Too easy to dismiss #LoveFL’s Lowell CI inmates as liars. Especially the dead ones. #DeadInmates

Bartered sex, corruption and cover-ups behind bars in nation’s largest women’s prison

• Prosecutor says what’s happening at Lowell prison is ‘akin to prostitution’
• Women report they give sexual favors to officers in exchange for basic necessities
• Officers earn money by smuggling in cigarettes, drugs

The prison has no cameras in its dorms, and few other areas, except for the confinement units, are equipped with working surveillance equipment.

via http://www.miamiherald.com/news/special-reports/florida-prisons/article49175685.html#storylink=cpy

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Latandra Ellington

About 14 months ago, I posted a link to an article from the Guardian, quoting this:

Latandra Ellington’s body was found in her cell at Lowell correctional institution, Ocala, on 1 October, 10 days after she wrote to her aunt to tell her of being “terrorised” by a guard known only as Sgt Q, and less than 24 hours after worried family members called the prison and were assured she was safe.

I don’t believe that Latandra’s death was by “natural causes,” as indicated by mortality stats (below). I believe what she told her aunt; I believe the bruises that were found on her body.

Per Lowell’s mortality stats, there are six 2015 deaths, and are all open investigations, even though the most recent one was in July, more than five months ago.

Six deaths, six open investigations … and still no cameras at Lowell.

How very easy for the new warden – Angela Gordon – to call the women liars. How very, very easy.