*Note: these messages are copied directly as written, except for the omission of any identifying information.*

Facility Key:

June 19, 2022

EHCC:

• “Hello,forgot to tell you that the qusarantine that Golf 1 was on was lifted the very next day,early in the morning.Apparently what they doing is just removing anyone from any dorm if they test possitiive,instead of lockingg down the whole dorm.They had to wait till morning for medical personnel to come to work and lift the quarantine.So thats good !!!! Its been so hot here,I mean hot where security is opening up all the doors to the dorm for ventilation.A dorm has an emergency exit in the back of each tier,a front door nea\r the key and back door near the key.Normally only the front door is open,a sometimes the back key area door.Buts its been so hot they are trying anything.It doesnt do much good,but iti makes a tiny little difference.alot of people have resorted to sleeping on the floor.You see,the beds have plastic covered mattresses on them.That damn plastic holds heat like a heating pad.Cooler to sleep on the bare concrete floor.Got to go,its late and I am starting to sweat as I sit here with a shirt on,cant take it any longer”

June 6, 2022

EHCC:

• “Hello there,just wanted to let you know that I am still around.Situation here at Hunt seems to have fallen into a status quo,for how long is yet to be seen.Wish us well.What amazes me in all this,is that we have almost an entire state facility locked down under emergency conditions, [people] hanging themselves in the blocks here on unit 1,killing themselves cause of the conditions here,and NOTHING is on any of the news outlets about it,nada,not a peep.I mean when them [people] died at angola,killed themselves,it was all over the news,but it happens here and nothing is said !!???...“

June 4, 2022

EHCC:

• “...Oh, I am writing to let you know that COVID has broke-out again. As I understand it 4 or 5 Units is on quantine including the Unit I am in…one guy tested positive Thursday (6-2-2022) he has been moved but the Unit has not been tested... I am fully vaccinated. Take care.”

June 3, 2022

EHCC:

• “Dear Vote,great to hear from you,you mentioned some bills you pushing to get vetoed,roolback bills,which ones are they.I had got onto the kiosk to give you an update here at Hunt Prison.26 [PEOPLE] in Golf 2 tested positive for covid and have been evacuated to another location,pretty sue its Building 4 judging by the huge numbers of people they moved out of the other dorms on this compound as BUILDIING 4 was the building that had been houseing the females for so long.i WASNT ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO TESTED POSITIVE SO i DIDNT GET MOVED…”

June 2, 2022

EHCC:

• “Dear Vote,well all the dorms and SNU are still under quarantine here at @Hunt @Correctioanl Center.So that includes Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU),Fox 1,Fox 2,Golf 1,Golf 2 (Trustees).The females i n Building 4 are all gone,the last having been transferred out 2 weeks or so ago.Inmates from Unit 2 were over here on this Unit bringing us our chow,doing our laundry,picking up trash,bringing around supplies,putting together the trays (In Styrofoam) that Unit 2 kitchen cooked up and sent over here since all the kitchen workers who normally man the Unit 1 kitchen are under quarantine presently.Today some nurses came into the dorm and nose swabbeed all of G9olf 2 and from what I could see,Golf 1 also.I am not sure if they made rounds testing Fox 2 and Fox 1 or any of the other locations on this unit.I am not sure about HSU 1 and HSU 2 and D-1 Cellblock.Will tell you now that the food,the amounts,flavor and texture and choice of has diminished greatly.Next time,If i remember,I'd like to send a videogram of the tray.I will just hold it up to the camera on the kiosk and snap it for 30 seconds.Funny thing about all this,the security guards,well you know they swap them around on a regular basis,every day they liable to work in a different location.Whats funny,funny as in odd,ironic,crazy etc... is that you might have a guard work all day in a quarantine dorm,then the next day in another dorm. Does that make any sense to you ? It sure doesnt make sense to me.You see,while the guards in the dorms do wear masks,they can't wer them their entire stay in the dorm they working in.They got to drink,they got to eat,they got to answer the phone and reply in clear tones so they can be understood. As for masks for the [incarcerated] population.ha ha,you got hustle one on your own.They will issue you a paper mask if you go on callout,but they have yet to come around and hand out enough masks for the entire population.Now alot of people have cloth masks that we can wash,but it takes so long for them to dry in these poorly ventilated dorms.We only got 2 laundry days a week,so we can't send them out to be washed every day.Any paper masks,the K95 or the paper ones they hand out,they hand them out spareingly.So in many cases a person will get a paper mask and use it over and over day after day after day.They be so dirty some times,you can see the brown and filth from days of breathing dirty foul air in these poorly ventilated dorms.We cant wash a paper mask and not everyone can purchase a cloth mask,people can make their own if you got the stuff and know-how.To me,if asked,I would suggest they keep a big box of paper masks right inside the doors to the dorms.when anyone has to leave they can just grab one,and if anyone came in they could grab one if they didnt live in this dorm. The paper ones might not be as effective as some others,but at least there would be a ready supply to replace any makss that get tore up or dirty.Was any paper mask EVER disigned to be handed out and used over and over for weeks at a time ??? I doubt that but I dont know for sure.Even the personal washable masks,people forget to wash them,or some dont wash them till they just nasty as hell.I have seen men walking around with masks on their face that wouldnt want to wipe the top of my foot down with.I shit you notnon this.I mean blackened or brouwn masks,dip juice,stains from food and drinks,sputtum,just nasty.How is that protecting anyone ? well time is up.Hope to hear back.They say the test results will be abck in a day or so.wish us luck…”

May 31, 2022

EHCC:

• “FYI Golf 2,the trustee dorm…just became under quarantined.Will try to keep you posted.....Wish us luck !!!!”

• “hey vote team. this just popped up. and were on lock down again. COVID-19 RESPONSE To ensure we are protecting staff and our prison population based on the most recent surge in COVID-19 cases within our Offender Population at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, we are taking precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. We will continue our ongoing efforts to protect everyones health and safety which include cleaning and sanitizing, encourage wearing face masks, surveillance testing and quarantining. What this means is that until further notice: o Please encourage all offenders to wear mask; o Please encourage all offenders to use good hygiene practices o Practice Safe Distancing, stay at least 6 feet from others and limit duration of in-person meetings o Effective immediately all visiting is suspended o Dorm Integrity is reinstated, meaning no mixing of dorms o In-person attorney visits are suspended, Virtual visits will remain available o Volunteer activity is suspended o In-person educational programs are suspended, where possible they can continue by correspondence only. o Programs and other group activities are suspended o All other activities will be approved or denied on a case-by-case basis by a Deputy Warden Please stay safe…”

• “Hello family, News flash!! They just segregated us here at hunts they moved 41 of is that are essential workers to the call - out building, and they are calling it Evac 3, the good thing about the building is that it is air conditioned. We don't know anything that's going on around here. All we know is that Fox 1, Fox 3, Golf 1, and Golf 2 is quarantined due to positive cases of covid, as for how many we are unclear of the true number…”

May 26, 2022

EHCC:

• “​​Dear Vote…The covid issue has Hunt has gone viral,I think it would be appropiate to word it so,=... Today 15 more Golf 1 tested positive and were evacuated from Golf 1 and place in HSU 2 quarantine .I believe that about fills that building to capacity.Word has it that 30 plus [incarcerated people] have tested positive in the Skilled Nursing Unit.Fox 2 also has a large number of positives.Where they will put them I havent heard yet,but they got to do something the way this thing spreading.Still havent heard anything on any of the news outlets so the administration is apparently trying to keep a lid on it.Inamtes and guards are becoming scared.Not me,I am old and worn out and whatever happens happens happens.GOD WILL SORT THINGS OUT,KISOK ACTING UP AS i TYPE THIS SXO i DIDNT CAPITALIZE IT TO MAKE A POINT,KEYS STICKING,THINKING SOMEONE SPRAYED BLEACH ON THE KEYBOARD OR MAYBE THE KIIOSK HAS COVID TOO !!!! (SMILE)pRESNTLY i AM VOLUNTEERING TO POICK UP THE TRAASH FROM THE UNIT.i GOT A BIG 4 WHEELED CART AND GO FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION ANDPICK UP THE TRASH BAGS FROM ALL THE AREAS OF UNIT ONE,i WEAR GLOVES,DONT GO IN OTHER BUILDINGS,ONLY PICK UP WHAT TRASH IS LEFT OUTSIDE THE BUILDINGS.kEEPING MY DISTANCE FROM ANYONE UIN THE QUARANTINE BUILDNINGS AND WEAR MY MASK WHEN FORCED TO SPEAK TO THEM OUTSIDE THEIR BUILDINGS.tHE GUARDS ARE SPREAD THIN,ONE DAY THEY WORKING IN THIS BULDING AND ONOTHER THEY WORKING IN ANOTHER BUILDINGS.tHAT INCLUDES QUArANTINE BUILDINGS AND AREAS.sOMEONE OUGHT TO CALL A MEDIA OUTLET AND ASK THEM TO CALL hUNT AND FIND OUT WHATS GOING ON.iT SHOULD BE ON THE NEWS,DONT YOU THINK,...uNIT 2 KITCHEN IS NOW COOKING FOIR UNIT 2 AND UNIT UNIT 3 AND UNIT 1.aMOUNT OF FOOD ISSUED OUOT IS BEING DRASTICALLY CUT BACK,GOLF 2,MY DORM HAS WENT TO THE KITCHEN AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO FOOD LEFT.tHANK gOD FOR RAMEN NOODLE SOUPS…”

May 25, 2022

EHCC:

• “History repeats its self!! Huge Covid 19 break out in multiple dorms at Elan Hunts because staff is bringing it in!! We are on lockdown and getting denied of excess of courts and medical and [incarcerated people] have died because of this!!! The air quality in the dorms is bad because of [people] not taken showers for months and not washing there bed sheets and Second hand smoke!!! No good ventilation and the dorms are over 100 degrees and we have [people] that have cancer,Heart problems and are taken medication and should not be in this environment!!!! share this message to the world!!! We have citizens that should not be in jail because there have been kidnapped!!!”

• “Dear Vote,dont know if you heard what is going here at Hunt Correctional Facility.The prison had just bounced back from the covid restrictions recently,everything had opened back up,school,church,club meetings,everyone mixing and going from unit to unit,preacheers and volunteers coming in,visitors allowed in every weekeknd,everyone visiting together like old times.On the 21st of May,a Nurse in the SNU mediacal unit took sisck,had covid.They sent the [incarcerated] workers back to the dorms without testing them.Its spread like a fire in dry woodlands.skilled Nursingg Unit,fox 2 and golf 1 all quarantined.,25 postives in Golf 1 alone were removed and put in an empty building.On Unit 1 only Glf 2 and fox 1 are not quARANTIINED. From the grapevine we hear that 4 more nurses and other medcal personnel came up sick.No Information from the admin to us about it.Everything clcosed down again.Nothing on any of the news stations about it either !!! Wish us luck.I cant belive that none of the news outlets have got word of this,iuts crazy !!!!”

March 7, 2022

David Wade:

• ​”​Hi I'm sorry for my delayed response however I've been Quarantined b/c I tested positive for covid I'm fine now feeling better…”

February 10, 2022

EHCC:

• “Greetings VOTE Fam Update @ EHCC in Unit2 the Fox5 dormitory is on quarantine. One guy was found positive that's when they the actual test in Fox5 and found several others was positive. I'm kinda late with providing you with this info…”

February 9, 2022

DCI:

• “MULTIPLE [people] TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID TODAY ON MY DORM AND TWO OTHER DORMS. DCI ADMINISTRATION IS PUTTING ALL POSITIVE [people] IN DORM-12 BUT ARE REFUSING TO SEPERATE [those] WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TESTED FROM [people] WHO HAVE BEEN TESTED ON DORMS 5,6 and 7. OFFICERS ARE NOT WEARING THEIR MASK OR BEING ISSUED PROPER PPE. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS STATED IT IS USELESS TO SEPERATE OFFENDERS BECAUSE EVERYONE WILL GET IT EVENTUALLY. PLEASE ASSIST US IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE BECAUSE [our] LIVES ARE AT RISK AND THAT HAVE A LOT OF EDERLY AND SICK PEOPLE...IN SOLIDARITY AND IN NEED OF HELP…”

January 25, 2022

DCI:

• “​​Hey Team, First let me say ‘CONGRADULATIONS’ on getting the New Orleans building up and going. I know everyone is very excited about that. I can't wait untill the day I'm out and can visit and be a ‘outside’ part of this ‘GREAT ORGANZATION’...We here at D.C.I. are still on lockdown now do to over 200 [people] just on Unit 1 tested positive for this Omicron Virus. That's just Unit 1, Unit 2 as we understand is just about everyone, and also it is all over Units 3&4. So I guess it's just a matter of time when I get it again. But the good thing is I am totally Vaccinated, and had a booster. But with my heart condition and my age, I am a little worried about catching it…”

January 21, 2022

EHCC:

• “hey vote team. I just wanted to say hi and to let you know we had one test!positive for covid yesterday. so this dorm is on lock down. no leaving it. and I wanted to send the new post out to you. have a good day and be safe…’DATE: JANUARY 18, 2022 RE: COVID-19 UPDATES As promised, I am keeping you informed of the COVID-19 numbers. Status in the State: COVID-19 Those not fully vaccinated account for: New Cases: 29,125 65% of Cases from December 30th Jan 5th New Deaths: 58 66% of Deaths from December 30th Jan 5th COVID Patients in Hospitals: 2,183 73% of COVID Hospitalizations Total Cases:1,025,748 As you can see, vaccinations STILL greatly protect against severe illness and death. Total Deaths:15,195 COVID Patients on Ventilators: 142 Status in the Department: Asymptomatic Offenders: 775 Symptomatic Offenders: 68 Offender Hospitalizations: 1 Staff positives: 306 Status at EHCC: Asymptomatic Offenders: 22 Symptomatic Offenders: 2 Offender Hospitalizations: 0 Staff positives: 24 Employees and offenders may contact the Medical Infectious Disease Department (Toni Joseph or Victor Carney) to request a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, employees, volunteers, contract workers, etc. may call the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Vaccine Hotline at1-855-453-0774to schedule an appointment. The Office of Group Benefits (OGB) covers the costs of the vaccine. WHAT IS NEW? As predicted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), community transmission of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is now high in the United States. As you may know, genetic variations of viruses occur over time and can lead to the emergence of new variants that may have different characteristics. As the CDC and its public health partners sequence more SARS-CoV-2 genomes, they will improve their understanding of which variants are circulating in the US, how quickly variants emerge, and which variants are the most important to characterize and track in terms of health. At this stage of the pandemic, its important for us to continue our course to protect everyones health and safety, no matter how frustrating it is at times. Lets stay safe by wearing our face masks, keeping up with our unit and dorm integrity, washing our hands, covering our coughs and sneezes, and cleaning high-touch surfaces often. As you can see by our numbers, it is working for us. Be well’…”

January 13, 2022

DCI:

• “I test positive today for co-vid can you all please keep me and yall prayers thank you”

Raymond Laborde:

• “The vaccination results are in and in my dorm,195 [people] tested positive, and I am one of them. Like I stated in my last e-mail that these test may not be entirely accurate because several [people] on my tier have been sick with symptoms related to Covid and they tested negative. When we are tested again I will keep y'all posted as info comes in. I am still on the same tier, they only moved those who tested negative.”

January 12, 2022

Raymond Laborde:

• “On Jan.12(Tuesday), we were given a Covid test. They put a swab just inside of the immediate part of our nose, not up into our nasal cavity if you know what I mean. It takes about 30 minutes to get the test results, but with everyone getting tested, we won't know anything til about Thursday. I do not believe the test are very accurate because I blew my nose several times just before the test was administered. But like all test there will be false negatives and false positives. The facility isn't going to test everyone for a two out of three verification. When the test results come back, we will be moved around to different dorms like the like the last time in 2020. I will keep y'all posted as into comes in. If the guards and staff had been tested like they were suppose to, we would have never be in the position we are in now. Some people refuse the vaccination because not enough info is there for long term effects such as will it cause cancer in the future. Well if I might get cancer about 20 years from now, but the vaccination keeps me from dying today, I guess that's a chance I am willing to take. People get murdered every day and there is no way you can predict when that will happen, and there is no vaccination for this, but people keep on living there lives and doing whatever they need to do until it happens, whether you are vaccinate or not. I thank y'all for the many things that y'all continually do to make our time easier now and when we are released. What is this thing that is going on with President Biden and the voting laws?”

January 11, 2022

Angola:

• “Dear V.O.T.E. Family. As always, it is great to hear from you. I see that you guys have a lot going on witht he new building and all. I am so happy to hear about the new building. That shows expansion. And the redistricting is something to really stay on top of. You are so right about the detrimental effects it could have on families and prisoners. yes, this year is FULL of new energy and high hopes.:-) Just to inform you on a few things if you dont already know. As of yesterday, there are 10 dorms on quarantine in the Main Prison alone and 2 whole cell-block UNITS. it is getting worse. i dont know what it is in the out-camps but i do know that there are some on quarantine. you are aware that the whole prison is shut-down with no programming or outside guests or visits once again. the security staff is soooo short handed due to many of the employees being out due to Covid as well. One of the clubs called Re-Entry Chicken Shack that feeds the population and Security officers alike have volunteers that we call ‘the replacements’ to keep it operating with selling food. It is like a fast food joint. : The volunteers are out of Mag-2 dorm ONLY…”

January 10, 2022

Angola:

• “My Dearest Vote Members…At this writing our Dorm 3Lower is in isloation due the Virus. Mr. ______ ____ went on a Hospital Trip and returned with The Virus. We were all tested the day after his return and he was postive and moved to the Hospital. Now we are all on lockdown for safety measures and will be tested after 14 days before allowed to get back into population with he remander of the [incarcerated population]...”

