Problems continue at Angola State Penitentiary (“Angola”)
Here’s what I know about the 13 people sentenced at Angola Prison for drug smuggling:
- Number of People: 13 (inmates, former guards, and others)
- Crime: Conspiracy to distribute drugs (cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine) between February 2017 and May 2019 at Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) and elsewhere.
- Sentences: Ranged from 4 to 16 years in federal prison.
- Method: Involved correctional officers and other prison staff.
- Source: U.S. Department of Justice Press Release
Who indeed, where are the drugs coming from? The prison and Department of Corrections spokesman Ken Pastornek have long told the public that the inmates’ families are the source of almost ALL contraband introduced to the prison. However, when the prison closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contraband continued, drug overdoses continued, and drug seizures continued.
As of today, 13 individuals involved in a drug smuggling operation at Angola Prison have been sentenced as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities within the facility. The sentences range from 4 years to 16 years, reflecting the severity of their actions and highlighting the commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff.
Drug smuggling operations not only pose serious risks within the prison system but also contribute to larger issues such as violence, addiction, and compromised rehabilitation efforts. By holding those responsible accountable for their actions, authorities aim to send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with serious consequences.
These sentences serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a secure and rehabilitative environment within correctional facilities. While the individuals involved in this operation have received their sentences, it is imperative to continue addressing root causes and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a news release Monday, U.S. Attorney Ronald Gathe Jr. of Louisiana’s Middle District said Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick handed down the sentences to nine people from Louisiana, three from California and one from Mississippi. The drugs sold included cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine. He said suppliers were in East Baton Rouge Parish and Colton, California, a suburb of San Bernardino.
“Most of the controlled substances distributed by this drug trafficking network were shipped to addresses in Baton Rouge from individuals in California,” Gathe said.
The 13 defendants admitted involvement in a conspiracy to distribute the drugs between February 2017 and May 2019 at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola and elsewhere, through the use of correctional officers and other prison staff, Gathe said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation with help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Louisiana Department of Corrections; Louisiana State Police; and the St. Francisville Police Department.
1 INMATE KILLED IN KNIFE FIGHT AT ANGOLA
An Angola inmate, who was given a life sentence after murdering another inmate, was killed in a prison fight Tuesday, according to officials.
The Louisiana Department of Corrections and the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office have launched a joint investigation into the death of Robert Clark Jr.
According to officials, correctional officers responded to an altercation between Clark and three other inmates around 10 a.m. Tuesday. The officers were able to regain control of the situation before prison medical staff immediately began treatment on Clark, and he died a short time later.
Clark was serving a life sentence for the 2018 murder of Louisiana State Penitentiary inmate Dolan Franklin at the prison. Prior to the murder conviction, he was serving a 75-year sentence for armed robbery in Bossier Parish.
Possible criminal charges are pending the outcome of the investigation and the autopsy, which is set to take place this week.
Violence at Angola Prison in Louisiana
Angola Prison, officially known as Louisiana State Penitentiary, has long been plagued by issues of violence within its walls. With a notorious reputation for being the ”Bloodiest Prison In America”, Angola has faced scrutiny from various advocacy groups and civil rights organizations, and was under the hand of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana for almost 30 years.
Incidents of inmate-on-inmate violence, as well as allegations of excessive use of force by correctional officers, have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals incarcerated at the facility, as well as staff. Despite efforts to address these issues, the prevalence of violence at Angola Prison continues to be a pressing issue that requires attention and reform to ensure the protection of all individuals within the prison’s walls.
Violence-prevention programs are a vital aspect of the rehabilitation efforts within the facility. Angola has implemented various initiatives aimed at addressing and reducing violence among inmates. These programs include conflict resolution workshops, anger management classes, mental health counseling services, and educational courses focused on empathy and communication skills. By providing inmates with resources and tools to better manage their emotions and conflicts, Angola Prison strives to create a safer environment for both inmates and staff while promoting a sense of personal growth and accountability.
As far as drugs, there are indeed drug counseling programs available to support incarcerated individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. These programs aim to provide education, counseling, and rehabilitation services to help prisoners address their addiction and work towards recovery.
While the emphasis and focus of security staff is on abstinence-based treatment and interdiction of contraband, as well as disciplinary control, Angola Prison also offers harm-reduction programs that focus on minimizing the negative consequences of drug use for those who may not be ready or able to stop using substances entirely. These harm-reduction initiatives include providing access to counseling, more progressive programs including the use of “drug dorms”, offering overdose prevention training, and promoting anti-drug use practices within the prison population. These programs play a crucial role in addressing the complex needs of individuals affected by substance abuse while incarcerated.
Stay informed about the efforts being made to ensure the integrity of our prison systems and the rights and well-being of all individuals involved. Stay tuned for updates on this case and other related developments in the realm of prison reform and civil rights advocacy.
And, now a shoutout to “our MAIN squeezes”, “LOVE WITHIN WALLS” podcast, who also operate a YouTube Channel, Facebook Group, and a merchandise line. It’s HOT, so get in there!
Leave a Reply