1995 conviction from Solano County for battery on a peace officer.

Inmate Wildee was transferred to the Administrative Segregation Unit at California Correctional Center in Susanville pending investigation.

The incident is being investigated by the prison’s Investigative Services Unit and will be referred to the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office.

High Desert State Prison located in Lassen County opened in 1995 and houses 3,343 minimum-, medium-, and maximum-security Inmates. The institution provides academic classes and vocational instruction and employs approximately 1,210 people.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 16, 2013
CONTACT: LT. GREGORY CROWE
(530) 251-5100 EXT. 5501

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California State Prison-Corcoran Officer Attacked by a SHU Inmate

October 23, 2013, 6:59 am

≫ Next: CDCR Signs Contract with San Diego County to Allow County Offenders to Participate in State Fire Camps

≪ Previous: High Desert State Prison Sergeant Injured from Inmate Attack

Three other correctional officers also injured in attack

CORCORAN – A California State Prison-Corcoran (CSP-Corcoran) correctional officer was stabbed by an inmate this afternoon.

The incident happened at 3:22 p.m. as officers were escorting inmates from the small management yards to their Security Housing Unit (SHU) cells. Inmate Dan Felix, 35, used a handmade handcuff key to break free from his cuffs. Using an inmate-made weapon, he stabbed a correctional officer several times in his neck, head and shoulder.

Officers responded to the scene. One responding officer was kicked by inmate Steven Rivera, 25. Two other officers incurred injuries to their wrists, backs and knees when they responded to gain control of the combatants.

The first officer was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of several puncture wounds. He is in good condition. The other three officers were also taken to a hospital for treatment.

The prison’s Investigative Services Unit is investigating this incident.

Inmate Felix was admitted from Los Angeles County on April 3, 1997. He is serving life with the possibility of parole for attempted murder.

Inmate Rivera was admitted from Los Angeles County on November 5, 2010. He is serving life without parole for two counts of first-degree murder.

CSP-Corcoran opened in 1988 and houses 4,379 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 22, 2013
CONTACT: ANTHONY BAER
(559) 992-6104

###

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CDCR Signs Contract with San Diego County to Allow County Offenders to Participate in State Fire Camps

October 25, 2013, 9:52 am

≫ Next: Juvenile Offenders Donate To Stockton Victims Group

≪ Previous: California State Prison-Corcoran Officer Attacked by a SHU Inmate

Housing county offenders in fire camps will provide additional beds for the county and bolster the state’s firefighting force

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and San Diego County finalized a contract earlier this month that will allow the county to house some of its inmates in the state’s fire camps.

“This agreement with San Diego County is a win for everyone,” CDCR Secretary Jeff Beard said. “Housing county offenders in conservation camps will provide additional space to the county, contribute to the state’s trained firefighting workforce, protect public safety and provide rehabilitation.”

Up to 100 San Diego County offenders will join the approximately 4,000 other inmates participating in CDCR’s Conservation Camp program. Since 1946, able-bodied inmates in the program have helped with fire suppression and other emergencies, such as floods and earthquakes. Only low-level offenders, both male and female, may participate.

According to the contract, San Diego County will pay the state $46.19 per inmate per day, which covers housing and supervision costs by CDCR as well as the costs of training by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE).
CDCR jointly manages 39 adult and juvenile camps with CAL FIRE and five adult camps with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. In an average year, the fire crews provide more than 2.5 million hours of emergency response work and save taxpayers more than $100 million annually. The crews are available year-round and respond to wildfires, floods, heavy snows, search and rescue operations, earthquakes and other emergencies.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 25, 2013
CONTACT: JONATHAN PARSLEY
(916) 445-4950

###

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Juvenile Offenders Donate To Stockton Victims Group

October 31, 2013, 10:34 am

≫ Next: Juvenile Offenders Donate To Stockton Victims Group

≪ Previous: CDCR Signs Contract with San Diego County to Allow County Offenders to Participate in State Fire Camps

Funds will help San Joaquin County Victim Witness Program

SACRAMENTO – Juvenile offenders from the N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton have donated 20 percent of their earnings from a work project inside the institution to support a San Joaquin County victim assistance program.