January 7, 2022

EHCC:

• “​​​​…Below is the latest from @EHCC RE:COVID-19 UPDATES JANUARY 5, 2022 As promised, I am keeping you informed of the COVID-19 numbers and operational changes. Status in the State: COVID-19 Those not fully vaccinated account for: New Cases: 9,290 64% of Cases from December 16th 22nd New Deaths: 17 75% of Deaths from December 16th 22nd COVID Patients in Hospitals: 1,226 77% of COVID Hospitalizations Total Cases: 869,146 As you can see, vaccinations STILL greatly protect against severe illness and death. Total Deaths: 15,018 COVID Patients on Ventilators: 54 Status in the Department: Confirmed Offender Cases 24 Reported Staff Cases 192 % of Offenders Vaccinated 83% % of Employees Vaccinated 61% Status at EHCC: # of Cases % Vaccinated Employees 17 61% Offenders 4 78% Offenders may contact the Medical Infectious Disease Department (Toni Joseph or Victor Carney) to request a COVID-19 vaccine. WHAT IS NEW? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the potential for a rapid increase in infections of the new Omicron variant at the end of December. As you can see from the numbers above, we are starting to see an increase here in our state and in our facilities. In addition to our ongoing efforts to protect everyones health and safety which include cleaning and sanitizing, wearing face masks, surveillance testing and quarantine or medical isolation, etc., we are moving back into our most protective phase.What this means is that until further notice: Dorm integrity is reinstated. This means no mixing of dorms. Visitation is fully suspended. JPay visits remain available. The definition of fully vaccinated has changed to a two-dose series vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna)orone dose of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson) and completion of one booster dose. In-person attorney visits are suspended. Exceptional requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis by a Deputy Warden. Virtual visits remain available. Volunteer activity is suspended. In-person educational programs are suspended. Where possible, they can continue by correspondence only. Programs and other group activities are suspended. All other activities will be approved or denied on a case-by-case basis by a Deputy Warden. WHAT WE KNOW:Universal masking has proven to be an effective strategy to reduce the community spread of COVID-19. Vaccination significantly reduces one's chance of becoming critically ill or dying from COVID-19.The healthiest start to the New Year is to get boosted…”

January 6, 2022

Raymond Laborde:

• “QUARANTINE!! My entire dorm(8 tiers) is on quarantine. I am not sure which variant it is as of yet but will soon find out once everyone is tested. I have received both regular Pfizer vaccinations and the Pfizer booster shot as well. I will keep y'all posted as info becomes available.”

December 31, 2021

EHCC:

• “Hello! I am being housed at the EHCC facility. Everyday us [we] plead and beg for chemicals get told no!!! That they do not have any or that they aren't getting up to pass them out! Now on today 12/31/21 dorm (B) gets put on quarantine. and 3 guards are sent home positive with this new case! The other officer are now coming putting hand soap in dispense, offering chemicals to [us] and also [not] wearing their mask properly on their faces as they are acting as if we…passed this to them by their actions! My question is why now that they have brought this back into the facility are they trying to pretend they have been following doc policy the entire time. As this is not the first complaint I have made about this failing to serve the [incarcerated population] with correct chemicals to stay covid free! and about them not wearing their mask! getting in [our] faces screaming as the spit is spraying [us] in the face!! I have an ARP they just had me sign off on the day before they sent me my paperwork showing it was accepted! their is justice needed somewhere for us…that have nobody else to help thank you happy new years…”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “Just a short message to let you know that each dorm except Sunshine has covid again. All [d]orms are in quarantine and the sick have been placed in isolation. The Dr. is talking about mass testing. I do believe this will be at epidemic proportions again…”

December 28, 2021

DCI:

• “AS OF TODAY WE NOW HAVE ONE POSITIVE CASE ON UNIT-4 WHERE I LIVE AT DCI. WE ARE CURRENTLY ON QUARANTINE FOR 10 DAYS…”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “just locked summer (our dorm) down due to covid issues. keep us in prayer. many are sick and two officers tested positive last week…”

December 22, 2021

Angola:

• “HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO U THE VOTE FAM AND YOUR FAMILY!!!PLZ BE SAFE AND CAREFUL OUT THERE,CONSIDERING THAT THE SPREAD IS IN FULL EFFECT ONCE AGAIN…THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERNS AND ADVICE AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE STRUGGLES!!!!!LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FRM U AGAIN REAL SOON BUT UNTIL THEN HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!RESPECTFULLY,!!!!”

October 20, 2021

Angola:

• “Thank you for thinking about us. I have taken care of giving the information you sented me to the inmate counselor and four other about the voting needed and the people you wanted and we needed to have in office. I will always try my best.Things here are really bad. There has beeb another outbreak of the virus in Dorm 4 left and at Camp D.From what I have heard two [incarcerated people] at D Died.They claim from overdoses of Drugs, but people at the Hospital are saying from the Delta Virus. Then in Dorm 4left the one [person] who refuse the Viccaine has been in the Hospital on the Streets for the virus. I am praying for him and the Families of the two who died.Good news is that [people] are leaving. Most are from Orleans Parish. Two left yesterday and at least four more are expecting to leave...Thank you for caring and giving me and the Prisoner throughout Louisiana Hope. God Bless My Team and All It's Members. Amen! Thank you again…”

October 6, 2021

Angola:

• “Hello Vote Mission Team Members. I wasn't feeling to well, but God is Good and I am better. The Whole Camp was given their Booster Shot of Pizer this morning at 6:30. I was in the fist twentyfive [people] because I left he Dorm around 6:15. Their are still two unit at Camp D That are in isolation for the Covid Delta Virus. The Wadren have step up their actions to help the population as much as possible. Their still some fools refusing to the take the shot, but that's their problems. I am praying that God touches their heart and keep them here…”

September 27, 2021

Angola:

• “Greeting Brothers & Sisters: Thanks for the update. I will let everyone know about the new legislation concerning the voting rights of those that were convicted...the Delta Variant is slowing spreading throughout the prison. The following dorms are on lockdown in the main prison: (Hickory 1, 2, 3, and 4; Walnut 1; Oak 3; Cypress 2; and Spruce 1). The guys that tested positive have been transported to Camp J. I am not sure, but I think a guy passed away in Cypress 2 yesterday. I don't know if it's covid related though. One thing I know for a fact is that social distance is a joke now. The guys are just rolling with the flow. Just yesterday I was questioned about wearing my mask in the dorm. It's like people get offended if you are trying to take the neccessary precautions. When they questioned me I kind of expressed myself a little to harsh though. Sometimes you have to been rude to get your point accross. Are you guys aware of the movement concerning the End the Exception Clause in the 13th Amendment? I think that's a major thing. Slavery should have been done away with after the war. However, even after the victory, a way out was formed to continue the evil act. Be blessed my friends, brothers, and sisters.”

September 16, 2021

EHCC:

• “hello my fellow friends in solidarity, I am truly grateful for all encouragement...I am well praise God, throbbing, vibing, determined though not shut out. yes, [our] dorm is still on quarantine. we were nasal swabbed twice within two weeks. the [incarcerated person] allegedly tested positive for COVID-19 well he is already back in the same dorm as the rest of us. its funny how you think of something not being right. then when not understanding how neither is the system. the design seem to be as simple as the thought. when dealing with volumes of people, (well they call us offenders?) its like the expectations appear as if they all should drown, huh! now where is the justice in that, or should I distinctly say injustice! you guys be blessed…”

September 13, 2021

EHCC:

• “Hello, Glad that everyone is safe post hurricane Ida.At least for the most part.I watch the news and it tells us that it will be a month or so before all the power be restore.Its my prayers that Louisiana is not affected by Nicholas thats out there now,especially New Orleans.Mentally I feel that some still havent recovered from Katrina. Again,thanks for everything.I hope and pray that all the Vote Mission Possible Team and their families return soon because we need yall. Well before I end,I will give you an update on whats up in my unit at EHCC.Unit one is still on lock,meaning:everyone is confined to their own dorm and yard...Golf 2...are currently on quarantine.The staff here have tested everyone,which was good.Everyone recorded a negative so we are waiting to be tested for the second time this week…”

• “Good morning, VOTE, Not much happening here...Golf-2 is on quarantine still...placed on quarantine Saturday before last. We should either get off or be re-tested. I am not sure what protocol they are following at this time. A man tested positive for something. COVID, Delta variant, or MU, I am not sure which because on this unit, unlike unit two, when we were vaccinated, they never separated those who were vaccinated from those who elected not to be. It will pan out as time goes…”

September 1, 2021

EHCC:

• “Hello, Thanks for the update...Other news,we are still on lock due to the Covid rise in Louisiana.The wardens are taking the necessary precautions to keep us safe.There are not too much of any interaction with someone that lives in a different housing unit. Before I close I want to express my feelings and concerns to all those that were affected by Hurricane Ida @TeamVote.My prayers are with yall.Im truly sadden by what happened.I too,have family,friends and loveones that were devastated by the storm.I pray that God provides a way that everyone could return to their homes sooner rather than later.God bless yall and continue to do what yall do cause we need yall!...”

August 25, 2021

Angola:

• “Hello To All at Vote Admin, I must wanted to give another update to you. First, nothing else so far has been done or said of the fire. Remember through all this we've been in quarantine. Well, we went on quarantine at 12 : 01 midnight of Sunday the 8th because they had took one guy out that was very ill. We done 14 days with security not medical staff coming through once in a while checking our temperatures. And at 12 : 01 midnight of Sunday the 22 we were suppose to come off quarantine. Monday the 23 they came and told us that we had to stay on quarantine another 14 days until we passed 2 covid tests. During the first 14 days they never tested anyone in this dorm for covid. Well, on Monday the 23 they also said that medical didn't even know we were even on quarantine we they called medical to see if were cleared to come off. So, no one supposedly knows who put us on quarantine in the first place and therefore is why medical said since we were on quarantine and never got tested the first 14 days we must be tested and pass 2 tests with all negatives for covid. Today the 24 they finally came and tested this dorm around 5 PM...I had wrote an ARP on the education dept. here cause 2 weeks before we went on quarantine I fell sick with a cold and sinus issues and because I was sick I didn't go to work, I am or was a tutor here, and the edu. rule is if were sick done go. So, Monday night of the 23 the same day we went on quarantine I received in the mail a classification letter saying they changed my job. Well last night the legal programs here wrote me and said that the warden has accepted my ARP and will resolve the issue within 40 days. I know, there is a lot going on in my life right now that Satan is trying hard to get to me, but I rebuke him and am hopeful. Thank You All for All of y'all support. I will be Praying for You All Daily. And, will do everything I can to push for a change for the better with the Laws and All of Life.May God Bless Each and Every One of You…”

EHCC:

• “Team Possible...I pray all is well and that the struggle coontinues. Las tletter to you guys I had good news and I want to thank you for all your hard workin making this possible for me and many others. things are a bit crazy in here of course you probbaly already know that all visitation has been susupended until 10/1/21. we are seperated and attending functions only with the ppl in your unit. Covid is here in different areas, Hunt's trying to find a way to combat this btu becuz of a shortage in man power they are limited as to wwhat they can do. For instance a fellow in my dorm tested positive he was removed the days following a few more tested postive and they to were removed. The next step was to get all of the unvaccinated ppl out of the unit and placed in seperate area. So that left all of us who are vaccinated in the dorm and on 14 days quaranttine whiuich was a good precaution. Well a few of the unvaccinated guys that were removed testted posittive went into quarantine somewhere else and stayed the prescibed days after it was over they were placed back in thte dorm with the vaccinated ppl. Which does not make sense to me, when some of the ppl who have been vaccinated are still conttracting the virus. Now be mindful the first group of unvaccinated [people] are seperated like they are the ones spreading the virus. Right now it look like we will be stuck in this phase for a minute. I know ther are many typos in here but this kiosk is sensitive and it does its own thing so pplease bear with me my typing is not that bad. I understand that this is a pandemic and I realize ppl are learning as they go, so it is important for me to do my own sanitizing and try to stay clean as best I can…”

August 24, 2021

EHCC:

• “Hi vote mission team. yes I know its been a few weeks now and I should have wrote back sooner. studying HVAC and legal work. also sandbagging when told to do so. everyone got the email from warden guerin stating that 6 officers and 42 [incarcerated people] signed to take the vaccine. and there was 12 positive covid case in hunts. I believe their was more and no systems. they are looking it to the booster shots now. school is by dorms only. we can't go together no more. and they are making the ones that go to school sandbagging before school and most are not going to school. the officers that come in the dorm keeps saying there's no school. and we are on callout for school. they are playing games…”

August 21, 2021

DCI:

• “LOOK DCI HAS BEEN DOING SOME UNDER THE TABLE SHIT,,, IT SEEMS LIKE THEY TRYING TO GET EVERYBODY ON RECORD AS EITHER HAVING IT ALREADY OR IS VACCINATED ,, FOR INSTINT ,, THEY'LL COME GET 30+ PEOPLE AND SAY THEY CAME BACK POSITIVE BUT THEY MOVE THEM AND SOME HOW THEY CLAIM 100% IS ASYMPTIONMATIC AND PUT THEM BACK WITH US IN ROUGHLY 8 DAYS ,CLAIMING SINCE NO SYMPTIONS THAT THEY ARNT CONTAGIOS,, YOU CAN TELL THE VIBE OF THE RANKING OFFICALS WHILE ALL THESE TESTING IS GOING ON ,, AS IF THEY WAS TOLD TO DO SOMETHING THEY DONT AGREE WITH OR UNDERSTAND ,, BUT WHAT IS THE ODDS THAT THEY DONE MOVED 60+ PEOPLE SAYING THEY WAS POSITIVE BUT NOT ONE SHOWED ANY SYMPTIONS YET,,I PROMISE YOU IF YALL GET A INDEPENDENT TESTER THEY'LL TELL PEOPLE DIFFERENT ,, BUT ITS REAL FISHY ,,,ALSO OVER HEARD SOME GAURDS TALKING AND THE SUBJECT WAS ,,WHEN WAS THEY GOING TO GET AROUND TO TESTING THE WORKERS,,,THANK YALL FOR BEING THERE FOR US ,,, LATE INFORMATION ,, I'M TOLD THAT WHEN THEY MOVING US FOR THESE SO CALLED POSITIVE TEST ,, BUT ON PAPERWORK THEY PUTTING IT DOWN AS THEY WAS MOVED SOMETHING ABOUT REASONS OF FLOODING ,, MIGHT BE ANOTHER WAY TO GET MONEY ,,,”

August 16, 2021

EHCC:

• “Hello my V.O.T.E family. At 7:38.a.m Monday August 16,2021 today, they just quarantined...Fox 6 due to an unvaccinated [person] who is mixed in, and lives in the dorm with us tested positive for the Corona Virus. This is crazy, because the administration here at Elayn Hunts have not been telling the truth about anything. They are constantly exposing me to extremely unsafe conditions. They say all of their staff is vaccinated, but that a lie I can prove it, I have documentation. These staff members do not wear any mask, and are constantly around us, causing unsafe, and unhealthy conditions. People who are vaccinated, and the non vaccinated are being mixed together, and forced to live together, again causing unsafe conditions. I know for sure my rights are being violated. They are exposing us to an unforgivable virus, and I know they are in violation of so many rules, and the unsanitary practices. I was sentenced to serve a prison sentence, with a certain number of years, I have a release date. The Administration here at Elayn Hunts are changing that, and basically sentencing me death, by exposing me to these extremely unsafe conditions. This is cruel, and unusual punishment. Now I know that the administration will lie, and say it again that we are safe here, I live here, we are not safe, and people have the corona virus, and people are dying from the corona virus here at Elayn Hunts, and now the Corona Virus is in my face, and in my dorm...I thought y'all needed to know what is going on here…”

August 13, 2021

Angola:

• “Yes, there is a lot happening. The dorm I'm in...at camp D has been under quarantine since this past Sunday night and this morning they said we would be for at least another 9 days. They have only taken 1 guy out that was very sick, but they have not tested this dorm either and don't think they are. The fire was across from us...I was up writing an ARP on the Edu. Dept. and where I was sitting I started smelling the smoke and fumes off the fire Which was approximately 1:10 AM. So, when I looked up the fire in the hobbyshop had a huge blaze. It took their fire Dept. over 30 min. to get here. They were pulling people out of the other dorms. Then after a bunch of us were banging on the door about 25-30 minutes after it started they pulled us out. When we got on the walk outside the dorm we could feel the massive heat from it. Well, we all stated down the walk pass the fire when colonel Franklin told us all to get back in the dorm being that we were the quarantine dorm. Even the security running us out the dorm don't know why he put us back in. More than 45 min. of being in the dorm they finally removed us as at the time the fire Dept. had the fire almost out. They then put us outside...because we were the quarantine dorm and everyone else in air conditioned Bldgs. The Emt's finally showed up and a few of us made sick call. Then they put us back in the dorm around 3:30 AM. We could still smell the fumes and smoke in this dorm. As for the guys here and the laws it's basically the same as what you told me in you email to me. But, if I hear something different I'll let you know. Than you for responding. It's nice to have support out their. It is most appreciated.”

August 10, 2021

EHCC:

• “Hello to my V.O.T.E family. Thank y'all for all the encouragement, support...I put a sick call in almost everyday, I just takes to the woman again this morning, and still nothing from them. I have been encouraging my brothers to get the vaccine, and 9 of the brothers I have spoken to have now gotten the first round of the vaccine, success on their part as well as mine, that's a great big step. The new warden over here at Elayn Hunt has sent us all emails talking about how Hunts has no new cases of the corona virus bla, bla,bla, and that we are the only successful facility in the state as far as lowest cases. That's just an outright, boldface lie, because in Fox 4 they had 3 new case, and also in Golf 3 there was a couple people who tested positive. Now if there was no new cases in these dorms I mentioned then why was Golf 3 quarantined?? Now Fox 4 has been quarantined again, because of new cases. There are actually 2 men on the ventilator due to the virus. These people who are in charge of our overall health, and our lives are constantly lying to the general public, and giving out false news about all of this, they are covering up what's really going on here. As for me I am not feeling any better, nor seeing any improvement with my health. Thank y'all for standing up for me.”

August 9, 2021

Angola:

• “dear vote team,I appreciate for you all for considering us as family. also,I like to thank y'all for believing in me for not me just thinking about my self but others as well.not only that,it was a must that I take the shots because I suffer from high blood.people with precondition illness we become easy targets for us to contract the virus.I try my best to practest safety from catc thing that virus.evey time.also I spread the word for others to do the same. every time I watch news,that virus has really spreaded. ‘like you said,' it's worser than the first virus’.I really believe that the team is doing a positive thing for starting a vaccine campaign.it need people like you all to encourage the people to take the shots.when they do its not only saving their lives but ot hers also.the virus is really spreading.it then made its way up here and its not bad yet.the way things are going with that virus,its about to get bad.so I wear my mask,wash my hands,and no such thing as in social distance in prison, under the way the prison is designed I'll try.thank you all in advance for...the knowledge y'all are sharing with me.”

