Major Prison Operator Has Spent Over $4 Million Settling Mistreatment Allegations

CoreCivic, the largest private prison company in the U.S., has spent millions settling mistreatment claims in Tennessee, raising questions about prison conditions and oversight.

At a Glance

CoreCivic has settled over $4.4 million in complaints related to mistreatment and deaths at its Tennessee facilities since 2016.
Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, Tennessee’s largest prison, is under federal investigation.
Allegations include brutal beatings, medical neglect, and cruelty, with at least 22 inmate deaths involved in the settlements.
CoreCivic has faced fines totaling $37.7 million from Tennessee’s corrections agency for various violations.
Despite issues, Tennessee continues to renew contracts with CoreCivic, a significant political contributor in the state.

CoreCivic’s Troubled Tennessee Operations

CoreCivic, the nation’s largest private prison operator, is facing intense scrutiny over its management of correctional facilities in Tennessee. Since 2016, the company has settled over $4.4 million in complaints related to mistreatment and deaths at its Tennessee prisons. The Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, the state’s largest prison, is at the center of a federal investigation due to reports of violence, assaults, murders, contraband, and staffing shortages.

The allegations against CoreCivic are severe and wide-ranging. They include brutal beatings, medical neglect, and cruelty, with at least 22 inmate deaths involved in the settlements. In one particularly disturbing case, a federal lawsuit claims a Trousdale inmate killed his cellmate in an attempt to be transferred due to fear for his life, with no guards intervening.

Settlement Details and Patterns

The settlements made by CoreCivic often require confidentiality, and the company does not admit wrongdoing. The largest settlement was $900,000 for a suicide case involving allegedly falsified staff records. Many settlements are for smaller amounts, with half being $12,500 or less. This pattern of settlements raises questions about whether the company views these payouts as a cost of doing business rather than an impetus for systemic change.

“It does certainly appear as though settling lawsuits is a cost of doing business, rather than an alarm, a wake-up call, a siren,” said Mary Price, general counsel of Families Against Mandatory Minimums.

CoreCivic has also faced significant fines from Tennessee’s corrections agency, totaling $37.7 million for various violations, including staffing failures. Despite these issues, Tennessee continues to renew contracts with CoreCivic, which is a significant political contributor in the state.

Impact on Inmates and Families

The allegations against CoreCivic include denial of basic medical care, leading to severe outcomes like deaths, amputations, and brain injuries. Inmates and their families often face a difficult choice between accepting settlements or speaking out about their experiences. Some, like Kathy Spurgeon, avoid suing due to fear of retribution against other incarcerated family members.

The situation has sparked protests and calls for the closure of facilities like Trousdale Turner Correctional Center. Activists question why the prison remains open despite numerous fines and ongoing investigations.

“CoreCivic has been a very important partner to the state,” Republican Gov. Bill Lee said to reporters.

This statement from Governor Lee underscores the complex relationship between the state and CoreCivic, raising questions about accountability and the prioritization of inmate welfare versus political and financial considerations.