The youth presented a check for $8,235 to the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Program during a late afternoon ceremony yesterday at the facility, the second time in recent years that the program has been chosen by the youth. The program assists victims and witnesses during crime investigations and court proceedings and helps them to file claims for compensation under the California Victim Compensation Program. It provided help to 5,198 crime victims last year.

“Donations like this give us extra money to help crime victims with needs that aren’t covered by our grant funds, which have specific, dedicated purposes,” said Gabriela Jaurequi, Program Coordinator. That can include such expenses as rent, utility bills, transportation costs, and other everyday expenses that squeeze the budgets of crime victims.

The youth, all of them high school graduates, earned the funds working for Merit Corporation, a private company that recycles computer equipment in a partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the California Prison Industry Authority.

"This program teaches youth many skills to help them be successful when they return to their families and communities,” explained Michael Minor, director of the Division of Juvenile Justice. “They learn responsibility and interpersonal techniques that enable them to work with others, as well as life skills, such as financial planning, resume preparation and goal setting.

“Supporting victim organizations teaches these youth the most important lesson of all, which is compassion for the people who were affected by their crimes,” said Minor. “That sensitivity toward others is a key to living a constructive life in the community."

In addition to supporting victim groups, a second portion of the youths’ earnings is used to pay for room and board and a third portion is deposited in a savings account that is accessible to the youth when they leave the institution.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 31, 2013
CONTACT: BILL SESSA
(916) 445-4950

↧

Juvenile Offenders Donate To Stockton Victims Group

October 31, 2013, 10:40 am

≫ Next: Inmate Death at Kern Valley State Prison Being Investigated as a Homicide

≪ Previous: Juvenile Offenders Donate To Stockton Victims Group

Funds will help San Joaquin County Victim Witness Program

SACRAMENTO – Juvenile offenders from the N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton have donated 20 percent of their earnings from a work project inside the institution to support a San Joaquin County victim assistance program.

The youth presented a check for $8,235 to the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Program during a late afternoon ceremony yesterday at the facility, the second time in recent years that the program has been chosen by the youth. The program assists victims and witnesses during crime investigations and court proceedings and helps them to file claims for compensation under the California Victim Compensation Program. It provided help to 5,198 crime victims last year.

“Donations like this give us extra money to help crime victims with needs that aren’t covered by our grant funds, which have specific, dedicated purposes,” said Gabriela Jaurequi, Program Coordinator. That can include such expenses as rent, utility bills, transportation costs, and other everyday expenses that squeeze the budgets of crime victims.

The youth, all of them high school graduates, earned the funds working for Merit Corporation, a private company that recycles computer equipment in a partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the California Prison Industry Authority.

"This program teaches youth many skills to help them be successful when they return to their families and communities,” explained Michael Minor, director of the Division of Juvenile Justice. “They learn responsibility and interpersonal techniques that enable them to work with others, as well as life skills, such as financial planning, resume preparation and goal setting.

“Supporting victim organizations teaches these youth the most important lesson of all, which is compassion for the people who were affected by their crimes,” said Minor. “That sensitivity toward others is a key to living a constructive life in the community."

In addition to supporting victim groups, a second portion of the youths’ earnings is used to pay for room and board and a third portion is deposited in a savings account that is accessible to the youth when they leave the institution.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 31, 2013
CONTACT: BILL SESSA
916) 445-4950

#####

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Inmate Death at Kern Valley State Prison Being Investigated as a Homicide

November 1, 2013, 10:48 am

≫ Next: CDCR’s Checks on 1,267 Sex-Offenders during Operation Boo

≪ Previous: Juvenile Offenders Donate To Stockton Victims Group

DELANO – Officials at Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) are investigating the death of an inmate as a homicide after he was found unresponsive in his cell.

Inmate Carmen T. Guerrero, 48, was pronounced dead at 12:39 a.m. Preliminary reports indicate inmate Guerrero died from strangulation.

Prison officials have named Inmate Guerrero’s cellmate, Miguel Crespo, 42, as a suspect in the case. Inmate Crespo has been placed in the Administrative Segregation Unit pending an investigation by KVSP investigators, the Kern County Coroner and the Kern County District Attorney.

Inmate Guerrero was serving a life sentence from Kings County for second-degree murder. Inmate Crespo, is currently serving a life sentence from Los Angeles County for first-degree murder.