DCI:

• “EMERGENCY PLEASE READ/EMERGENCY REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE I AM WRITING THIS AS A LEADER FOR ALL [incarcerated individuals] AT DCI. IN THE PAST 3 WEEKS 100+ [people] HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID. MULTIPLE [people] ARE EITHER IN THE INFIRMARY OR ON THE STRETS ON VENTILATORS. THE REASONS THIS VIRUS IS SPREADING IS DUE TO OFFICERS REFUSING TO WEAR MASK. OFFICERS COMING TO WORK SICK AND NOT BEING SENT HOME, LACK OF CLEANING SUPPLIES AND SOAP, AND AS A RESULT OF PRISON OFFICALS NOT FOLLOWING CDC QUARANTINE GUIDELINES AND BY ALLOWING [incarcerated people] FROM DIFFERENT COMPOUNDS TO BE IN THE SAME AREA TOGETHER AT ONCE. AS I AM WRITING THIS OFFICERS ON THE DORM JUST ANNOUNCED THAT ALL SQUAD 2 FIELD WORKERS HAVE TO REPORT TO THE WORK GATE AT 1:00 PM. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BE ON QUARANTINE IF WE ARE BEING FORCED TO GO TO WORK? HOW MUCH LONGER WILL DCI PRISON OFFICALS BE ALLOWED TO ENDANGER THE LIVES OF [incarcerated people] AT DCI BEFORE SOMEBODY STEPS IN TO PIT A STOP TO THIS MADNESS ANMD HELPS US. I HAVE SIX MONTHS BEFORE I GO HOME AND I AN NOT TRYING TO DIE OF COVID. IN DIRE NEED OF HELP…”

August 8, 2021

David Wade:

• “...we wearing mask but social distance is impossible in here period,we don't even sleep,eat ,or generally do anything 3ft apart. they just put us on quarantine today, [someone] had diarrhea and no other symptoms. its being said that the officer that worked yesterday cadet Stanley had covid.the administration has been giving [incarcerated people] trouble about the vaccine although were like at 90% beyond heard immunity, while a lot of the officers refuse to take vaccine period.specifically cadet Stanley.were even forced to wear mask in the dorm except actually being in the bed while the mask enforcement for security is loosely enforce.”

August 7, 2021

DCI:

• “Hey MP Team...I wanted to update ya'll on the violence here at D.C.I. and the virus. Last week an [incarcerated person] on Unit 1 beat another [person] in the head with a claw hammer, busting his jaw knocking out teeth and also cracked his skull in several places. Also we've had numerous other violent things happening, stabbings, aggrivated fights, all kinds of things. It's really getting bad here. This guy was up for three days on meth. is what his buddies are saying. Drugs are rampant here. As for the virus both units are now on basic lockdown, dorms seperated from each other on the yard by fences. The gym and chapel are full of quarentined [individuals]. Some of us can still go to work from dorms A & B, C&D. I agree tho that everyone should get the vaccine and wearing of a mask should be manditory for everyone even kids. If you don't get the vaccine you should lose your job…”

EHCC:

• “It's challenging enduring being confined and two feet apart from one another. As I've mention before our facility haven't giving me a proper fitting mask or hand sanitizing to help our conditions. Everyone is touching the ice scoops and their keep in dirty zip lock bags that haven't been change all year. Scabies is still a big issue...and their still general cleaning with just water. In the kitchen the food is being served on wet trays that's stopping me from going to chow, because know one is speaking up on the neglecting that's taken place in our facility. Allot of medical issues is still being neglected, because their still placing sick inmates in our dorm for other [incarcerated people] to help take care of their personal care. I'm at my breaking point with being incarcerated, and praying to God for comfort and peace to keep focus towards my expected end with my life. Sometimes the empty ness try to rob me of my joy, but I've learn to allow God to guide my path throughout the day. I pray to die daily with my own understanding and be guided by the Holly Spirit to seek God will with my life. The daily battle starts the minute I a wake until I go to sleep trying to be rob out of my joy, peace, humbleness, and love. All my circumstances I've endure these past seven plus years I'm praying to come to an inn. I yarn to be with my family once again, and I'm praying daily to God for comfort and be guided...”

August 2, 2021

Angola:

• “Hello to all whom are involved...Since the virus started it's been constant confusion. Most of the double bunks have been cut down and they removed about 29 people out of the dorms. There are still 68 people in the dorms that the beds have been cut down. However, even though they cut the beds down and moved people out. We live next to one another even closer. Where before the beds got cut down we slept nearly 4 feet apart, but since they cut them down we now sleep less than 3 feet apart. So there can be no social distancing sleeping that close to each other. Here some refuse to be vaccinated. Therefore, what they are saying and doing is if your not vaccinated you can't go to school, work, church, and etc.. And if you are vaccinated you must go to these places as required. Here is the thing though, we can live in the same dorms and sit next to one another watching T V, go to chow/ dining hall together, shower, and go on the yard together. What is the difference of any of us going to these other places I mentioned first as compared to the last places I mentioned ??? It's a double standard isn't it. It's as if they are saying, if you've been vaccinated were punishing you because you have to work and if your not vaccinated you can't. But, you all can live in the dorms together. They have never set up any sanitation stations like they were suppose to. They stopped the air purifying after only doing it a few times in the beginning. Our bedding still comes back dirtier than when we sent it out. During these heat advisories they still leave the lights on most of the time, depending on what shift is working. I'm told several security officials have recently got the virus. They have not even done much covid testing. Nearly everyone here was tested the first time not everyone. So the question is did Angola really overcome the virus in the first place ??? Maybe and if so the only way again that it can co!e in is through security. There are dorms here already on quarantine. I thought I would fill you in and hope you find it useful. May God Bless You All !!!”

July 30, 2021

David Wade:

• “Hello, How are you doing today? As of Wednesday we all were released out the cells and off of quarantine (Thanx God). Thanks for your words of encouragement every uplifting word count…”

EHCC:

• “​​Hi Team...The situation is changing rapidly here. We're basically back to where we were in March/April. The facility is on lockdown. Each dorm gets yard calls at specific times (that DO NOT coincide the dorm directly next to it, so as to prevent residents from communicating at adjoining fences.) The education building has devised a schedule that will allow for all students and tutors to come to school for 1.5 hours a day, but its only by dorm. (e.g. Fox 3 tutors and students will attend school from 7am - 845am, Mon-Thu). The chapel has resurrected its pandemic schedule and is allowing each dorm time for worship services, etc. We have been told that the mental health department will continue programming but will do so on a ‘one dorm at a time’ basis as well. Each dorm has also been assigned a specific day to use the hobby shop. All Fox 3 kitchen workers have been moved to Fox 5. There are rumors of mass testing taking place, but we have seen no evidence of it as of date. The biggest concern right now is the heat! It is unbelievable right now. Before this recent lockdown the main doors would remain open and allow for breezes, however the doors are currently closed to keep people from roaming in and out. I believe that is all for now…”

• “Hi Vote team i do hope everyone is in good health and doing well, taken care of them self from getting covid, be carefull out there. i like to say they stop visits here at hunts, for now , and we are back to the quarintine style of living again, some dorms are going to the kitchen and some not...none of us are allow out the dorm, they did move 17 to tthe D-2 callout building thats the one that never took the vaccain and then there was 6 that failed the covid swab test and they went to the beavers to be quarintine, i know they are in a heat wave in the beavers, thats the hottest place to live, all school has stoped and they are going to be some programs that well go on, but by dorms, like chuch it well be by dorms, we well get yard calls 2 to 3 times a day, on a rotation bases…”

• “It's been hectic on the facility, and the Delta variant has hit our facility to place us on lockdown until Aug.16. D.O.C.will be evaluating things and the condition the Delta variant takes place on us...This situation will be a challenge, because their still some [incarcerated people] that haven't been vaccinated, and the staff is place [incarcerated people] from all over the compound in other dorms that maybe sick with the coughing, and know proper mask given to us [incarcerated people]. My faith will protect me from this outbreak once again, and I'm praying that you all pull through safe with your families also. I'm glad that you all care to keep me updated, and help me to stay focus on my goals to achieve once in the free world.It means allot, and much love to you all Vote Team.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Dear VOTE Team, It is always encouraging to hear from you...There have been a couple of issues here with the covid restrictions. Yes, they have shut down visiting, education, self-help classes, pre-release, law library and church. However, they still have us going in the field. To me this is the simplest form slavery in its essence. Slaves could not be educated. Matter of fact, if someone was caught teaching a slave to read, they could get punished by law. So, if you shut down all educational call-outs, why are people still going in the field? On Tuesday, when Cajun 2 was suppose to go in the field, this unit did not go in the field, and Cajun 3 went...On this morning, testing ws conducted to all individuals who have not been vaccinated. To my knowledge, no one got their test results back, but this morning they called work call for the field. So, a reasonable minded person would have to conclude that all that was tested on Tuesday is negative, and if that is the case, why is everything still shut down. I'm speaking about the education building, where not just school is be conducted, but where the law library is. I personally go to the law library as much as they honor my requests, because I have a court date in October, and when I am preparing for court, I really dig deep in my research. Also, the education building house pre-release. To be fair, they have issued a memo about law request(s) being handle through inmate counselors, as it was done during the pandemic. However, I said that personally I research my case and situation, that can not be done via third party. The question remains, why is this instituation conducting field work when the compound is quote unquote shut down for precationary measures. When things are shut down, essential workers only was working, there is nothing essential about cutting grass with a field tool. Many of the field workers wanted to stage a ‘buck’...I explained to the people, that they needed to let their family and friends know what was going on, and allow them to be your voice about what is affecting you as an individual. I understand there is strength in numbers, but in these situations prisoners normaly do not stand together to the bitter end. So, this is a problem the men are facing here, I have no idea what you can do as an organization to help. When some people was trying to rally the troops, so to speak, they was rying to make this about race, and only after I listen to too much foolishness then I spoke, and I explained to them, this isn't about white and black, because white people and black people die from covid. It's about right and wrong, and it is wrong to shut down all educational, self help classes, legal preparations, and moral rehabilitation, and have us go in the field when we are suppose to be shut down. Thank you for your time and any assistance you can provide for the individuals here at RLCC…”

July 29, 2021

EHCC:

• “​​Update @EHCC...around 9am today Thursday, July 29, 2021 they've closed the yard and made everyone go into their living quarters (dorm). We're on lockdown...Once again, they're doing anything to us without any reasons or informing us to what's next. This beginning to be very stressful. Not knowing! Plus these dorms are feeling like an hot box. This incarceration has brought my consciousness awareness to anew understanding what some of the conditions the slaves suffer upon the Mayflower. Prison officials have now posted an yard timeline and gym schedules for each dorm. But still haven't enlighten us to what's going or the why of isolation. Each dorm is being kept separated/isolated from mingling. Even though, many of us has been vaccinated. All rehabilitation, self help, and educational programs has been stopped. And no one has stated why. . Were not receiving any information, guidance or what's require of us from prison officials. No official COVID19 tests has been administered...Golf3 was the only dorm tested for COVID19 in Unit2. What's next?...”

• “Hello VOTE Team: I'm not sure if you've been made aware or not, but EHCC has been placed back on lockdown as of 7/28/21 @ 9am. Last Friday one of the trustee dorms (Golf 3) was separated by vaccination record. Non-vaccinated residents of Golf 3 were moved to the D2 Call-out Bldg at EHCC and vaccinated residents were allowed to stay in the dorm. On Wednesday, the remaining residents of Golf 3 were placed on quarantine. On 7/23/21 vaccinations became mandatory for anyone visiting a state facility. On 7/26/21 all visits were canceled until Aug. 16th. And only vaccinated [incarcerated people] would be allowed in the education building, gymnasium, and chapel. Now, the entire compound has been placed on lockdown. We've not received any communication regarding the duration. The new warden (Warden Guerin) has been regularly communicating with the population via JPay…”

RLCC:

• “Governor John Bel Edwards stated that all government employees were to get the vaccination.Does this include state and D.O.C. employees also?Because 6 guards have tested positive for Covid 19(Delta),and a few administrative workers also.THe guards and administration are refusing to get the vaccination and puting the [incarcerated people] at this facility at risk(atleast those [incarcerated people] who also refuse to get vaccinated).But we who have been vaccinated are still at risk just not as much as those who have not. The problem with forcing the guards to be vaccinated is that if they refuse;who will they get to run the facility? Any help with info that pertains to this matter is very much appreciated!!”

July 27, 2021

David Wade:

• “I'm housed at David Wade and me and several other [incarcerated people] or being given an alternative to either take the covid vaccine or be placed in the cellblocks in punitive conditions.at the moment its only about 40-50 on the entire compound that haven't been vaccinated.we were given until Friday to decide. a lot of [people] are literally afraid to take it for whatever reasons and most can't articulate themselves enough to deal with administration and security.no one knows exactly what to do or if anything can be done...”

• “Hello, how are you? Good afternoon. First, I want to apologize for not bring this up sooner but I've been on quarantine along with twelve others. Quarantine here at David Wade practically consist of two currently incarcerated person (CIP) in a hot, non-ventilated cell. One of the correctional officers who worked our dorm was showing COVID related symptoms and rather placing everyone, including his coworkers, who were also exposed. Only our dormitory was placed on quarantine. On the second day of this mass quarantine COVID tests were given and the 13 [incarcerated people] who are not vaccinated out of the 70 plus, myself included, have been placed in two man cells. All who tested came back negative. D.W.C.C has been illegally mass quarantining guys a practice known as ‘cohorting’ -- Gayle v. Meade USDC A judge ruled that social distancing in Department of Corrections is impossible because of sleeping, toilet, and shower arrangements are to tight to permit it...I'm currently quarantining in N-1...There are guys who are on hunger strike although I'm not sure if it's being documented as the staff sometime conveniently do so after six days defeat suggested they come off...David Wade has a reputation for being vindictive and self-servant, nonetheless…”

DCI:

• “Hey Team, Just wanted to write and thank you for the message. I too think that the Clerk of Courts is very important. This coming election is very important to everyone. Everyone in that parish that is. And I also wanted to let ya'll know that as of today D.C.I. has 40 positive [incarcerated people] and it's only going higher. They are in quarentine in the gym. Also they are moving all of UNIT 2 DORM 12 to the chapel and all of cell block B to Dorm 12. A lot of moving going on right now. As you know all visits are cancelled untill Aug. 16th. This new strain is bad!!! But what I can't understand is the rank around here. They are telling us they want to keep the staff and the [incarcerated people] safe from all this covid, but they wont make security wear a mask or get vaccinated. They are saying it's a ‘personal choice.’ But they are the ones spreading the virus. We had another female Sgt. leave today because she was so sick with it, but she refused to wear a mask. How can we make them wear their mask? Can someone contact D.O.C. Headquarters and voice a complaint to them about this? If I had someone on the streets I would get them to do it. This is constantly puting our lives in danger. Well that's all I have for now. Thank you again for all ya'lls information…”

EHCC:

• “Just a quick update: DOC has canceled all visits until August 16, 2021. We were just informed this evening.”

July 26, 2021

Angola:

• “​​Good Afternoon V.O.T.E. Family! I wanted to take this time out to update you on the latest on the inside with the surge of this covid. As of this past Friday all visitors have to show proof of their vaccinations in order to visit their loved ones. Now it is said that possibly visiting will be stopped temporarily. The Educational Department in the Ed. Bldg (school) was closed until further notice as well. So no school except for the few that was taking their HiSet(G.E.D) test today and tomorrow. All of the church services are back separated to East Yard and West Yard in the chapels and outside guests have been cancelled again. The call-outs (meetings/self help progranpms) in the Education building are cancelled. A meeting was to take place with the Wardens and Governor Edwards to see what type of guidance will be given for the prisons. We are suspecting a phase II again. Masks are not fully mandated YET but strongly encouraged. Special stipulations have been placed on the ReEntry guys today. If they are not vaccinated then they were told to NOT come back to their vocations school (trades) until they are vaccinated. That sucks becuz their is NO vaccines here on the farm and the guys will have to wait until the prison get some. I'm quite sure that is NOT on the administration's priority list. Theses guys ( mentees) are a part of a court ordered program to get a trade before they are released. So that is a big hindrance to the mentees. Also, I see it the other way too, they had an opportunity to take the shots and rejected it. So this is some of the consequences that comes with their decisions. I find it funny that with all of the adjustments for the surge with Covid like shutting the school down and other beneficial things, the work compound hasn't been affecting at ALL. It is no separation of yards or any of that. WHY? Becuz it is Prison Enterprises and that is BIG money to be made with the [incarcerated peoples’] labor. Can't mess with that! They cram into the little area called ‘bullpen’ to check in and out for work every morning like sardines OR a herd of cows and the same coming back in. Over 1100 [incarcerated people] packed in a area big enough for a hundred or so. But that doesn't matter. Partner me for that venting.:-) It kills me to see such hypocrisy and even worse some of the fellas are blind to it. Anyway, the information on the importance of voting is very educational…”

July 23, 2021

EHCC:

• “Greetings VOTE Fam...They've restarted anew level of quarantine, by moving some of the trustees whom haven't been vaccinated into an living quarters of they own. Its the Call Out Building in Unit2. If someone in the other dorms become sick with covid (according to twitter) they'll move him to an Unit3 living quarters, the cellblocks and they would supposedly quarantine the tier or dorm of that person living quarter(s) until the tests confirm the others covid status. Prison officials has finally updated their communication skills now by being able to sending emails directly from administration to population. Today Friday, July 23, 2021, this is the same time in the log book @5:50pm on Fox5, B-tier, _______ had stop breathing, the dorm Sgt. Robinson by telephone notified Major Steves and Lieutenant Randall. The camera system in the dorm and on the walk will show once again prisoners is the ambulance at EHCC. Because Major Steves and Lieutenant Randall was meant on the walk with the prisoner ______ being pushed in a wheel chair to obtain medical treatment. Not obtaining much needed medical treatment. Because the ambulance once again did not come to stop or alter this prisoner from an quick death. CPR/AED was not administer to this prisoner because no one medically qualified was not available in his living quarters to administer it. CPR/AED is not an self help class taught here at EHCC. This prisoner died because the lack of adequate and timely medical care...They've inform us that if our visitors must show they've been vaccinated to have contact visit. If they have not been vaccinated, they will be allowed to have non contact visit. We all must also wear masks. I've had the vaccination but no one in my immediately family have not been vaccinated. They don't want the vaccinations...Until we meet again…”

July 21, 2021

Angola:

• “...Well, we may be going backward in the next week or two. In order to keep the new variant out of the prison we may go back to phase 1 or 2. If it happens, I will let you guys know. In addition, I will let you all know what's being done to prevent the spread. We are already back on mandatory mask at my work area. We are also doing temperture checks again. So, right now they are being cautious. Keep me in your prayers because a new wave may hit us. Be blessed!!!!”

July 19, 2021

Angola:

• “Hello Vote Team and all its members.Sorry again for the delay in answering. Things here are not getting better. Dorm 4 Right has been quarantined for possible Delta Virus. The whole unit was tested and one [incarcerated person] was taken to the hospital for high fever.Until the test results are returned the entire Unit is close off from the reminder of the camp.I am praying for those [people] inside the unit.I am happy to note that your phone number and instructions has been passed around by the [incarcerated] counselor for me of the camp. I asked because I haven't been going out much and refuse to go near Dorm4 right.But We know that God is Good All The Time and His Will Is that We are all protected against the Virus. Only we need to Pray and seek the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father and His Holy Son Jesus for all our sins and the world troubles. I am getting the information out as fast as I can under the circumstances. Just know that I am working will the Team and will continue to keep you posted on the situation inside this Camp.Give all The Members my Prayers and Know That I pray for they and will Keep them in my Heart at all times. Keep us in the teams prayers and Know That I will always follow your and the Teams instructions. God Bless The Whole Vote Teams and it's Members. God Keep and Bless the Teams. Amen.”

