Inmate Alleges Retaliation After Whistleblowing on Prison Conditions
- Inmate Derrick Woodberry alleges retaliation for exposing unsafe conditions at Hunt.
- Woodberry’s transfer back to Angola raises safety concerns given his previous attack there.
- A judge questioned the timing of Woodberry’s move prior to depositions in his case.
- Friend describes Woodberry as fearful for his life due to the recent transfer.
- Woodberry has been involved in various rehabilitation programs during his 30 years in prison.
Inmate Claims Retaliation After Speaking Out About Safety
An alarming situation has unfolded at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center as inmate Derrick Woodberry claims he is facing retaliation following a whistleblower incident. Woodberry disclosed unsafe conditions within the facility to the WBRZ Investigative Unit, a move that he believes has now placed his life in jeopardy. According to his friend Alicia Pellegrin, Woodberry is in fear for his safety, stating that he feels like the administration may be looking to harm him after he voiced his concerns about the prison.
Transfer Raises Questions Over Inmate Safety
Last week, in a surprising development, the Department of Corrections transferred Woodberry to Angola prison, where he had previously been attacked by another inmate, Kendall Davis. This move has raised significant concerns, especially since Woodberry had been moved from Angola to Hunt for his protection following a violent incident in 2019. Now, he finds himself back at Angola alongside Davis, who has a history of violence against him, despite the Department of Corrections claiming the move was made for “safety and security reasons.”
Ongoing Concerns About Legal Repercussions
Moreover, the Investigative Unit inquired why Woodberry was sent back to Angola if safety was a priority, particularly considering he has known enemies there. In response, a spokesperson stated that they had made the “appropriate housing assignment accordingly,” yet did not address the discrepancies found in Woodberry’s enemies list. Given Woodberry’s ongoing lawsuit against the DOC for alleged retaliation, the situation has attracted further scrutiny, especially after a magistrate judge expressed concerns regarding the timing of this transfer as depositions are about to commence.
The case of Derrick Woodberry highlights serious allegations of retaliation within the prison system following his whistleblower actions. As Woodberry’s current situation raises questions about safety and inmate treatment, it underscores broader concerns regarding the department’s transparency and adherence to inmate welfare protocols. The scrutiny of his transfer by legal authorities could play a crucial role in addressing these pressing issues.