KVSP opened in 2005 and houses 3,707 minimum-, medium-, maximum-, and high-security custody inmates. KVSP offers academic classes and vocational programs and employs approximately 1,800 people.

For more information about KVSP, visit CDCR’s website at www.cdcr.ca.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 1, 2013
CONTACT: JEFF SMITH
(661) 721-6314

# # #

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CDCR’s Checks on 1,267 Sex-Offenders during Operation Boo

November 4, 2013, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer at California State Prison-Sacramento Under Investigation

≪ Previous: Inmate Death at Kern Valley State Prison Being Investigated as a Homicide

Sweep results in 90 arrests statewide; weapons, drugs and child porn confiscated

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) parole agents arrested 90 of the 1,267 sex-offender parolees who were contacted during compliance checks or searches as part of the 20th annual Operation Boo Child Safety Project on Halloween night 2013. Most of the arrests were for violations of special conditions of parole; however some offenses were more serious, prompting new charges to be filed against six of the sex-offender parolees. Six other parolees were found to be out of compliance with their requirements to register as sex offenders.

“The 90 arrests among sex-offender parolees – for possession of child pornography, narcotics, weapons, and other parole violations – and the six new charges, prove that our statewide efforts with Operation Boo on Halloween night are well-founded and necessary,” said Dan Stone, Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations.

In addition to the traditional compliance checks, this year Operation Boo included two other features:

• Parent Empowerment: CDCR provided a free downloadable brochure with helpful information about ways to talk to children about dangerous behavior in adults, and Internet links for parents to check for sex-offenders in their area.

• Transient Sex-Offender Curfew Centers: Because a significant number of sex-offenders are homeless, transient sex-offenders in most regions were ordered to report to a center to spend the curfew under supervision. Statewide, several special transient sex-offender curfew centers were operated Halloween night.

For more information about Operation Boo please visit: www.cdcr.ca.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 4, 2013
CONTACT: LUIS PATINO
(916) 445-4950

####

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Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer at California State Prison-Sacramento Under Investigation

November 18, 2013, 11:52 am

≫ Next: California State Prison-Sacramento Correctional Officer Recovering From Inmate Assault

≪ Previous: CDCR’s Checks on 1,267 Sex-Offenders during Operation Boo

FOLSOM – California State Prison-Sacramento (CSP-SAC) officials are investigating the attempted murder of a correctional officer that occurred this morning in one of the maximum-security units.

On November 18, 2013, at approximately 8 a.m., inmate Alberto Cortez, 22, tried to murder a 40-year-old correctional officer by repeatedly slashing him with an inmate-made weapon. A second inmate tried to attack officers who responded to the incident. Cortez who has been in prison since December 23, 2010, is serving a 15-years-to-life sentence from Los Angeles County for attempted first-degree murder and receiving stolen property.

The officer, a 15-year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, was slashed on his neck. He was taken to an outside hospital by ambulance for treatment and is in fair condition at this time.

CSP-SAC’s Investigative Services Unit is investigating the incident as an attempted murder. The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was notified of the incident.

California State Prison-Sacramento is a multi-mission institution that houses more than 2,100 inmates and employs more than 1,700 people. Opened in 1986, the institution houses maximum-security inmates serving long sentences or those who have proved to be management problems at other institutions. CSP-SAC also houses inmates requiring specialized mental health programming and inmates with high-risk medical concerns. CSP-SAC promotes rehabilitative opportunities through work assignments, vocational training, self-help programs and educational opportunities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 18, 2013
CONTACT: BRYAN DONAHOO
(916) 294-3012

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California State Prison-Sacramento Correctional Officer Recovering From Inmate Assault

November 25, 2013, 12:43 pm

≫ Next: CDCR to Hire Approximately 7,000 Correctional Officers

≪ Previous: Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer at California State Prison-Sacramento Under Investigation

FOLSOM– A California State Prison-Sacramento (CSP-SAC) correctional officer is recovering from injuries suffered during an unprovoked attack by an inmate Saturday night.

The assault occurred on November 23 at approximately 5:30 p.m. while staff attempted to conduct a random search of inmate Delvin E. Cottingham’s assigned cell. Inmate Cottingham exited his cell and unexpectedly walked toward the officer and punched the officer in his face, knocking him to the ground.