April 25, 2021

Angola:

• “Vote: I apologize for the delay in responding, I was immersed in total body-ache after taking the lead on helping these guys file close to 1700 writ applications either Non-unanimous Jury Verdict overflow which PJI could not handle or pleadings which detailed the unconstitutionailty of the jury instruction permitting the non-unanimous jury verdict. So, in the midst of being several people at once (writ-writer; notification giver, one-on-one consultant going from cell to cell, dorm to dorm, bed to bed, then again from cell to sell to pass out the pleadings, make certain that they filled out all the answers properly and to the best of their ability and signed them; then accompanying the Classification Officer from cell to cell to get their documents notarized and mailed, and finally, helping classification sort and box everything which needed to be mailed and making certain that all the guys got their proof of mailing.) I ached, brain ached, and body ached! I just pray that we are all blessed to get a favorable outcome. As odd as it may seem, I finished my own personal writ dead-last. The classification was leaving at about 4P.M., my pleading was signed and submitted for mailing at about 3:38P.M. I was so focused on everyone else, forgot to include my own exhibits, I found out the last influx of people we had were those whose family called PJI to find out the status of their cases, and if they said they could not do the brief in time, they referred them to me by name. So, in the midst of doing all of the above, that is why this reply is somewhat tardy. I have a humble request to make of you. Please keep me updated on the criminal bills, as there is so much misunderstood information which we get 2nd hand, i would appreciate a direct source of accurate progress of criminal bill affecting us. I pray that everyone at VOTE is well, and I personally thank all of You for doing God's work!”

April 21, 2021

DCI:

• “EMERGENCY BREAKING NEWS AT DCI DEAR VOTE, I AM SADDENED TO ANNOUNNCE THAT EARLY THIS MORNING...DONALD... AT DCI DIED IN THE INFIRMARY AS A RESULT OF MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE AND POSSIBLY FROM GETTING THE VACCINE. IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT IS REFUSING [incarcerated people] (MYSELF INCLUDED) THE COVID VACCINE, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE REPEATEDLY REQUESTED THE VACCINE. [He] WE BE MISSED NY EVERY [person] AT DCI. I JUST THOUGHT YIU SHOULD BE UPDATED ON WHAT IS GOING ON. IN SOLIDARITY…”

JCCY/LCIW:

• “hey Vote, i just received my first vaccine. Phizer. if anything happens this is because of the vaccine. i am a little paranoid.”

March 11, 2021

Angola:

• “So my friend I need to understand something John Bel Edwards said Do Not move anyone or put people to close to each other now they cut down the bunks . Which is a Goodthing but ,Now instead of being 3' feet apart now our heads are 6'' apart. I understand that I was given a life sentence for my crime that didn't do. But the didn't say I was going to die from something I could not control. What do I mean well if I was free which I am not I could keep my self safe and out of harms way. How do I or anyone stay safe inside the prison if we stand in line for chow and are inches from one another. And then we go to work, we are with in inches apart also. I know that we have to do what the FREE people say to do, But I want to live. Just like the others that are inside here with me are trying to stay live too. But it's very hard when we as a whole can not get any type Social Distance between us in NO fashion. I would love to do what Mr. Edward has told us to do,but here in this place they don't do what he has asked. We all get moved from dorm to dorm, and yard to yard spreading this Deadly Virus. And it seems like these people here don't care what the outside World say. I'm not saying they are stupid or anything but these people here have to much power and don't know ‘Who the BOSS is'. What do I mean by this, simply to many Indians and NOT enough Cowboys. Look the bottom line is this how do we live in here NOT knowing that if we've been exposed to this Cov-19?? I mean we have not been TESTED yet. And the only was to be tested is if the doctor has you go outside the gates of this prison. Yes that true. I have been locked down now for 8 1/2 and to this day could not tell you if I was positive or NOT! Why because again NO ONE had been TESTED HERE. There are 16 dorms and only 2 has been tested on this (1) yard that I know of but the rest has NOT be TESTED. Now on the other side of the yard is 16 dorms as well and only know of (1) dorm tested but one else has been TESTED. What I'm try to say in a whole is it FAIR for us not to get tested because we are inmates? Or is it just that the people watching over us Don't Care? I'm not sure But unlike so many of us would like to know and I believe we all would like to know if we have this Deadly Virus. Why NOT TESTED US ALL is it because this prison could be shut down because to many of us have this Deadly Virus? I WANT TO BE TESTED I HAVE RIGHTS TO LIVE!!! Make them TESTED US ALL................. Thank You for listing but see if someone out there can make them here test us for real I want to know..........”

March 6, 2021

Angola:

• “Greetings, I am hoping and praying that this finds everyone fine and in the very best of health. I'm good on my end. Well, at this times dorms that were on restrictions are off now. Hopefully, things stay that way. They are telling us that there will be a rodeo this May, and that visitation will be held soon. However, they say we must be vaccinated before we can attend either. At the same time there are guards here that have yet to be vacinated that we are around on a daily basis. To be honest, prisoners have a weird way of thinking. There are guys that know the vaccine is a great thing for not only us, but for everyone out there. Then, there are guys that think the government is always out to get them. As a result, they refuse to take the vaccine. I don't think anyone will be able to change their way of thinking. Today, I conducted a memorial service for all the guys that we have lost in the last three months due to poor decision making. I told the guys that it would be an open mic setting and they were free to express themselves as they wished. It turned out okay. The message was for everyone to stay positive and make wise decisions on a daily basis because things are changing for us. Have you guys heard anything about (U.S. v. Edwards 10-2) yet? Everyone here is starting to spread false information. They even had me call my mom about it. Can you guys please inform me as soon as possible concerning that? Meanwhile, I ask that you put that in prayer for everyone because it helps so many people. Well fam, I appreciate you guys in a major way. Thanks for your time and committment.”

March 5, 2021

Angola:

• “Hello Vote Members, sorry to be the bear of bad news, but ____ ____  has been transfered down the walk to another unit where they are allowed to have oxengen tanks next to their beds for breathing purposes. Good is Good In That Way. I believe he will be better off, because he will assigned a CPR worker to remain by his side. Things here are about the same. The only difference is that more [incarcerated people] are being vaccined and everyone is getting the two shots. they are spaced about 21 days aparts. So Know That The Warden's are doing the best under the circumstances. But God Will Shall Be Done and We as People will come through this Virus. The only thing we need is Faith in Our Saviors. Thank you for caring, but know that I still maintain spreading the word of vote and the need to take the Shot of Vaccines. I am constantly praying that God Will continue to provide the nesscery amount of vacinnes needed. I will stay in touch if and when I get out, so that I will continue to apart of the Vote Team. Thank you For Caring Giving mY Blessing all Members of The Team. Tell everyone to continue to be blessed and Believe that things will get better. Thank you for your care and Be Blessed. Thank you again for caring the [incarcerated people] inside this Prison and throughout the State.”

EHCC:

• “I'm looking forward myself being part of you all mission in possible, and I will stay focus on myself being humble dealing with this captivity I've face these past seven years.Tonight we have been place on quarantine once a gain, but I had one of my vaccination shot, and most of the dorm has taken their shot also. It's less then ten maybe [incarcerated people]  refused their shot, and at risk of becoming affected with this virus. Word is that one [incarcerated person]  has tested positive this week from taking a hospital trip. CDC guide lines mention that if anyone who has taken both shots doesn't need to be quarantine because of being vaccine. I only had one shot and waiting for my time frame for my second vaccine shot. This situation is a big burden how our facility is handling this crisis. I've been waiting to see a doctor with my follow up with my wound care over three weeks now. I'm hoping that this matter ends this week coming due to us being quarantine tonight. I think only fox-2 is being place on quarantine tonight. I will be asking questions first thing in the morning. Take Care!”

March 4, 2021

EHCC:

• “Good morning... Well, it is my pleasure to inform you all that vaccines have finally began to be administered both to staff and [incarcerated people] here at Hunt . But administration has not fully allowed [incarcerated people] from different dorms to be in mixed company yet. The rumor mill has already started working full tilt. Supposedly anyone refusing to take the vaccine will be segregated away from the general population and not allow to attended Visit, School, Church, or any other indoor activities. This is my real reason for writing as I do not intend on taking the shot and believe that the use of intimidation is a violation of my civil liberties. I am 54 years old in good health with no underlying co-morbidity. The dorm in which I live in has been put on quarantine no less than five (5) times over the last year for no less than fourteen (14) days each time. I have never been tested for the antibodies and believe that I caught a mild case at the end of February 2020. I also believe that our creator designed each of us with an immune system. I feel strongly against this particular vaccine due to my personal religious beliefs. If in three years if the vaccine is a requirement of my parole, I may reconsider. But for now I do not intend to take the shot. I am not asking for any help at this time but if they retaliate by changing my housing unit or not allowing me interactions with my fellow [incarcerated people] after being quarantined with them for the last year, I may consider contacting the ACLU and or the Pew legal Center. Thanks for allowing me to rant as this is upsetting to me on multiple levels.”

March 3, 2021

Raymond Laborde:

• “There is one dorm entirely on quarantine.Several [incarcerated people] are sick and are quarantined in the gym.The kitchen workers that were living in the gym were moved to another dorm.There are some others who were put on a tier in the cell block under quarantine also. We were given a form to fill out for the Recovery Rebate for antone who did not recieve any of their stimulus checks. Some of the inmates have started recieving their Covid 19 vaccination shots and will receive their second shot in approximately 21 days.Hopefully we will be able to get this thing behind us and get on with life,hopefully better than we were before. I pray that VOTE accomplisshes all you have planned for 2021 and into the future for all involved…”

February 26, 2021

Angola:

• “Hey V.O.T.E. Family! Always glad to hear from you and getting those nice fitting quotes at the end. Great Job every time! Sorry about my delay. I had been corresponding with my grandson heavily with his love for drawing and art. And he is very good. I had been making sure he gets all the art supplies that I had sent to him from Blick Arts Material. He is going to be so surprised when he gets it all. Its the whole shabang with easel and all.:-) Okay, as far as here, it has been crazy since our last correspondence. At that time it was only 2 dorms over here on quarantine...Mag-2 and Spr 3. Now it is 8 dorms on quarantine on the east yard. I don't know how many on the West Yard. I know for sure 2 more on the west yard went down yesterday. I think it's 5 total on the West Yard. That is 13 dorms out of 24 that's quarantined. That means at LEAST one person in each dorm has tested positive. Not counting those still IN each the dorm that are sick. Such as the couple of guys in my dorm that is BENT up! I don't know what happened but suddenly is spreading here like crazy. A good thing is that the administration announced anyone who wants to take the shot can request with a written letter and they came around and picked up those letters. However, whenever they start giving the shots, as usual it will be available on the spot if a person didn't write a letter. The elder has been getting theirs and have gotten their second one last week. I think they are on the 60-65 age group now. And yesterday, I was talking to one of the health care orderlies and he told me they came and give all of them the shot yesterday morning. That's great. Now get a load of this! Ash-1 and Ash 2 dorms are like free world nursing homes. They are reverse quarantined like the nursing homes on the streets. Meaning they are restricted from all of us. People in wheelchairs and elderly with underlying ailments live in those dorms. Health care orderlies live in the dorms with them to take care of their basic needs such as bathing, dressing, etc. Only the nurses goes in and the security officers. That's how it is SUPPOSED to be.anyway:-) Guess what, one of the residents in Ash 1 just tested positive a couple of days ago and that dorm is a reverse quarantined dorm! How or where did it come from in that dorm. I'm told it is more of those ederly sick too. Oh No, a fella just came up to me a moment ago while Im typing this and told me that his neighbor is saying he cant taste or smell anything. So that makes...that is either sick or having the symptoms. I'm trying to stay clear of them. Not being selfish but I gotta stay healthy.:-) Okay, I think that I ran my mouth enough.:-) :-) oh before I go, Inmate Twitter (rumors) says that the PJI have a lawsuit against Angola about the handling of the Covid situations in Angola. And it is stated that it is all over the internet. Is there any validity to it? How are the projects going? Keep me updated with them and what I can do to assist. I may know somebody that know somebody who knows somebody that can be of big help out there with you.:-) :-) You all be good and stay safe.”

February 25, 2021

Angola:

• “VOTE's Mission Possible Team, Greetings My Brothers & Sisters, I hope and pray that everyone and their families are fine, and in the very best of health. I'm good. Well, I am just writing to inform the team that there is a spike going on in the main prison complex. Recently, the following dorms went on quarintine: Spruce-3, Cypress-1, Cypress-4, Mag-2, Ash-3, Ash-1, & Pine-3. Spruce-3 seems to be the hot spot because they came off and then went right back on it. I truly believe that it could have been prevented because people are getting laxed and not wearing their masks when needed. In addition, the guys are still not taking the necessary precautions of just staying socially distant. When guys step up to me I immediately get some space in between us because I know the risk of someone just talking in my face. They are giving us the vaccine slowly starting with the elderly (80's, 70's etc.). Hopefully, they will get everyone vaccinated as soon as possible. You would think we would have been on the top of the list because of our positions, but that was not the case. In addition, there are guys within the prison that has yet to be tested. Myself included in that list. Through this entire ordeal, I have remained positive. I still minister to guys, and I still pour out hope to these guys. I try to get these guys to understand that we are in this together. It hurts to see that they are still asleep though. They are still fighting each other for no apparent reasons, and they are doing things to hurt themselves instead of helping themselves. These guys really need prayer!!! I will continue to keep the team updated as things progress within this setting. I'm all in with the team.”

EHCC:

• “I'll be staying in Metairie, La. in Bunch Village not to far from the Saint training camp off Airline Hwy.I'm staying positive towards the circumstances going on at our facility dealing with the social distance, and being exposed to positive [people] that has contracted the covid-19 virus. I've taken my vaccine shot this week, and know side effects have taken place. It's a blessing that we have succeeded this far from the pandemic, because of the poor care the prison system is providing during this crisis. We have issues with the mask given still, and know access to hand sanitizer that's very much needed in our living quarters. Most of all our facility is still keeping us confined in our dorms sleeping two feet apart. I'm dealing with over hundred [people]...where I'm housed. Now that we are finally vaccinated most of us, but we have [incarcerated people] that has refused the vaccination shot. I'm praying daily to endure my health issues these past seven years. I will be seeking better care once released.Looking forward to the transition in society being part of the organization.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “We are still wearing the same type of masks as when they first started handing them out,but they do give us new ones every so often.Yet,the guards and administrative staff has the better masks that D.O.C.issues to them,but they are not the ones getting the virus;we are.I asked about a better mask(one with elastic),because a lot of [incarcerated people]  has one,but they told me that if I wanted one I would have to pay for it;due to the fact when they passed them out I was one lock down(Nov.19,2020-Dec.14,2020 when they locked me up for no reason). I did test positive for the virus but I had no symptoms;which means I am just a carrier,I won't ever get sick.So,me wearing a mask helps them,not wearing a mask won't hurt me but if they do not give me a proper mask to wear they hurt themselves not me. They have introduced a STIVE I.D card for [incarcerated people] ;this card replaces the old HONOR CARDS.There are not many benefits to these new cards but I believe it is something to hold over an [incarcerated person] to get them to do what they want done.For reasons they have yet to tell me ;I have not received one,but I don't care either way.”

February 24, 2021

Angola:

• “Thank you for the letter. I know how hard your team is working on behalf of the [incarcerated] population. Things here are the same. We had another outbreak of the Virus in Dorm2, but the only good thing is that people are starting to understand the dangers of gathering and not wearing their mask. Good Is Good That Way. It's my Heavenly Father's way of showing the population that it's time to pay attention to the problem.One of the victims who was at Camp J...was taken to the hospital and I believe won't return to the camp because he has been having breathing problems. He's rather older than me, I believe he's 72, but like I said I am happy because I was always pushing him in wheelchair to Pill Call and any other place he had to go. But God Is Good and Will See Him Through. Thank you again for the caring about us that you have shown. And Know That God Is Protecting me and Keeping me safe. Amen! Tell every member of the Team I Give Thanks to God and All of Them For caring about the inmates. God Bless and Keep you all. I remember because I have no other choice now. Thank you and God Bless you.Take Care of all your members.”

Davide Wade:

• “VOTE Admin The only side effects of the COVID shots that i had were the sore are. The first shot about four days, the second shot only the following day. No other...There is 79 beds in the dorm. But at the present time there is only just over 50 in the dorm. Others that have jobs in offices and such are at the time housed in other places due to COVID, for safety reasons.”

February 22, 2021

• “Dear VOTE Team, I think you had the wrong impression about the petition. This was something that we as a club was about to impliment as a club. Now there is no intermingaling of units...When they tested the gym, which had 48 people, when it got down to the last 20 being tested negative after 4 weeks of testing, we was moved...the 28 positive cases was put back into the gym, so they could go back to work, after our second negative test without a postive test among us, we was moved back into the gym. One person must have not wanted to be in the gym, he kept filing frivilous ARPs. So we was all moved...the next week he lost his job in the kitchen, but we was stuck on this tier. Cajun # had more than half the unit test positive, and the other kitchen team...went on quarentine, so they took the kitchen workers off the tier and put them back into the gym. It turned cold, and the power went out, they started complaining about the lack of heat in the gym, so the 8 people still on the tier was moved on other tiers in the unit to move them back on the tier, but there was never heat on the tier,so they complained abobut it being colder on the tier then in the gym. The power cut back on, and they moved back into the gym, the other 8 was moved back on the tier, and the officer that was positive and assumed to have infected Cajun 3 is now working in Cajun 2. So we constantly pray that no one gets sick around us, we only have 8 people on the tier, 3 concession workers, 3 dorm orderiles, 2 gym workers, that wasn't moved back in the gym woth the first move for whatever reason. By it being a few people we have the best chance of being and staying socially distance not only on thei tier but with others. As far as the dip smoking, we only have 2 people on this tier that smokes, which isn't bad for us. The tier I was put on has 52 people, and no less then 46 people smokes. The conditions are horrible. For the 5, because I didn't smoke and made the 6th person. One of the people who don't smoke is a dorm rep, and constantly complains about the dip smoking on the tiers, and after being on that tier for just one night, his comaplints are justified...Thank you for your time”

February 15, 2021

Angola:

• “Good Morning...Thank you for the information. As it stands now about 20 percent of the prison population has received their first dose of vaccine.Those over 70 yrs, of age and the 70 group.Now the staff is getting ready for the 65 and older, which includings me.There is also A daily show on the Angola Television Showing the reasons to take the shot and how is won't change your DNA. All the information you provided is being provided by the Medical Director of the Prison on TV and he came to this unit to explain the matter personally to this unit, since we are the weak immune Dorm. Most of the prisoners are going to take the vaccine, but the problem is the younger [people] at the camps you asked about. I don't travel and the prison is on lockdown and its hard to get the message out. I have been communicating with the [incarcerated people] back here...and those that I am speaking with are all waiting to get the vaccine shot.Things are really bad...There are more cases of covid19 then anywhere else in the prison at Camp C And Camp D. I believe that those prisoners aren"t resposing to the Television aids or the nurses going through the camps. I ask my Heavenly Father and His Holy son Jesus to protect those that refuse the shot and attention that the Staff is trying to provide.We must all do our part and that's the message I am sending out. But time is the only that will help.The Prison is on Lockdown because of the snow and weather here. At Present there is snow falling with heavy rain.It is supposed to last two more days. One that is done I will do the most by trying to reach someone who can travel and spread the words you have sent me. I ask my Father In Heaven To Help Us All And Give Thanks for my Saviors Mercy.Amen! Be lifted up in spirits and know that you and your Vote Team is doing the Best with this Mission Impossible. I thank you and ask that you continue to Hold all These [incarcerated people] in Prayers and Give you Praise for the wWork you and the Team is doing. May God and His Holy Son Jesus Bless and Keep the members on the team Safe. Tell Norris and the Complete Team I praise and Keep them In Prayers. Amen! Thank you again and I will do the best I can. Take you and Be Safe. Praising The Team I remain because I have no choice...Will see you and the Team Soon. Thank you for caring. Because you are all showing Love beyond compare. Thank you again for caring.”

• “Well, I am really against taking the vaccine, but we have been given a choice of taking the vaccine or not being able to see our family. I want to see my family so I must take it. My mom was a nurse for 40 yrs., and she has advised me to take it. She has taken it and she said she had no side effects whatsoever. So, I am going to get the vaccine even though I don't want it. I know that I have been exposed to the virus in the last year because of all the events that happened in my dorm. I lost several friends because of it, and I was in their midst when they had it. I guess my body just fought it off. Through all that, I have never been tested for it. I find that amazing. Now, I just try to stay as healthy as possible.”

• “My dorm was placed on quarantine last Wed. (10th), because one guy from my dorm was transferred to another facility and tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival there. We are still on quarantine and will likely continue to be until at least Friday (19th). By then, if no one else gets infected, we should come off. But exactly how they will be able to determine whether anyone else in this dorm is infected after that period of time, UNLESS THEY TEST EVERYONE ELSE IN THIS DORM, remains a mystery to me. Which raises other well founded questions. Because, all they are doing is temperature checks twice a day. And I have personally seen guys in my previous dorm who ultimately were determined to be infected, which had no high temperature (fever). So, if all they do is temperature checks, then how will they possibly know whether someone else is infected and whether it is safe for us to mingle amongst the rest of the population? During this entire pandemic, they have continued to shuffle inmates around this prison as well as from prison to prison, which defies logic (in my opinion).”

February 13, 2021

Angola:

• “Time has me another chance to convey my thoughts and concerns. Therefore, necessity has dictated that I take advantage of the occasion, especially since we do not know what tomorrow will bring. With that being said, it is my deepest desire that everyone within the VOTE organization live and enjoy a healthy life void of the COVID19 virus. In some way, shape, or fashion, the COVID19 virus has touched all our lives. I myself have battled the virus, but God's grace. was on me. Now, that brings me to the most recent event. At 4 o'clock p.m. today, my dorm was placed on quarantine. However, Mr. ___ ______ had been attempting to get medical attention for several days, but he was unable to get the proper medical attention--that is, until yesterday. In fact, the EMTs left him lying on the floor, unable to walk on his own. He was later put into bed by other [incarcerated people]. The next morning, after his family called, he was taken to the hospital and admitted because he had pneumonia. Then earlier this evening we placed on quarantine because [he] was also diagnosed with COVID19. However, they kept sending him back to the dorm, exposing us all to the virus prior to his diagnosis, in spite of his pleading to be placed under observation...I wish you all the best in your endeavors. May God bless.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Dear VOTE Team, A lot can happen in a course of a week. On Monday, we had a dorm rep meeting, where the Warden informed us this institution had zero positive cases. Recently they started back to back work call in the field. Cajun 3, which I told you was on lockdown, is more or less the field unit. People were complaining about the lack of smell and taste, which is a symptom of covid. Of course this was seen as a ruse to duck the field. Well 25 people went to the cellblock. They were tested, and 18 of the 25 was positive. So they tested the whole unit. This was the only unit that had zero positive cases when the entire camp was tested. So the question is how did they get the virus in that unit? I guess that would be the million dollar question that no one can answer.”

February 11, 2021

David Wade:

• “VOTE: Received your e-mail. Yes, I've had the COVID-19 shots. I received the second one on the ninth of this month. I was just surprised that we were able to get them. I haven't seen the film on the matter yet but will see it the first chance I get. The whole matter of the clemency has been very slow. If the governor signs it I am aware that it may be a while----a good while. That knowledge does not make the time pass any faster. I believe they are just waiting for me to die. Ha Ha.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Dear VOTE Team, Before the pandemic hit...I was organizing a petition to address the dip smoking situation. However, once the unit was placed on lockdown, and then lifted we had no contact with the other housing units. The smoking of dip affects all that do not smoke. This is an issue of the majority, I have personally sat in dorm rep meetings when dip smoke was mentioned, and all was said was for us to police ourselves. Basically, tell on the people who smoke, or present physical harm to the smokers. Neither option is suitable for individuals that strive for betterment and don't need unnecessary write-ups. This camp does not have a mojo problem, security is very tight, of course every now and then someone figures a way to smuggle drugs in, normally their drug reign do not last long. When I was figuring out the wording for the petition and trying to get statistics for the petition, I spoke with over 100 people...that was willing to sign the petition, all they was saying was, ‘Draw it up!’...in the last couple days, Cajun 3 Unit has been placed on lockdown, 2 tiers in Cajun 1 and one tier in Cajun 2. They have placed the kitchen workers back into the gym, they have not placed the other essential workers back into the gym. This could change in the near future…”

February 9, 2021

Davide Wade:

• “Hello Vote Mission Possible Team, I am praying all is well with the Team and your families doing these crazy times. With a lot of prayer and commitment to stopping the spread we shall see better days. thank you for them encouraging words and sending so much positive energy my way, because positive words are fuel to the spirit and soul. After 23 years of incarceration under these insane circumstances I look for inspiration and motivation from wherever I can get it. Life is so much more comfortable when you're happy, especially if you have the understanding that you can only control what you can control, and everything else is for God to work out. However, allow me to answer your questions. 1) DOC has been ‘making’ us watch this video about COVID-19 vaccination for 15mins a day. Here at DWCC we just started getting tested, and I mean JUST STARTED GETTING TESTED. they (administration) picked about 25 people--- which house's 79 [people]--out of my dorm about 5 days ago. I don't know if they had any positive come back as of yet because they haven't call any of the [incarcerated people] out who received the test. Thank God. 2) As for the Q and A sheet. I think that would be really great because the more information that get out about this vaccine, the more comfortable we feel when they (Prison Administration) start giving us the opportunity to receive this vaccine. Keep in mind we don't write letter's as often as in the past, don't buy stamps anymore either, because we have these tablets. What I do, whenever someone from the outside send me some information about anything we need to know... Changing of law's or New law's. I allow other dudes to read it so they can continue to spread the word. Ok, here is what I need to know. This Policy Training that started February 5th virtually. Is it via zoom, if so, do they have a zoom address and password because I informed two young men I am mentoring in society about it. you can forward it to me and I'll email it to them...thank you for them encouraging words and continue to fight and advocate for the many incarcerated men and women across Louisiana. We cannot stop until the war is won…”

February 3, 2021

EHCC:

• “Hey vote team. I do hope this email fines everyone in good health and spirits.. do wish everyone a blessed day.. and say hi to the hold team for me, thanks. I must say the year is starting off fast. and January flue by. and covid is not looking good. with all the new stains coming this way. what crazy times we live in. on the covid side 2021 is going to be worst, hate to say it. but you have so many people that will not wear a mask. crazy. well looking forward to hear what laws the team well be pushing to get passed this year, the 10/2 ruling is going to work out for some lifers. that's good that law was changed. just wish a law well pass to help all lifers. and get clemency out the governors hands. so politics well be out it. :-) :-) I hate to pass this on but keeping everyone locked down in the dorm. so much. we had 5 fights in fox ____ tier from Sunday to 2/am this morning. it's getting crazy in here. and when we get to outside right next to the dorm...is wet/mud everywhere, just standing in one spot. The water comes up out the grown. can't get no exercises in. and nothing to exercise with.. we been locked like this for a year now. crazy. also most of us is not working, and they are mixing some inmates to work together for there ACA inspection coming up. it's crazy. guess when we have a real blow up of covid in here. they blame it on the [incarcerated people]. well that's about it from here. do wish everyone the best and be safe out there.”

February 2, 2021

Angola:

• “Sorry VOTE have not been able to PPE free of the growing onslaught of the pandemic. We here have been continuously infected as well. I know Camp F are having a hard time freeing its hollow grounds of covid-19. And from the last prison-low I received (in which was today), it seems Camp C's Bear Units are being attacked by the coronavirus. At 65 and surviving several preexistent conditions, I am not confident in prison staff's concern for my health and welfare. And although there is much public concern for the hotbed that prison conditions welcome the infection rate of covid-19 victims (there are over 300,000 prisoners infected Nationwide), it doesn't seem John Bel Edwards is resolved to address the need of Louisiana prison overcrowding by outright pardons, executive order, nor compassionate relief. And of course I am with you where one's attitude (positive energy) serves and maintains a universal order. Yet too I am acutely aware that optimism alone will cause much pause. Presently, there is much movement taking place: some movement is within the Camp. While there is too much movement that is sending prisoners to satellite prisons. I've heard that the entire entry program is to move to the Hunts Correctional Center. I am not sure the whatabouts of it all. Yet I assume someone, somehow, somewhere has ordered a reduction in the overcrowded dormitories. The dorms were built to hold 60-something prisoners and presently they are upwards 90-plus. I am told the double bunks are being cut down...starting tomorrow...I do assume the chaos which always comes with uprooting prisoners. Regarding the demand on the prisoners for their under compensated labor. That was just another event in the battle against slave labor, slave wages, and senseless job assignments. All the guys who decided that the field work was not adding to their rehabilitation was found guilty and ordered to extended lockdown. So, I would guess what was labored a work stoppage, a buck, a prison insurrection (my dramatization) was quickly put down. I would only trust such does not become a model as global warming continue to warn of our corporate insensitivity to the greater good...We really have need to set forth a common and workable template for the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole. It is counterproductive to the rehabilitation efforts and taxpayers investment in what is noted as the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Of course I would surmise that much like we are learning about our police forces, armed forces the DOC too have need of better screening its civil servants. That is to say, without allowing the general public to participate in these agencies, such narrow selection lead to a monopoly: family based control over our tax dollars. And such an enablement only lend to the storming of our justice system with systematic indifference to black, brown, and poor people's rights to the privilege and immunities of the U.S. Constitution. Louisiana v. Evangelisto Ramos is another primary example. My sleep doesn't come easy in prison after 40-years. And yes, my attitude I do admit challenges me daily. You guys be safe. And know that it gives us prisoners some comfort knowing you're there.”

EHCC:

• “Dear Vote family, It was great to hear from you and hopefully soon I will be able to visit with you on the outside...This past friday I lost my youngest brother as he passed away at the young age of 37 years old. Being incarcerated and having to deal with death is a very tragic event. I am confident that my brother had made his peace with God long ago so I will miss him but celebrate his life and the time I got to spend with him as well. Anyway, we have not seen the video that the department said they were making for everyone concerning covid yet. It seems like every institution is doing its own thing in that regard, as we have been hearing that some places like DCI are wide open and places like here are still isolated.This has been a crazy season for all.The one thing is that the institutions are seeming to be running out of space in general and jamming people in everywhere when covid restrictions are supposed to use more separation and distance tactics to combat the spread. My unit is fairly healthy because we clean and wear our masks religiously...Well I have a class to teach so I am going to say goodbye for now but hope to hear from you soon.”

January 28, 2021

Angola:

• “As of the last 13 days, 21 people have tested positive for covid in this [Bear 4] alone.”

January 23, 2021

EHCC:

• “Update @EHCC Unit2 Golf3 came off quarantine on Wed.,Jan. 20th and Fox5 came off quarantine Thurs.Jan.21, 2021.... Only Fox6 is still on quarantine in Unit2, supposedly to get off today. But they hasn't? I don't know why...P.S.I've just started receiving my education package to get/obtain my GED now called Hi-Set.”

January 20, 2021

Angola:

• “Hey VOTE Team!!!! I hope this letter finds all of you and yours safe and healthy. I'm doing OK. I just wanted to write and touch base with you about what's going on here. Camp F has been on lockdown for over 3 weeks because of covid-19. The colonel back here took me from my job and put me at the BOQ. That's where the security that works here stays while they are working, so I'm at more of a risk of getting covid now. I keep my mask on and sanitize everything that everyone touches constantly in the rooms and buildings. We have 2 dorms under quarantine right now and we may have another one before the night is over. Most of the cases are from people who work in the kitchen and now they are getting people living here in the chapel to go and work in the kitchen when we are supposed to be isolated. They have moved the classification office in the chapel so now we have 2 free people coming in here from the street and other inmates from other dorms coming in here as well. It just seems like the people running this camp don't care what happens to any of us. The number one and number five wardens over Angola are both in the hospital with covid, so it seems like everyone is doing what they want to. A lot of us still haven't gotten our first stimulus check yet, but we are still waiting. I think that about covers everything that has been going on lately. Stay safe and be blessed.”

January 15, 2021

DCI:

• “EMERGENCY SITUATION PLEASE READ THERE IS A RIOT GOING ON AT DCI ON UNIT 2 COMPOUND AND THE ENTIRE FACILITY IS ON LOCKDOWN. SECURITY IS ABUSING OFFENDERS AND PUTTING OUR LIVES IN DANGER. SECURITY CONTINUES TO EXPOSE US TO COVID-19.”

January 12, 2021

EHCC:

• “Here's some important information I've learnt today about our first COVID19 case...from April 7, 8, 2020 see my email. The people that had caught COVID19 within that first time slept side by side, their beds next to each other. A fact we all fell to look at...What about the person next to the guy that had caught COVID19? Everyone including myself missed this fact. What do we do now? Wait on the next person to show a high temperature. What can we do?”

January 11, 2021

EHCC:

• “We...are now getting cold food. Our microwaves are broken! Please Help! Captain Peirce was notified of this morning (around 7am) when she made her rounds when she signed the dorm log book. Also, They prison officials had moved this one guy from Unit1 on the very first wave of prisoners that tested positive of COVID19. Whom was moved from, Unit1, to Golf3 to Fox5 in the matter of days. Moving prisoners from dorm to dorm without any tests, us being educated on what is proper, safety or any guidelines for us to take or do. This really reflect they don't have an or follow policy. Prison officials has also, made the only test they've been giving us on quarantine (temperature checks) are now being (announced by the medical personnel and security) tests are allowed to be voluntary. So, What if someone who doesn't want to leave the dorm to be placed on the quarantine unit because they may be sick with COVID19 they can just lay in bed and be sick, or wants to kill as many people as possible because his life is in much of a mess. The medical personnel doesn't come in the dorm no more and go bed to bed to check each and every person to see if their well are not with fever ect..This is leaving space for someone to spread this deadly virus unchecked. They stop at the door now and call out testing if you want it.Which by all means is very unprofessional and unethical. This is what we've to face with. And must I not forget there are two other units that's on quarantine on Unit2 Golf3, Fox5 and Fox6 as of right now today. This is Fox5 4th time on quarantine. Where's our real test? And the heaters not working on all tiers and some of the windows doesn't closed My first check for today temperature today is 97.7... I guess that means I'm safe for now.”

January 10, 2021

Angola:

• “Voices of The Ex-Offender Administration (V.O.T.E.): Thanks for the return stamp because I didn't have one to respond to your last correspondence at this time. I hate to make people wait on my responses. Anyway, I am going through something right now with my family and the COVID-virus. Six (6) of my family members are suffering from the virus and here's one of my cousins' episodes. Morlin, he and I are around the same age but i am older, he suffered a heart attack sometime before contracting the virus, he was in the process of waiting for a heart donor, but, due to contracting the virus they took him off of the list, right when they found a heart compatible with him. Since then he has been rushed back and forth to the hospital, put on an ICU ward, now in a quarantined room with minimum guests and possible hospice status. He has suffered the loss of his exterior large lung capacity, and half of his heart is working. I happened to call back several times to my dismay, to check in on him, and was met with a beverage from his wife screaming at me saying that, ‘He's giving up! He's ready to go! He says he can't handle the pain any more he just want peace...you're the only one he'll listen to, please, talk to him and make him want to stay with me. Don't let him leave me!’ Me being my very silly, quirky, jovial, and charming self. I tried to pour on the positive, the optimism, and all the strength I could muster. But, to no avail. He played me like a fiddle, like something was wrong with his phone and turned it off on me. Not, taking no for an answer. I called back to find voicemail activated. I tried the same response.”

EHCC:

• “Hello , and good morning. I just woke up, and one of my buddies told me are quarantined again here in my dorm...The person that got sick is on my tier, and actually sleeps like 3 beds from me. This junk is absolutely insane, I believe this is our 6th time being on quarantine here...y'all be blessed.”

• “Hello all, I just wanted to clarify some things. It seems that the fella who was moved in here as a trustee yesterday, was already exposed and therefore deemed unlikely to catch COVID again. (Dangerous assumption). At any rate, he came into the dorm about 0900 hrs. and was removed last night about 1900 hours. Stranger thing, they removed him about an hour after shift change, and then put him in Fox-2. My question about that is, since he has reputedly already had COVID, an you already exposed him to living in this quarantine dorm, why not just leave him in here and test him when we test again Monday?The weird thing is, who made the call to move him in here in the first place? The second question: Who made the call to move him out at 1900 hrs.? Regardless, this guy, who was originally in a non-quarantine dorm, then moved into a quarantined dorm, then at 1900 hrs. has reputedly been moved into another non-quarantine dorm. So he has lived in three dorms in one day. Awesome. I suspect, and that is all this is, that people in charge (Majors on up, are not communicating. Hopefully, this will initiate the practice of shift supervisors communication with the duty wardens of that day before making decisions regarding areas on quarantine. Well, I am through with my crazy rhetorical questions. I am sure though that things are going to work out. God is in control, even though we as humans prove we are not every single day. :) :) :) Take care and have a great day.”

• “Update @EHCC Unit2 as of today Fox6 is on quarantine with Fox6 and Golf3 in Unit2”

January 9, 2021

EHCC:

• “Hey all, Just a short note. As you know, we are on quarantine still from the positive result on testing that came out this past Wednesday. Strangest things just happened. THere was a ‘Movement sheet’ that was printed out (that we have not seen in a while). Usually the reclassification board will hold reclass boards on a Thursday, and then Saturday mornings, they will have a print out of quarters changes and such to be conducted that morning. Well, [we] only recently got off quarantine and we are still waiting to be tested again Monday coming up. But, this morning they moved a guy who made trustee in Golf-1, into our dorm. Only about a half hour ago. Strange goings on. I cannot figure out why, when we are on quarantine, would you make someone a trustee and then move them into a quarantine room from a non-quarantined dorm? I mean, they could have made him a trustee, and held him in his Golf-1 dorm until we got off this quarantine. I just wanted to let you all know. I have given up trying to fathom what they are doing.”