Inmate Cottingham then straddled the officer’s chest and repeatedly struck the officer in his face with his fists. A second officer came to the aid of the first officer and fended off the inmate’s attack.

The officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The officer, a nearly eight-year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), suffered a left orbital fracture, a bi-lateral fracture to both sides of his nasal cavity, and abrasions to his forehead, nose, cheeks and eyes. The abrasions to the officer’s face required nine sutures. He is currently at home recovering.

Inmate Cottingham, 39, was received from San Diego County on August 4, 1997, with a 42-years-to-life sentence for first-degree murder, battery with serious bodily injury, second-degree robbery, and an ex-felon in possession of a firearm.

Inmate Cottingham was transferred to the Administrative Segregation Unit at CSP-SAC pending investigation.

The incident is being investigated by the prison’s Investigative Services Unit and will be referred to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

California State Prison-Sacramento is a multi-mission institution that houses more than 2,100 inmates and employs more than 1,700 people. Opened in 1986, the institution houses maximum security inmates serving long sentences or those who have proved to be management problems at other institutions. CSP-SAC also houses inmates requiring specialized mental health programming and inmates with high-risk medical concerns. CSP-SAC promotes rehabilitative opportunities via work assignments, vocational training, self-help programming, and educational opportunities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 25, 2013
CONTACT: BRYAN DONAHOO
(916) 294-3012

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CDCR to Hire Approximately 7,000 Correctional Officers

December 3, 2013, 9:57 am

≫ Next: Inmate Death Being Investigated as a Homicide

≪ Previous: California State Prison-Sacramento Correctional Officer Recovering From Inmate Assault

SACRAMENTO— The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) expects to hire approximately 7,000 correctional officers over the next three years due to the increase in retirements.

Currently more than 1,800 CDCR peace officers retire annually. This outflow has led to an increased- and in some cases urgent- need to fill peace officer positions statewide.
New cadets are paid while attending the CDCR correctional officer academy as well as earn health, dental and vision benefits, and begin accumulating retirement credits.
Job requirements include:

•    High school diploma
•    Proof of U.S. citizenship
•    At least 20 years of age; must be 21 at time of appointment
•    Pass a drug test screening
•    Provide history of law-abiding behavior
•    Legally be able to own, posses and have custody or control of a firearm or other weapons     authorized by CDCR

Potential candidates must also pass a written test, qualifications assessment, physical fitness test, vision screening, psychological evaluation, pre-employment medical examination and a background investigation.

The application and selection process can take between nine and 12 months. Once the selection process is completed, candidates are offered positions throughout the state and can select their location based on institutional need and availability.

Once the candidate accepts the job, they go to a 16-week academy training at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt.

During the academy, cadets can earn $3,050 a month as well as benefits. Following graduation, correctional officers can earn $3,774 a month to start, not including wages for overtime worked.

After a couple of years as a correctional officer, there are numerous opportunities for promotion and advancements to correctional sergeant, lieutenant, captain and higher.

There are many different types of positions for correctional officers while working at an institution including, transportation, tower watch, visiting, inmate programs and housing units.

For more information on how to become a correctional officer, visit CDCR’s Careers website here:http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/POR/Index.html. To access the online application visit: https://pass.cdcr.ca.gov/application.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2013
CONTACT:   DANA SIMAS
916) 445-4950

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Inmate Death Being Investigated as a Homicide

December 13, 2013, 4:57 pm

≫ Next: Psychologist at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran Recovering After Inmate Attack

≪ Previous: CDCR to Hire Approximately 7,000 Correctional Officers

JAMESTOWN – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the death of an inmate this evening.

Inmate Andrew Tisnado, 31, died this evening at a valley hospital. Inmate Tisnado was found by staff in his assigned bed on December 11, 2013, with severe head injuries. He was transported by air ambulance to a valley hospital, where he was placed on life support. No other information is available at this time as CDCR is currently investigating Inmate Tisnado’s death as a homicide.