January 8, 2021

Angola:

• “Dear Vote, please excuse my absence, but they had moved the complete Unit to Camp J because they had a very very infection of the Covid 19 Virus. Almost half the Dorm was sick and passing out, I was very lucky in that I was systematic and not truly sick.They have half the unit back, but there are still a lot of people in the hospital and suffering badly from the virus. God Has Been Good To Me, I am praying for those [incarcerated people] and all the people infected. I was watching the writing on the television at the Capital and all the madness that Trump is causing and praying daily for things to get back to normal, I am Waiting on my Hearing on the 25th of this month and asking my Heavenly Father to send me home. As things stand now the Virus is really hitting this penitentiary hard and the worst fact is that no one is watching. Thank God For Vote. I am asking that the Team Pray for everyone in the world affected by the virus as I pray for the Safety and Health of the Team Of Voter Members. Remember That God Is Good All The Time.The Head Doctor of the Prison is preparing to begin Vacinning the over 70 age group and will try to get enough to have This Dorm Vaccines because of our health conditions. Praise God For the Mercy and Grace, that Being Shown us.I thank you for your concern and from what they are planning, I believe we will be visiting sometime this year back at Camp F, once the vaccines begin. Give my Thanks to The Team and Know that I am Well and Praying diligently for the Team and It's Members asking for relief from this Madness of Covid 19.Thank you again and believe me, I wasn't able to contact any member before this Email. God Bless and keep you all Safe. Thank you.”

EHCC:

• “Update @EHCC in Unit2 Golf 3 and Fox5 is officially on quarantine. The nurses are here doing temperature checks. My first test today is 97. I guess that means I'm safe for the moment.”

• “Good morning, and Happy New Year to you all!!! I hope this letter finds you all well and in good spirits, along with your families and loved ones. I apologize for my not responding to your last letters to me in a timely fashion. Have been trying to stay on top of college and other personal issues, and have been quite distracted for the past few months. However, I felt the need to reach out this morning, and give you an up-date on our condition here at Hunt Correctional. Just this morning, maybe 10 minutes ago, we were placed on quarantine (AGAIN--for the 4th time since the March 2020 Emergency COVID-19 lockdown). An [incarcerated person] allegedly tested positive yesterday, and as a result, the entire dormitory was quarantined. Whereas, I do not disagree with the response by the Hunt Administration to the particular [incarcerated person] allegedly having tested positive for the virus, I will assert that this incident is just another example of what happens when those in authority continuously exhibit gross haphazardness and laxity as it concerns the health and well-being of the prisoner population here at Hunt Correctional in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic! At first, we were supplied with ‘undiluted’ bleach and other cleaning chemicals to sanitize those ‘high traffic’ areas within the dormitory--and I say ‘we’ with regards to the entire dormitory receiving the supplies ‘collectively,’ not ‘we’ as individual prisoners. Now, however, the cleaning supplies are diluted with water to ‘stretch’ the chemicals, and no face masks are given to prisoners anymore; generally, the guards who work here rarely wear their masks, prisoners from various dormitories are allowed to ‘mix’ and ‘mingle’ in various places throughout the compound, and there seems to be no sense of urgency or concern whatsoever regarding the pandemic from either prisoners or correctional staff. Despite the fact that nearly 400,000 people have perished as a result of having contracted the virus, everyone here seems to be ‘psychologically immune’ to the reality of the situation!!! PRAY FOR US!!!!”

• “Dear Vote, It was good to hear from you and I will keep you posted on how things are going with me and here at Hunt to the best of my ability. I want to let you know that we have been placed on quarantine as of a few hours ago because one of our guys who left our unit over a week ago and is currently on another unit tested positive. No one in our unit has any symptoms and we have never been placed on quarantine but I guess they are taking extra precautions. They do not allow us to mix with other units so it is virtually impossible to get the dorm reps all together at any point but I will do what I can. Oh,and I forgot to answer the question of when my birthday is on the last correspondence, so my birthday is October 17th. Anyway,thanks for your support and thoughts as we face these very unique challenges for social justice and better practices and conditions for those inside and returning outside of prison walls. I am glad that you liked my idea of the advisory board; I have been working on several other things to see change. I hope you have a great weekend and that this year will be full of promise for us all...”

• “HAPPY NEW YEARS VOTE Admin, please do except my apology for responding so far behind. No. there is nothing wrong, other than the usual prison ball of confusion. I am well, since our last texting, my dorm...has been under quarantine since November 29, 2020. we have gone through a turbulence of COVID-19 swab tests kit. with nearly 90 or so [people] in the dorm. I would say that 91% have been cleared of not being hot, hot! the method in which medical has been handling the tests results, in my non medical opinion has methodology created a wall of deception. the recommended quarantine of 10 days if exposed by someone tested positive, 7 days if no one has been tested positive of quarantine recommended by the CDC. However, the assumption that medical is controlling the in-house quarantine due, last minute results that these tested earlier who were negative, now tested again are positive, this has caused some inception as to how those randomly selected, were negative, they are positive. We are all in this dorm together, no one has been out of this quarantine, the only frequent flight mover are security correction officers in and out of the dorm, shift change, sick call, mail pick up, legal mail delivery, security supervisors periodically making rounds. Every now and then depending on the correction officer...they will let other [people] from other dorms on unit 1 into the dormitory door, pretending as though they are picking up paper work?...keeping others encouraged? this isn't that easy, when there are a lot of deception from the medical department. it is questioned, why, are those [incarcerated people] that test positive allegedly, moved out to another dormitory for a twenty one days quarantine returned to their original housing with those who have never tested positive (ever!) furthermore, not every alleged positive (hot) [incarcerated people] are treated equally. some have returned back in less time? ***how actuate is the swabbing version of the COVID-19 tests kit? it has been conducted six times on [this dorm] with less than a dozen [people[ alleged to be hot! no one from medical will addressed the dorm about how, or why such practice is administer, when no known cases as required such quarantine. 2.) how would I suggest that the nature of the seriousness of this pandemic could have been handled, protecting the population here at EHCC? its a long shot looking at a mild-spectrum a.) at the top of the custodian, the window should have viewed those with immediate contact, (security officers, employees, staff, medical, the administration staff, deliveries/postal mail, packages etc., DOC-official looking in the network of preventive measures to setting up various phase levels to, classify essential traffic from nonessential personnel. when left with areas uncovered by lack of phasing out, or eliminating the potential of staff exposure, incoming nonessential personnel. which when access is granted, the separation of medical inmates likely easily exposed, not exchanging security from the three compounds (not mixing officers not assigned to other units) there is a huge section where, due to the potential spread chance by this virus, no cell block, or debilitating medical inmates should not be allow access to transfer to general population areas. this will prevent, or suggest eliminate the possibility that, high risk medicals are reduced to less chances of noninvasive quarters not equipped to receive them. yes! the prison has distributed bleach, germicide, and sanitizer to equip the in-house [incarcerated people] with the necessary solutions to reduce the possible contamination of the COVID-19 virus. the administration needs more than a handful of staff to help, save lives, prevent the inception of potential spread, equipping the prison with a adequate staff prepared to, save lives, all lives matter, protect themselves with readiness-preparedness measures to use all precautionary measures to ensure their safe on the job, designing some graphs of leave to returned to their prospective quarters, their family's, only essential medical trips granted outside treatment. the phase of developing medical emergency, granted only on the basis that further medical classified treatment is necessary. the institution should have a healthy board when circumstances such as these to approach reduction of at risk shelter in place emergency. the culinary department should affix meals preparation, with budgeting, that assure individuals incarcerated are capable of eating. administration, budgeting, costs, operations, medical are essentially necessary to reduce the improbability of crushing a healthy department ready to suit any potential threats to the economy and functions of its department heads. its a job that, only a few, not proud may render in the seriousness to equitably save all lives! hope that I may have touch on the interest, that failure to adequately equip the department with key personnel will cause, any such casualties to escape their grasp, falling into the abyss of, ‘envalued lives lost.’ we have been on lockdown since November 29, 2020, we served twelve days before that on lockdown. the uncertainty, of their practice to extend the medical powers, has caused great harm, due to the majority are healthy, ready to return back to work! not capable of questioned, why are those of us passing the COVID-19 tests kepted from the unexpected, Q of an intense period where their are appropriate measures that can be exercised, to assure safety, medical check points, and preventive phases that has left the institutions without a ‘masked assurances’ thanks for allowing this perspective, hope that pertinent subjects, ideas, or opinions may validate the concerns for future and presence changes.”

January 6, 2021

DCI:

• “good afternoon, so here at DCI we are once again back on lockdown because of cov19 no face mask' only texted 25% population no cleaning supplies at all not mixing use up yet they said maybe after the test come back i have a question?????? where is all the money gone that was supposed to go to protect use in help keep us safe because its not being used for use yes the did buy every unit new basketball goal but that's it they only passed mask around 3 times in the 1year and something the cov19 been found no clean supplies not soap in bathrooms or hand cleaning supply they still wash everyone clothing together in its not help with the keeping use clean n safe if we ask question we get treated with lockdown its not a safe place someone need to do something......”

• “good afternoon, so here at DCI we r once again bck on lockdown because of cov19 no face mask' only tested 25% population no cleaning supplies at all not mixing use up yet they said maybe after the test come back i have a question?????? were is all the money gone tht was suppose to go to protect use in help keep us safe because its not being used for use yes the did buy every unit new basketball goal but thts it thy ony passd mask around 3 times in the 1year and something th cov19 been round no clean supples not soap in bathrooms or hand cleaning supply they still wash everyone clothing together in its not help witht the keeping use clean n safe if we ask question we get treated with lockdown its not a safe place someone need to do something .......”

EHCC:

• “Dear Vote Admin,good am,it is alot gooder for many people on this compound of elayn Hunt Correctional Center.Yesterday about 3 busloads of [incarcerated people] arrived on Unit One.They were the [people] who had got sent over to Fox 7 from Fox 2,Golf 1 , and Golf 2 a couple months ago.Recall when you sent out the email about the changes being made in Fox 7,about the tiers being set aside for hospital trips,legal trips and so forth.That the admin did it to make things go quicker and easier for [incarcerated people]. Recall that do you ? You might recall I pointed out the fallacy of that line of thought ,how a lot of people would be stuck over there for a long time ? Thank God for the infallibility of the Jewish Mind,I was right again.Them dudes were stuck over there for what?,two and half months instead of the two weeks I stuck over there for.Yea,my own brilliance astounds me at times, it's sickening being always right.I guess the price of a little sickness is worth being right all the time.( Maybe I am pushing this a little bit ?? -ha ha ha-just kidding,I hope this doesn't shock you,but I am not infallible and my prophesies don't always come true.I can't even spell infallible,oh well.) But they came back and they were sure glad to come back.Them dudes looked rough too,like they just came from a two month hiking trip to the mountains.Scraggly beards,unkempt appearances,time up,got to go,later shalom..”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “I hope that your holidays were good and safe. I am on the leadership team here at LCIW/JCCY campus. My dorm (Spring) has been quarantined every 14 days with a break for 3 days in between since August. They refuse to test the entire dorm for Covid which is crazy because this dorm is the source of covid. Please help us by having someone out there, the Gov., Seth Smith, or someone to MAKE the medical dept. test the entire dorm so that they may get. grip on the spread of this virus. I am going to have some family members call up here and also call DOC. Brothers and Sisters we desperately need you out there. Please help us.”

January 5, 2021

Angola:

• “Good Morning V.O.T.E. Family! It's wonderful to hear from you all again. This is the first one for the year. I hope that you all had a great time for the holiday season and the rest of this year brings about new and happier changes for you all. Yes, due to the Camp F lockdown, many jobs or places that strongly depend on the Trustees are shut down! The tractor drivers, pumping stations, the canteen warehouse and so on. I hope that your contacts at Camp F are informing you of the severity of their situations and not sugar-coating things. Oh, I see that you are informing me that I'm about to possibly be an IRS agent again huh!:-) Thanks for informing me this time.:-) :-) Seriously, thanks for the information. Some of us already received our 2nd stimulus thru direct deposit. For some reason, many of the fellas come and tell or ask me about their money. The same night IRS started sending money out some received theirs after midnight. Early the next morning, as soon as I opened my eyes, one guy was standing over me with a big smile across his face saying ‘My girl says I got my money in her account.’ I'm climbing out of bed with dragon-breath saying ‘That's good!’ I didn't want to fuss at him b/c he was so excited so I shared the joy with him, dragon breath and all. :-) And it has continued to this date. But we do have a problem. Many of the guys still haven't received their first stimulus payments. They ask me daily what's going with their 1st money. It is only the ones who mailed their papers in and had them sent here. Don't get me wrong some HAVE received their checks here. About half the guys that I personally did myself received their checks and the other half haven't. All I could tell them is that either their checks are here or it's coming. This is the situation. A fella that I know personally had his sister do a status check and IRS told her that the check had been at Angola since Nov. 20. So his sister called here and asked why hadn't her brother gotten his money? The administration gave some lame excuse about processing checks. But the NEXT day, he received his money.:-) I have heard through reliable Twitter sources that its a box of checks up there. At first, the Administration was placing the money in the fellas Reserve account. That means that you can only spend it in the canteen here. $1200! So a few guys challenged that. As of lately, you have to fill out paper work to have it transferred to your regular spending account. A lot of unnecessary B.S. okay I'm back! I had to make a run for a couple hours. So there is an obstacle somewhere between the administration and the fellas getting their 1st checks. I truly believe that those checks are here at the administration Bldg. being held up. So the new information that you can provide will be greatly appreciated. I could better inform the fellas with the necessary steps to take to get their money. As far as the 2nd stimulus there isn't a need to re-apply huh? That's if they received their first one. Oh Man, I enjoyed reading the encouraging and motivational words in your letter!:-) It is going to help so many move forward b/c it is just what they needed to hear moving forward in this new year. I wished that I had received this from you guys earlier. I definitely would've used portions of your message on New Years Day.:-) I was asked to do the 1st Jumu'ah Khutbah (religious sermon) on New Years Day. And I titled it ‘Moving Forward With A New Hope’ with the intention to inspire the guys to look forward to something better and improvement of ourselves. Your message would've fit perfectly into my khutbah. Of course, I don't plagiarize, I give the credit to the source.:-) At least for the first two times I use it. But after the third time of using it then I own it.:-) :-) Seriously, I will be sharing your message with my class and other groups that I'm in front of to keep them (us) motivated to do better. Beautiful! and the quote was the icing on the cake. The newsletter that I received in the mail was very informative as well. I didn't know that Ben Smith had passed away. I knew him for many years here and there. I pray that he rest in peace. Okay, I ran my mouth enough to you all...We are Grateful for the V.O.T.E. family…”

DCI:

• “Hello friends...I want to inform you about the positive covid-19 case's here at D.C.I...I don't know what they are doing yet or how bad it really is,we are under quarantine at this time...Please stay in touch and ask anything you need to know...Thank you for you time and concern....”

EHCC:

• “Vote Admin. Hey everyone. smile a new year, and blessing to come in this year. and pray everyone had good holidays and were safe. and best wish to all our familys. good news is the roll out of the vaccines lets just pray the state can get the vaccines to everyone before 2025 gets here. smile. at there current rate. it be 2030. pray not. as i look around this place i can see how the lock down side of prison is dealing a bad had hand to everyone. not seeing there familys, and how the metal strain is on them. some are not taken care of them selfs as should. like not showering. and sleeping. its also over working the kitchen workers to were they are not cleaning the kitchen, there are mornings that theres still left over food on the tabels from yesterdays last meal. so that really tells you they were not wiped in bleach. and all the dorms are eating on the same mess. that can really make covid- 19 spread all over unite 2. it really shows that none of the free people are doing there jobs. hunts has really went to the dumps. jpay is messing up for the last 3 to 4 days no one has received there emails. nore there money posted in there accounts. the last email i got was on jan 2, and i know my wife sends one every day. its a mess around here. well thats life here at hunts, smile it could be worst. but thank god we not, and most of us...take care of our self and clean this place. everyone do take care and be safe. always mask up. smile say your prayers…”

January 2, 2021

Angola:

• “Good morning, and happy new year to you and yours. Please do not think I've been ignoring you, because I haven't. I am now, thankfully, in the final stages of recovery from Covid-19. 15 of us were medically cleared on Thursday and moved from Camp J to the Camp F Chapel for, I guess, continued recovery and quarantine. Gunny Woodcock was not released with me. The doctors said he needed 10 more days before release. This has been a hugely trying ordeal, and so much more difficult being out of touch with you all. Thank you all for your continued prayers, thoughts, and support. Please continue to stay safe, because this virus is not forgiving, nor does it play favorites. I hope to be back in the swing of things before too long.”

December 30, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “Resilience:the amount of pressure someone can take and keep on going no matter what the odds are that I may have more pressure put on me everytime I push back,so the more they put on me,the more I want to strike back,the more I want to add to their distress,and to add fuel to the fire that is already burning out of control,and has no end of info that they don't want to be known. Just the other day they came around and asked who wanted to take the vaccination,as if we would be getting it in the near future.There are people outside of prison who have yet to get this vaccination and may not be able to receive it until at least next fall.I myself did not opt to get this vaccination because I do not trust them enough to believe that we will get the right thing,and if they do a vaccination before those outside of prison get it,I will just wait and see what happens,and if everyone is alright within a year,then I will get vaccinated. If they do it for us sooner than others that means they are using us as guinea pigs. According to the news there has been someone who has this new variation of the virus and that the only difference is that it only works faster than the other form of the virus. There are some [incarcerated people] who they are saying are getting the virus twice and some are going on quarantine again. So,we may never open up this facility properly for any reason, at least not for visitation or school. As Hunt Corr. Ctr. is a processing facility so is this facility,and this facility has been receiving [incarcerated people] from parish jails and other facilities during this pandemic;why can't the transfer [people] that are already incarcerated at this facility to somewhere else. Because I know that I would like to be transferred to another facility other than this one,some place closer to my family than what I am now. INSANITY:Doing the same thing over and over again,expecting a different result every time.The more they try to knock me down;thinking that I will quit or do something else;I will keep on keeping on doing the same thing and not anything different.”

December 28, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “VOTE friends, Happy holidays! I hope everyone stays safe and healthy during the break. Today a ranking officer walked down every tier asking everyone if they wanted to take the Covid vaccines and marking their answers on paper. I'm guessing we may get the vaccines soon. I'm not sure though, just wanted to keep you all updated.”