Inmate Tisnado was a Hispanic male and was committed to CDCR on January 31, 2013 from Los Angeles County to serve a 4 year sentence for Possession of Ammunition by an Ex-Felon. He was scheduled to parole in November 2015.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2013

Contact: Lt. von Savoye

(209) 984-5291 ext. 5499

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Psychologist at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran Recovering After Inmate Attack

December 18, 2013, 3:12 pm

≫ Next: New Study Shows Post-Prison Arrests are Down, Convictions Static under Realignment

≪ Previous: Inmate Death Being Investigated as a Homicide

CORCORAN – A staff psychologist is recovering from injuries she suffered from an attack by a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran (SATF) inmate yesterday.

At approximately 11:45 a.m., a staff psychologist was escorting inmate Ryan Sanchez, 30, out of her office when inmate Sanchez turned around and struck the psychologist in her face with his fist, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.

Inmate Sanchez was subdued and subsequently transported to the Administrative Segregation Unit.

The psychologist was taken to an area hospital and treated for head trauma. She was released and is at home recovering.

Inmate Sanchez was committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on September 11, 2012 from Fresno County to serve a two-year, eight-month sentence for indecent exposure, his second strike.

The matter will be referred to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

SATF opened August 1997 on approximately 280 acres in Kings County. The institution provides long-term housing for 5,518 minimum- and maximum-custody male inmates and employs 1,828 people.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

December 18, 2013

Contact: Lt. Lupe Cartagena

(559) 992-7154

↧

New Study Shows Post-Prison Arrests are Down, Convictions Static under Realignment

December 23, 2013, 1:03 pm

≫ Next: Condemned Inmate Albert Ruiz, 51, Dies of Natural Causes

≪ Previous: Psychologist at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran Recovering After Inmate Attack

CDCR tracked inmates released from prison pre- and post-Realignment

SACRAMENTO, CA – One-year arrest rates are down and conviction rates are virtually static for offenders released after completing their state prison sentences post-Realignment, according to a report released today by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

“The results here are very encouraging, especially when you consider they reflect the very beginning of Realignment, when counties were in the early stages of implementing rehabilitative programs.” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Beard. “As we move forward and both CDCR and the counties utilize state funds to invest more in rehabilitation efforts, I’m confident we will see fewer former inmates re-offending.”

For this Realignment Report, CDCR indentified all offenders who had served their full sentence and were released from prison during the first year after the implementation of Realignment (October 2011 through September 2012). Researchers then tracked the offenders, which include those released to state parole supervision and those released to county probation supervision, for one year to see if they were re-arrested, convicted of a new crime, or returned to state prison. CDCR then compared those results with all offenders released during October 2010 to September 2011 (pre-Realignment) and tracked them for one year in the same manner.

Key findings include:

• Post-Realignment offenders were arrested at a lower rate than pre-Realignment offenders (58.9 percent pre-Realignment and 56.2 percent post-Realignment).

• The rate of post-Realignment offenders convicted of new crimes is nearly the same as the rate of pre-Realignment offenders convicted of new crimes (20.9 percent pre-realignment and 21.0 percent post realignment).

• Post-Realignment offenders returned to prison at a significantly lower rate than pre-Realignment offenders, an intended effect of Realignment as most offenders are ineligible to return to prison on a parole violation. (32.4 percent pre-Realignment and 7.4 percent post-Realignment)

Under California’s Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011 (AB 109), no offenders receive an early release from state prison. The law, which was passed by the Legislature in response to a federal court order to reduce California’s prison population, has achieved dramatic reductions by stemming the flow of low-level inmates and parole violators into prison. The intent of Realignment is to encourage counties to develop and implement evidenced-based practices and alternatives to incarceration to limit future crimes and reduce victimization.

Prior to Realignment, more than 60,000 felon parole violators returned to state prison annually, with an average length of stay of 90 days. Beginning on October 1, 2011, most parole violations are now served in county jails. Also, offenders newly convicted of certain low-level offenses serve their time in county jail. Under another component of Realignment, inmates who have served their full state prison sentence for a non-serious, non-violent or non-sexual offense are now supervised upon their release by county probation rather than state parole.

Realignment provides a dedicated, constitutionally protected, and permanent revenue stream to the counties. To view the full report, go to: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Adult_Research_Branch/index.html

To view a fact sheet on Realignment, go to: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/realignment/docs/Realignment-Fact-Sheet.pdf

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For Immediate Release

December 23, 2013

Contact: Jeffrey Callison

(916) 445-4950

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Condemned Inmate Albert Ruiz, 51, Dies of Natural Causes

December 30, 2013, 12:26 pm

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≪ Previous: New Study Shows Post-Prison Arrests are Down, Convictions Static under Realignment

VACAVILLE -- Condemned inmate Albert Ruiz, 51, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, December 29, 2013. He died of natural causes in the On-Site Acute Hospital Unit at the California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, CA.

Ruiz was sentenced to death on January 27, 2003, by a Merced County jury for the May 22, 1998, murder and robbery of a Merced liquor and grocery store owner, Abdo Muhammed, 42, and the murder of Antonio Cruz, a 74-year-old customer in the store. Ruiz had been on death row since January 28, 2003.
Since 1978 when California reinstated capital punishment, 62 condemned inmates (including Ruiz) have died from natural causes, 22 have committed suicide, 13 have been executed in California, one was executed in Missouri, six have died from other causes, and for one of them, the cause of death is pending. There are 746 offenders on California’s death row.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 30, 2013
CONTACT: SAM ROBINSON
(415) 455-5008

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CDCR to Build New Housing Units at Two Existing Prisons

January 2, 2014, 2:24 pm

≫ Next: CDCR's Unknown Victims Unit Distributes More Than $2.5 million to Victims in 2013

≪ Previous: Condemned Inmate Albert Ruiz, 51, Dies of Natural Causes

Total of 2,376 beds will provide space for inmates with disabilities, mental health needs

SACRAMENTO —California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) today announced the locations of three new Level II housing unit facilities, a total of 2,376 beds, to be built at two existing prison sites.

One 792-bed facility will be built on state prison land adjacent to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) in San Diego and two 792-bed facilities, a total of 1,584 beds, will be built on state prison land adjacent to Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) in Ione.

“Construction of these facilities will provide CDCR with flexible housing for inmates with disabilities, as well as intermediate medical or mental health treatment needs,” CDCR Secretary Jeffrey Beard said. “These projects demonstrate the State’s commitment to comply with Federal court orders to provide adequate inmate health care and reduce overcrowding.”

In 2012, the state Legislature adopted Senate Bill 1022 which authorized CDCR to construct three new housing unit facilities at existing prison sites. In addition to providing CDCR more low-security housing, the new facilities will also provide space for educational and vocational programs.

The final decision on where the facilities will be built was made after completion of the environmental impact review (EIR) process. During the EIR process, CDCR held a series of community meetings at each potential location to solicit feedback from community leaders and its members.

The estimated construction cost for the RJD infill site is $168.7 million. This facility will employ approximately 180 staff and have an annual operational budget of $5.5 million.

The estimated construction cost for the MCSP infill site is $344.5 million. This facility will employ approximately 375 staff and have an annual operational budget of $11 million.

The construction of these two facilities is projected to begin in Spring 2014 and take approximately 24-26 months to complete.

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For Immediate Release
January 2, 2014
Contact: Dana Simas
(916) 445-4950

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CDCR's Unknown Victims Unit Distributes More Than $2.5 million to Victims in 2013

January 7, 2014, 11:55 am

≫ Next: New Report Shows California’s Recidivism Rate Declined Again This Year

≪ Previous: CDCR to Build New Housing Units at Two Existing Prisons

SACRAMENTO- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today announced that the department's Unknown Victims Unit successfully located 2,018 victims and dispersed more than $2.52 million in 2013.

CDCR's Unknown Victims Unit was created in 2010 in response to the amount of money CDCR was collecting from inmates on behalf of victims but was unable to disburse due to incomplete or outdated victim contact information.

Victim restitution is ordered by a county Superior Court judge and is to be paid by offenders to compensate victims. If an inmate owes restitution to his/her victim(s), CDCR collects half of what the inmate earns in prison jobs and half of what family or friends contribute to the inmate's prison accounts.

Sometimes the information forwarded to CDCR by the counties lacks critical victim contact information; other times victims do not update the court or CDCR how they can be reached. The Unknown Victims Unit takes what information is available and attempts to locate the victim and notify him/her that money has been collected on their behalf.

If you are a victim of a crime, have been ordered restitution from a Superior Court judge, and have not been receiving the funds, please contact your local district attorney's office and make sure they have your updated contact information.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2013

For media inquiries, contact:

Dana Simas

(916) 445-4950

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