December 24, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “Thank yall for everything that yall are doing for us that really means alot. Im not gonna lie I didnt think I would be able to get through this because this is a very ugly place but it looks like im strong enough to get through this and I got God on my side. This year was a very hard year with this covid-19 out there and in here because we cant see our family and that hurts us. I want to wish yall a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and God bless yall and the new year…”

December 23, 2020

DCI:

• “SORRY I HAVENT CONTACTED YALL SOONER BUT DCI JUST WENT BACK ON LOCKDOWN FOR COVID-19 THE OFFICER OR BRING IT IN HERE AND THEY MIXING [incarcerated people] UP FOR EVERYONE TO GET IT AGAIN THY TRYING TO KILL PPL IN HERE WITH THY NEED TO LET USE GO”

• “Just wanted to thank ya'll for the Christmas card, and all the info and the news letter, I received it last night, and to let ya'll know that Unit 2 Dorms 1 - 4 are back on quarantine again!! Also the guys in T-dorm (Dialases), (ignore the spelling ya'll know what I mean), HA :). HA HA :). Any way have a good holiday and remember to keep your mask on and social distance, not only for your sake, but for all of us who depend on ya'lls info and who care about ya'll. Ya'll are my only family now. Talk to ya'll next year.”

December 22, 2020

Angola:

• “Dear V.O.T.E. Family, Thank you for the inspiring message! It is very moving and causes one to want to take action for the better. I was glad to hear from you guys bcuz it's been a while . I was wondering if you were already on vacation. So much has taken place here lately. The latest being that Camp F is shut down/quarantined due to the massive outbreak of the virus. Another lady was sent home with all the symptoms yesterday too. She is one of the warden's relatives and works in the canteen that we shop at. On the legal side we have made great strides working TOGETHER to benefit everybody through this 10-2 ruling. We have been putting some powerful writs together that benefits ANYONE who had a jury trial in this state and backed with law reps off the streets. It is very promising. I intend to send a letter to Hunts tonight to inform Malik of the latest developments so he can inform the fellas over there of the cases to use for their freedom too. I'm reminded of something that Henry Ford, Sr. said ‘Coming together is a beginning keeping together is progress working together is success.’ That goes for us on the inside AND you guys on the outside together that's creating a very successful year even within this crisis. That's where most of my time been lately working on these release mechanisms that benefit all. As I was reading your message, I couldn't help but think of someone special who has been experiencing ‘troubled waters’ time after time in the last month or two. However, her strengths keep her moving forward thru it all and riding the wave instead of drowning in it. She is probably one of the strongest women that I've ever encountered. And I've traveled to a LOT of places outside the States!:-) I always enjoy the messages and quotes that you guys give. I have to use that Maya Angelou saying in my class tomorrow for the quote of the day. Tomorrow is the last day for school for the holidays. Thank you for the card and the warm wishes. Yes, it has been a tough year with this global crisis. Tougher for the same than others! Now I will close with a quote for you all that coincides with your message, IF I remember it correctly.:-). ‘In every crisis there is a message. Crises are nature's way of forcing change - breaking down old structures, shaking loose negative strongholds so that something new and better can take their place.’ Susan L. Taylor - Former Editor of Essence Magazine Happy Holidays to you all and Season's Greeting throughout the next year. Enjoy time with your families and NOT take it for granted. Be Safe.”

December 18, 2020

EHCC:

• “I'm trying to focus on my parole hearing coming up this year, but my mental state is at its peak with the constant lies being told by medical and staff about being taken off quarantine. Also all the mistakes by medical placing positive [incarcerated people] with negative [incarcerated people]. All [incarcerated people] who are negative are at high risk of caught in this virus, because on the lack of social distance also. This year has been allot to overcome, but my faith has carry me throughout the hold episode. I'm feeling much better from last month, because i was going through hot and cold spells with diarrhea for about a week, also lost of appetite. I sleep through the hold sickness i was going through, and medical staff did call for me to be check out cause of my oldest daughter constant calling. My leg is still an issue, but I'm waiting to deal with specialized doctor on the street as i was told by medical doctor i visit in Baton Rouge. Thanks for you all support and it's very appreciated.”

December 16, 2020

EHCC:

• “Greetings Team VOTE Fam...Their is no food shortage, stubborn staff & stubborn prisoners. When older guys don't, can't get up to get their food, some stubborn staff's like Captain Pierce she'll would just walk away. But it'll also fall to an prisoner & the dorm officer to make the request it. That'll be mostly disregarded. Okay, I'll look into it. That's their favorite saying! Pill Call comes the same as the food at the door but those officers have more compassion & they don't want to lose that work station. Mail is delivered as it comes in, but any part of the envelope/letter has glue on it, it's removed, and its staple closed. Legal mail is still open in front of our eyes. Thanks for the Holiday Cheer! Look up the Agave Vilmoriniana a Mexican plant , nature at it best despite the pressing surrounding circumstances, it reminds me of the struggle of an slave my forefathers?”

• “Hello. I am writing from Elayn Hunt Correctional Center...where we have been on quarantine for over 40 days. The situation here has not improved, and has honestly been one frivolously made ‘housing location change’ after another while the administration heard us around playing their paperwork games. As of this time, I have been swabbed for SOMETHING, weeks ago, and never given an answer as to what I was tested for or a result of that swab. A couple of days after the nurse came and swabbed my dorm (oral swab only-cheeks and gum line), half of the [incarcerated people] were moved to golf 1 dormitory. the [incarcerated people] who had initially resided in golf 1 and had been tested and removed a week before to be placed in quarantine were moved into my dorm. THEN, a few days later, those people were moved out, back to golf 1, and the trustees from golf 2 who were tested and came up positive were moved in my unit. Now, having never been told by anyone about my own covid status, I can safely assume I had covid at some point. I am being housed with these people, but we're not supposed to interact...can you imagine how it would be possible to separate and effectively keep us from being exposed to them? impossible. 136 people can be housed here, and there is NO possible way to keep them from interacting. there is only one kiosk, and everyone is expected to use the same beverage dispensers at meals. the problem I'm having is that I'm being kept on lockdown. we're not getting yard regularly, and this is the covid unit...without proper ventilation or access to fresh air, reinfection can happen, and there are at least two strains of the virus... please help us. they are not giving ANYONE treatment, they don't check on us, and haven't had sick call since Monday...several people are trying to talk to medical, and without the emt coming around, we can't. thank you for your time.”

• “HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEARS !!! 2020 thru 2021 hey guys, sorry that i haven't gotten back to you. there has been so much uproar around here. the dorm i am in...well, i am sure that you know that we have been on lockdown since November 29, 2020. there was this one guy who claimed to have been ill. he went to the ER, later it was alleged that he was COVID-19, then it kinda of was like the, ‘one that flew over the cucu nest, huh!’ though it set something off very quickly, the medical staff came in...then conducted their first test. the rest is history, they did the covid-19 test, and they caught eight hot guys from this dorm. we just got re-tested on yesterday, (Tuesday, December 15, 2020) the results are supposed to be ready on this Friday, 12/18/20, then they will decide whether or not we will get off quarantine. so please keep us in your prayers. do enjoy your holidays, be safe, let me hear from you guys, WEAR YOUR MASKS!!!. there is an Ecard at the end of this holidays shout out to you all, (please holler at Norris Henderson for me as well, everything with the 10-2 is moving in the right direction) be blessed...my health is well, i have had all negative readings on the temperature check…”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “Hello Team Vote...for a month we had been on quarantine, only getting off the past Sunday. This morning, Wednesday, we were put back on quarantine. This will make a total of almost 2 months. Seems as if the people who never had it before are the ones getting it now. They are not testing, rather letting it go and removing them when sick. This particular lady is going home Friday and was tested as she was going to a transitional house. We really need some testing in here as I know there are more positive people in this dorm. Also the only ones who have recd. their checks are the people who have had them done from home. At this point we are being told nothing. I have heard that a number of checks are here but are not being distributed. I dunno. I thank you VOTE team for believing in us and being there to work on our behalf. I wish I could give you someone to call in support of me and your cause, however, I have no one outside. Once again thank you and may your holidays be bright. Oh I used to surf and I just love the quote about surfing. No truer words have ever been spoken.”

• “Good Morning, I am writing to let you all know that the Spring dorm is back on quarantine. We came off of quarantine on Sunday, December 13, 2020 @ 8:00 am but at like 6:30 am on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 we were placed back on quarantine. This is making no sense because since on Sunday we have been all around the compound, to work, infirmary, etc. I am aware that the Universities are tracing contacts as far as quarantine but what about us? I am trying to keep you all updated but things are changing constantly. I am still for the moment in the Spring dorm. Please see if my family can contact me. Thanks”

December 13, 2020

LCIW/JCCY:

• “Hello VOTE, Well today we are officially off of quarantine. Thank you so much for reaching out to my family again. It means alot to me, especially being in here. Our regular mail they take off the back of the envelope and the stamps and stickers if they are on it. A Lot of the time our envelope is copied. Normally we are able to receive our actual mail unless it is a card or something with coloring, then they give us a copy or they reject it. However legal they give us a copy of the envelope but we get our legal mail. They do read it to see if there is a court date though? Okay guys thanks”

• “Hello VOTE, Well today we (Spring) are officially off of quarantine. Thank you so much for reaching out to my family again. It means alot to me, especially being in here. Our regular mail they take off the back of the envelope and the stamps and stickers if they are on it. Alot of the time our envelope is copied. Normally we are able to receive our actual mail unless it is a card or something with coloring, then they give us a copy or they reject it. However legal they give us a copy of the envelope but we get our legal mail. They do read it to see if there is a court date though? Okay guys thanks”

December 10, 2020

DCI:

• “Hey VOTE TEAM, Just wanted to check and see if ya'll recieved my last text with info for that organization that will maybe be able to help get me released. Also I wanted to let you know, that we had a riot here...Monday. They shipped some out of here. It started as a gang fight on the yard and when Security went to break it up they jumped the security. Everyone I've talked to said it was because they are tired of this pandemic and not being able to visit loved ones and being able to hold, hug, or touch their loved ones. They do NOT want to visit behind glass and not be able to touch their wives, girlfriends, or family member. Everyone is really stressed out and security is NOT helping matters any at all, with the way they treat the [incarcerated people]. Also I still haven't heard from the Parole Planner yet. Can you please ask her when she might be able to contact me? I know she said she would contact me soon, but that was before Thanksgiving and I haven't heard from her yet. I still haven't heard from the Clemency Board and it's now been over 2 years. Do you think I should write them and ask for a status update? I wonder if that's a good idea or not? Well that's about all I have for now.”

December 9, 2020

EHCC:

• “Update @EHCC the prisoners in Unit1 were tested for COVID19 the ones that tested positive of COVID19 are still living in Unit1. Those prisoners that tested negative about (70) were moved to Unit3 Fox7 A-tier. Fox7 is the dorm that normally is a medical holding dorm for prisoners that has COVID19 but also holds others that most likely went on outside trips and have COVID19 from general population. They're there for (14th day's) precautionary reasons but still being tested by temperatures only. I'll look a little deeper today to see what actually tests that are/was being conducted. In Unit2 Fox3 and Fox6 are still on quarantine...I'm trying to keep myself out of harms way but COVID19 has an mind of its own…’Finding the positive inside the negative is what a person must do to have success in life.’”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Vote Fam.. Thank you for your encouraging words.. Its my prayers that in this time of trial and tribulation that you are all safe and well.. Things are about as best as to be expected here. For us, no new outbreaks is cause to be thankful for. The new admin are stil evaluating and galvanizing their power. The continual focus on minutiae and pettiness in the midst of turmoil and devastation of our communities is aggravating, if not, provoking, to say the least. Now there seems to be a concerted institutional effort to suppress food saving. Seriously. In the kitchen, officers are now shaking you down to make sure you dont save something to eat off of your tray later in the evening. This from an institution that sells $9.00 plastic Tupper-ware bowls. You can buy the bowl,but you cant your food into it....The food suppression and confiscation is a particular form of persecution that affects people who are mostly poor and indigent, easily evidenced by the fact that if they had money for canteen, they wouldn't ration food off a state tray.. Now,for certain, I'm no correctional expert, but in the context of environmental threats within a prison, food rationers would not be a focal point of my attention or a priority for me. In fact, I would probably feed people more, because people who are full generally don't steal food. However, thats just me...News wise, there's really nothing significantly different going on here to report. Like everyone else, people are just ready to get 2020 behind them..I'm also looking forward to seeing and being apart of taking VOTE to the next level..Please keep me abreast..Thanks again for all you do and Keep me / us in your prayers as you are certainly in ours. Until next time..”

December 8, 2020

EHCC:

• “To whom it may concern, today our dorm was split in half from quarantine taken off. The staff claims it was a medical call, but the big issue is that the [incarcerated people] they have taken off quarantine all tested positive. They were move in the dorm where [people] tested negative, and was told by medical that we where separated from the positive [incarcerated people]. Now medical or security has place over sixty [incarcerated people]  in our dorm and now have taken quarantine off all positive [people]. Staff is allowing positive tested [incarcerated people] to walk freely on the compound today. This discrimination has gone to far, and staff seems like they are trying to spread this covid-19 to all [incarcerated people]. We need help from quarantine being taken off all [incarcerated people], and find out what medical is doing making all these mistakes placing positive [people] with negative [people]. I will appreciate whatever help can be done, and please have as many to call the warden at Hunt Correctional Center.”

December 7, 2020

DCI:

• “I HAVE TO PASS ALONG THIS INFORMATION TO Y'ALL. I JUST COME OFF THE YARD ON UNIT-1 AND IT IS LIKE MADNESS GOING ON RIGHT NOW HERE AT DCI. THE GUARDS AND THE [incarcerated people] ARE GOING AT IT ON THE YARD. THEY ARE MESS OVER US IN HERE. THEY ARE PUTTING HAND CUFF ON THE OFFENDERS AND BEATING THEM UP. THEY CLOSED THE YARD AND CUSS AT US TO GET OFF THE YARD. THIS IS WHAT HAPPEN 5 [incarcerated people] ENTER DORM-D TO ATTACK ONE [incarcerated person] AND AFTER THAT ALL HELL BROKE LOSE. FOR LONG NOW DCI HAVE BEEN LET THINGS GET OUT OF HAND HERE. IT IS LIKE THEY HAVE LOSE CONTROL OF THE PRISON. YOU ARE TO SEE THE DB COURT LIST THAT GO ON 5 DAYS A WEEK. THE DRUG IN HERE THIS OUT OF CONTROL AND THAT IS THE MAIN REASON WHY THEY HAVE LOSE CONTROL OF THIS. THEN YOU HAVE RACISM AT THE HIGHS HERE WERE THEY ARE FUCKING OVER BLACKS AND REWARDING THE WHITE [incarcerated people] HERE AT DCI. THEY KNOW THAT I CAN LOSE MY EYE SIGHT BEHIND THEM HERE AT DCI ALLOWING [incarcerated people] TO DRY OUT NON.SMOKING TOBACCO (DIP). BECAUSE I HAVE A RARE EYES CONDITION AND THEY GIVE A DAMN BECAUSE THEY HAVE CONTINUE TO PLACE ME IN HARMS WAY WITH THIS OUT HAND SMOKING HERE. THE DIP SMOKE IS TO STRONG AND PEOPLE HEALTH IS BEING AFFECT IT HERE. THAT DIP SMOKE IS REAL DANGEROUS AND MY GO BLIND FROM IT IF I AM NOT MOVED TO THE RIGHT DORM. I WILL RIGHT BACK IN A FEW TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION IN YOUR EMAIL”

EHCC:

• “THANK U FOR YOUR RECEPTION AND MOST OF ALL YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE WELL-BEING OF BEING INCARCERATED.. I WANTED U WISH U HAPPY HOLIDAY WITH LOTS OF LOVE FOR THIS CHRISTMAS.. SO , MUCH TAKING PLACE HERE AT HUNT CORRECTIONAL CENTER WHICH PUT OUR LIFE IN A DANGER SITUATION.. EXAMPLE, I BEEN SWAP THREE TIMES ALREADY AND EACH TIME I CAME BACK NEGATIVE. THEY CONSTANTLY PLACING ME AND A LOT OF OTHER IN EFFECT DORMS THAT NEVER BEEN CLEAN OR THEY HAVE PEOPLE THAT IS EFFECT WITH THIS VIRUS AND THEY STILL FEED US..THEY MAKING IT SEEM LIKE THEY WANT US TO CATCH IT OR SOON ARE LATER WE GONNA CATCH IT BECAUSE THEIR PROTOCOL ON HOW THEY TREAT COVID-19 PATIENTS AND THE ONES THAT CONTINUING TO TEST NEGATIVE... I FEAR THAT MY LIFE IS IN DANGER ..AS LONG AS HUNT RUN THINGS THE WAY THEY DO WITHOUT FOLLOWING THEIR OWN GUIDELINES .. I BEEN LOCK UP OVER 24 YEARS AND COUNTING..I DO FIT THE 10-2 RULING AND IM A LEADER IN MANY WAYS WHICH I COMPLY MY MIND IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION... THIS IS A SMALL NOTE TO LET U KNOW THAT ALL THINGS AT HUNT ISN'T ,RIGHT..”

December 6, 2020

EHCC:

• "To: Vote Admin I would like you to know that as of Friday, fox 6 dorm went on quarantine again, this makes #5 this year for this one dorm. all they do is check temperature, and keep us lock down to were everything comes to us. , also I don't know if you know this. but all of unite one is on quarantine, golf 1 and 2, fox 1 and 2 HSU 1 and 2. and skill nursing unite. and on unite 2 you have fox 3 with us. as for LCIW here I haven't heard anything there. well, this is some information you might be able to use. have a bless day and be safe out there.”

December 5, 2020

EHCC:

• “I am currently incarcerated at EHCC, and have probably been infected with covid-19. the medical staff has yet to give me any feedback after testing my whole dorm and moving half of them out. they moved all the covid-positive people in this dorm, but refuse to give me any answer other than ‘I don't know.’ however wrong or ratchet my current situation is, my bigger concern is my release. and NOT COMING BACK! I have no place to live, income, or job waiting for me. i'm willing to work, and would prefer not to be living like I'm in jail on the street. I'm homosexual, but that does not keep me from normal life. I'm tired of prison and the dudes in here playing games and having no respect for me because of my race and sexual orientation. I'm looking for help. I want to help fix the broken system. Jails are breeding grounds for disease and bad behaviors...why can't people see the department of CORRECTIONS never corrects anything…”

December 4, 2020

EHCC:

• “Dear Vote Admin,good morning to you.Got your email inquiring about the treatment we are receiving while on quarantine here in...Elayn Hunt Correctional Center.Well we re under quarantine cause a man...was tested and came up positive,(according to the guard working in the dorm the weekend the man was taken out of here).December 11 will be 14 days from the day they tok him out of here and if nobody else gets sick and is taken out,we should be off quarantine by then.Now the man's property,It, was taken out of the dorm finally,yesterday.SInce we have been locked down they have cancelled all callouts,which gave 3 [ cause to wonder when they were told they were on callout and actually left out and were brought to diagnostic.Sadly,being allowed out of the dorm turned out not to be fun for them,all of them were informed that they had loved ones,one father of an offender having succumbed to Covid at the age of 65.The man took it hard but is bouncing back.Of course he will not be allowed to attend the funeral,which under other circumstances he would have been allowed to.Another offender went up for parole and was denied because he didn't have the drug classes that were a requirement before making parole.He didnt take the classes because all classes have been cancelled.Bummer for him.The parole board gave hat as their primary reason from what he says,for denying him.I would think the board could have taken the current crisis under consideration and allowed the [incarcerated person] parole under condition he take the classes needed on the streets under a parole officers supervision,but it was not to be.As for in the dorm itself,conditions are deteriorate slowly but surely.Since maintenance personnel are not allowed in quarantine dorms,we are experiencing several problems.Most of the toilets on B Section are clogged up and dont function.That area of the dorm smells terrible,glad I dont reside in the part of the dorm.We have been awaiting a replacement microwave for the one they took out for repairs,been waiting since early March.Wardens,colonels,majors,social workers,just about everyone we can ask have been asked and we have repeatedly been told we have one coming.Yea right,they have been telling us that lie since early March.I would note at this time that all the other dorms have two or three microwaves.I just can't believe it requires 8 months to STILL not be able to find a replacement microwave.When the other dorms microwaves break down,they get replacements quick.Bot Us...Our microwave that went out to get fixed,I watched it roll down the walk one day to another dorm.They were bringing microwaves that had been fixed down the walk and I asked the man delivering them,an [incarcerated person], if that was Our microwave finally coming back to the dorm.he told me he had been told to bring it to another dorm.So much for that one.Elsewhere in the dorm,dont know if you are aware but we have this kiosk that I am emailing you on at this time.There are two USB cords assigned to each dorm and kept with the key officer.Ours have been broken for a long time and once again all the security have been notified.No replacement has came into the dorm yet.That issue puts me at a grave disadvantage.while every other JP5 in this dorm and as far as I know,on this compound,have players with rechargeable battery that can be charged up on the dorm charger,I have the rechargeable JP5 mini.I CANT charge up on the charger.My player requires I charge up with a USB cord while on the kiosk.Without a functioning cord,I cant charge up.JP systems has informed us if we allow our players battery to go all the dead,it could damage the player so that it cant be repaired and if that happens,guess what,they aint responsible.Guess what else,the prison isn't responsible either if my player breaks.They say,that is an issue I must take up with Jpay.Between a rock and ard place huh ? Now medically,things aint too bad.People are mostly in good health,there have no emergencies that I am aware of where someone had to be taken out of here.The food,birds feed as far as I can see.Without supplemental income to purchase canteen items,some people are losing weight and attempting to get what they feel they need by selling off stuff,in some cases,including themselves.can discuss that and don't want to anyhow.Recreation is something that we are getting totally screwed on.Our recreation time is most of the time allotted to other dorms,yea,its on the board as being our time,but other dorms are getting our time.we can't go out,even if we on separate yard cause they dont want dorms side by side outside together even though we cant connect each other except by yelling through fences 15 feet apart.My time up. ben Franklin said,We must hang together or we shall surely hang together. said when he signed the declaration of independence,get it ?”

December 3, 2020

LCIW/JCCY:

• “Good Morning Guys, Thank you for the wonderful birthday card. We have a few problems here at LCIW that need to be addressed. First we are on quarantine and have been on quarantine since [incarcerated person] Nicole _____ checked out with the COVID. On yesterday after she ‘stepped down’ in Violet they placed her back in a quarantined unit. I thought quarantine meant NO MOVEMENT! The second problem is that we have a small laundry in all of the buildings that normally wash twice per week our personal clothes separate from everyone else. We are the only building on quarantine and the only building with the small laundry CLOSED! The third problem is LCIW is receiving the stimulus checks but they are not posting them to the [incarcerated peoples’] account because they say they need clearance from DOC headquarters. This was a federal judge's ruling and LCIW filed for us so we need to find out what the problem is. Lisa _____ and Joan _____ were the first [people] to receive their checks; the mailroom even made a copy of the check in the envelope and sent it to them. This was almost two weeks ago. Their checks are dated from the IRS for November 16, 2020. The mailroom had made those copies but has since been ordered to stop. Could this please be looked into. Also I have a brief due for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. My sub-counsel and I are both on quarantine. It is due December 13, 2020. M sub-counsel wrote the law library supervisor Sgt Matthews and I spoke with Asst. Warden Daryl Burks on yesterday to get it completed. My sub-counsel sent all of the information needed to Ms. Matthews for another sub-counsel to complete it. I need help because I can't move because we are quarantined. Please help us in here.”

December 1, 2020

DCI:

• “Hi how you doing. I had to be place in the hospital here at DCI BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO PLACE ME ON A DORM THAT THEY KNOW IS A SMOKE FREE DORM. THEY HAVE A DORM ON UNIT-2 DORM-7 WERE THEY DON'T SMOKE AND IT IS A MEDICAL DORM. I CAN EVEN USE MY CPAP TO SLEEP WITH BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE PLUGS TO USE FOR IT. I HAVE A BAD EYE CONDITION WERE I CAN LOSE MY EYESIGHT BEHIND THE HEAVY SMOKING BEING ALLOW...PLUS THE MOJO AND OTHER DRUGS BEING SMOKE ON THE DORM..IT SEEM SECURITY DON'T HAVE ANY CONTROL HERE. IT IS REALLY BAD BECAUSE THEY DON'T REQUIRED THE GUARDS TO WEAR THE MASK AROUND US. PUT THEY HAVE SUSPENDED OUR VISIT BECAUSE THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT OF THE RISING OF THE COVID-19. THEY MAY ALREADY HAVE A RISE IN CASES IN HERE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT TEST ANY MORE. WE NEED SOME OUTSIDE PEOPLE TO COME IN HERE BECAUSE THEY ARE HIDE THINGS FROM THE PUBLIC. PLEASE PASS MY INFO TO NEWS MEDIA. IT IS TO MUCH GOING ON HERE. PLUS THEY ONLY LOOK OUT FOR THE WHITE [incarcerated people] AND JUST DO THE BLACK ONES ANY KIND OF WAY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THESE MATTER BEFORE ALOT MORE PRISONERS DIE IN HERE.”

EHCC:

• “Another update @EHCC a or several (dorms, how many is unknown at this time) in Unit1 are back on quarantine...Unit2 kitchen is cooking food for someone in Unit1...Fox3 in Unit2 is on quarantine. Plus some dorms in Unit1.”

November 30, 2020

DCI:

• “Greetings. Thank you for your continued support...There is a staff member in the infirmary who tested positive for COVID19 and is still being allowed to come to work. She is in the infirmary coughing, sneezing and complaining of having chest pains while not wearing a mask. The majority of the staff in the infirmary seldom wear a mask. What message are they really conveying to the [incarcerated] population? Do our lives not matter? This is a clear case of deliberate indifference to our health. There are [incarcerated people] who go on hospital trips off compound and aren't being tested or quarantined upon returning to the facility. An investigation needs to be launched into the negligent manner with which we are being subjected to potential exposure to COVID19. I don't know how the Dept. Of Corrections is able to continue to deliberately hide this from you all. We really need someone to look into these allegations. There is widespread corruption within DCI!”

EHCC:

• “Dear VOTE team, I would like to inform you all that...Golf 1 was tested and that they pulled over half of the dorm out because they were positive. Those [incarcerated people] whom tested positive were moved to Fox 7 dorm on Unit 3. The med staff came back on 11-23-20 and re-tested the remaining [incarcerated people]... whom originally tested negative. On 11-25-20, the results came back stating that they are all negative. Here's where things get confusing! They then made all of the [incarcerated people] in Golf1 pack all of our belongings into plastic bags, and then transferred...to the Fox 7 dorm,after they had moved all of the sick people out of this dorm. NOTE*:They did NOT clean nor disinfect this dorm before moving [them]...They had vomit and trash everywhere...They refused to ...swap the mats out that the sick guys were using. Now, today, 12-01-20, They came in [Fox 7]...and tested us again! They are not telling us whats going on. They lied...initially going to Golf 3 on unit 2 and instead placed...in this unsanitary and unsafe environment.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Dear VOTE Team, I am happy to inform you that I received my stimulus check Friday. My check was mailed to my grandmother, and she will handle my financial wishes. I did not want the entire amount to be in here, because I knew how much trouble it is to send money home and how lengthy that process can be. During the lockdown my family stepped up and made sure I was taken care of financially because I refused to eat chow because it was not safe, most of the time the trays were not being washed, and people were getting sick. So I refused to even touch a tray, and they were there for me, so it was only right to bless them. You get a blessing to be a blessing. I just wanted you all to know that I got my check.”

November 29, 2020

DCI:

• “Thank you for accept my request. I am writing because there is a lot of wrong going on here as far as the covid. They have not been telling the truth about what they have been doing to protect us. They have mix negative with the positive plus they didn't even test everybody on unit-1. I am on a dorm with people now that don't know if they have the covid or not. I have been test it and I test it negative 3 times and now I feel like DCI is putting me in harms way. Plus I have a eye condition were the doctor have told the wardens not to place me on a dorm with smoke because of my eyes and plus with me having to sleep with c-pap machine I can't be around smoke.. THERE IS A REAL CHALLENGES HERE AT DCI. THE GUARDS HERE IS NOT WEARING THERE MASK. SOME OF THE WARDENS OR NOT WEARING THERE MASKS PUTTING US AT RISK.THEY ARE NOT GOING BY THE CDC RULES OR THE GOVERNORS RULES. THEY WILL NOT ENFORCE THE RULES HERE WITH MASKS. COVID UP IN THE AREA AND THEY WALK AROUND HERE LIKE IT NO COVID OUT. SO THANKYOU FOR CONTRACT ME.”

EHCC:

• “Brothers and sisters of Vote, Just wanted to wish y'all a Happy Belated Thanksgiving! Many things could have been different for all of us, but we have lots to be thankful for, come on somebody! The Lord blessed us with one another and the constant communication we share through J-Pay, amen. This has been a very difficult year for all of us inside and outside the prison walls. However, we have our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ and he has and continues to bring us through this season victorious, amen. I have some information to share with y'all in regards to this prison, Eylan Hunts...There has been a massive outbreak of covid-19 here. Orderlies in our skilled nursing unit were working around positive covid patients without the protective gear. They transported covid into their dorm. While no-one knew there was anyone affected with covid, maintenance was sent to skilled nursing to repair some broken things where the covid patients are located. Several of them transported covid into their dorm and other dorms during the time working on various projects. Now the whole unit (unit 1) is quarantined for covid and many have been relocated to another quarantine dorm here where they have been housing all positive covid patients and those who come back from trips. Friday a dorm on the opposite side of the prison (unit 2) had four men become sick who tested positive for covid and that dorm is now on quarantine. The reason for this is because there are too many [incarcerated people] working in areas without wearing their mask, entering other dorms without their mask, and not having the proper PPE equipment. No-one has been issued a mask since they first issued home-made ones months ago. They do not provide the proper amount of chemicals to keep the dorms and evac buildings clean. The kitchen workers do not wear masks while working around the food nor while serving it. Although the dorms are individually isolated, there is far too much interaction between offenders from opposite dorms rather by maintenance, walk orderlies, security orderlies, and yard orderlies. Also, we are not able to see the doctor unless the medical issue is severe. Many men here have been waiting to see a dentist because of infected teeth, broken teeth, and etc. I have a friend who has lumps on both breast which hurt and he continues to complain and has not been treated to see if it is cancer or what it is. He has a rare and critical liver disease as well and they have not allowed him to see a liver doctor in over a year. Two months ago he was taken to the Lady of the Lake Hospital because his legs gave out and he had no feeling in them. This was due to his liver disease and still has not seen a liver doctor for a follow-up. I believe it is time for someone on the outside to look into these matters...Vote is our support system. I am reach in out to my brothers and sisters for help because covid is deadly and so is the neglect of medical attention. My time is up for now. If you have questions please feel free to ask. May God bless y'all. Keep me and us in your prayers as we continue to do the same for y'all.”

• “I want to start this letter off by letting you all know that I have a spelling problem, but if you all take you all time wit my letter you all come to see that I'm crying for help, not jest for me but for all the fighters in here.....May God Bless You All......Thanks Alot for you all voice......OK this is my reason for getting at you all. The name is irrelevant my mission is to get a voice on the outside for Jason Williams(Lawyer). He's running for DA in New Orleans. He is a must need in our blue print to getting home from this B.M.T.(BlackManTrap) not being bias im being Logic. How, easy numbers don't lie and what I mean by that is we easily out number the other people. Now we done came to a understanding on why I feel that way and why we as [incarcerated people] need a voice in here. We done had a bad bad out break whit this Covid-19. Its so heckted to where they doing they best to cover up they faults. One of they faults is when the warden ___ _____ said forget what the medical staff had to say and and calls that put us all in danger on a mega scale. we need the NEWS, Pepole wiht a Voice that fullie understand that what they doing to us is fullie wrong and in huemain. Yes we complied, the majority had no choice cause the rest gave in meaning the strong is weakend cause the weak out number us. That's why a voice is needed baddly for us [incarcerated people].....I'll be keeping you all updated and posted as much as i can for we need you all more then you all can inmagin. Im a 1st timmer who is doing 35 years cause our lady liberty still have her blind fold on when dilling the minorty. My home get broke into and i kill the man on my porch and they say im wrong for protecting my family and home............. Yeah you all see the no greese being used.”

November 28, 2020

EHCC:

• “Hey Y'all, I am so glad that the COVID isn't as infectious this dang flu going around. This stuff has gotten everybody, including me. Fortunately I'm a tough old goat, so it didn't last but a couple of days. Since the trustee quarantine that had the prison at a standstill, they have come out with a new policy (according to my boss, who I think was kidding): ‘The trustees can no longer catch Covid-19.’ We are officially immune now, so they are not even checking us any more. I'm pretty sure my neighbor had it, because he got to the point where he was having a hard time breathing, and he could barely walk, and when he went to the infirmary they told him he was good and could go back to the dorm. After that happened, I kinda started believing my boss, and he's usually full of it. Anyway, thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes. I sure would have liked to be able to have spent it at home, since it will be my old-lady's last one on this earth. The cancer she had didn't cooperate with the treatments, so she'll be dead too soon, if you ask me. I just hope she gets to see one more Christmas. I know we all got to go one day, but why is it the good ones always die so young? She isn't but 50. Hope all is well with y'all…”

• “Update @EHCC in Unit2 Fox3 has just been placed on quarantine today! Just moments ago.”

• “Greetings VOTE Fam Thanks for the update! As I've/we"ve been discussing among ourselves. That prison officials isn't ready for an prison wide testing because the question that would arise; ‘What do you do with the asymptomatic people?’ Thats what we're wondering what would happen to them/us? Fox7 may not have enough room/bed space. Wherfore, What did they do to those women prisoners that was asymptomatic in the women's prison? Also I've to be more mindful to wear my mask. On another note, Wow! Look Where's the leadership Mr. President Trump?! conspiracy for winning the first time & losing its even an bigger conspiracy. Its never going to stop either, so get ready for the next New York Bestseller. An tell all insider book of 2020 an Clear Vision.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “VOTE FAM Thank you for your update and well wishes. As most of you know, this time of year is particularly the hardest in here and any and all demonstrations of care and concern from those on the outside is immensely appreciated.. In reference to your observations concerning your delay in receiving my mail, I have no knowledge of this being an issue with others, however, for me personally, it's par for the course. Often communications between my mother and I are delayed a day or so also. Since i have been here, I've come to recognize that consciousness combined with the ability to convey and articulate seems to be intimidating to some. In general, prison administrations want ignorance and docility amongst the prison population. Combine that with the inability to articulate and the sum is-everything done behind bars will stay behind bars, which, of course, is an ideal situation if you are engaged in any unethical, illegal, and/or immoral behavior. My mail was probably delayed because someone perceived something that I said to be unflattering or perhaps threatening to the status quo. Or maybe it was just a computer glitch. A very persistent one that seems particularly interested in the things I write. In any event, don't mind it much. If ever there is a time that I need VOTE to know something ASAP, VOTE will know it ASAP. Such contingency preparations are again, par for the course.. Newswise here, things are about the same, however there seems to be a greater amount of angst and aggravation amongst the population. As is the case out there, people have pandemic fatigue. Combine that with a new Admin. that seems more interested in demonstrating their new authority in ways that seem meant more to provoke than ameliorate the conditions of our confinement, and the outlook doesn't look too well... Additionally,.. The prison is still locked down. People here are still sick and getting sick, however, as far as I know, there have been no new intubations or deaths. New mask were passed out, donated by a local pastor that's also a chaplain here at this facility. The Thanksgiving meal was traditional, well prepared, and indeed, something to be thankful for.. Also, Some stimulus funds have began to arrive. That's the scoop this way. I'll keep you informed from here, on this side of the fence and ask that you please do the same from that side.. Take Care and Stay Safe!...”

• “Greetings VOTE Fam Thanks for the update! As I've/we"ve been discussing among ourselves. That prison officials isn't ready for a prison wide testing because the question that would arise; ‘What do you do with the asymptomatic people?’ That's what we're wondering what would happen to them/us? Fox7 may not have enough room/bed space. Wherfore, What did they do to those women prisoners that was asymptomatic in the women's prison? Also I've to be more mindful to wear my mask. On another note, Wow! Look Where's the leadership Mr. President Trump?! conspiracy for winning the first time & losing its even bigger conspiracy. It's never going to stop either, so get ready for the next New York Bestseller. An tell all insider book of 2020 an Clear Vision...Unit2 Fox3 has just been placed on quarantine today! Just moments ago…”

November 27, 2020

EHCC:

• “Dear VOTE Admin staff.Hello this am,wow you people sure do stay on top of things. All that moving with Fox 7 had just happened less than 24 hours before you sent me that email.And my medical issue means you stay in touch with everyone regularly.The David McKay quote,yea I can dig that.There is one by Albert Einstein that hits close to that. ‘The world is an evil place,not because of those who do evil,but because of those who stand by and do nothing.’ So actions REALLY do count for something.Words and thoughts,yea they great,but are they really without any actions taken on those words ? What ole Albert said,you read that and think,yea that is nice. But if you know anything about the man,the era he lived in,what he did,take it all into account,it takes on a whole new meaning.Ole Albert lived during Germany's rise to power and World War Two.He was German -Jew,he gave Roosevelt the letter introducing the idea of the atmoic bomb in the hopes of ending World war Two with a few casualties as possible.The Nazis were killing people right and left,the Pius Pope,cant recall his number,sat quite in the Vatican for fear if he spoke out against the Nazi atrocities the Nazis would overrun the Vatican.The whole world was quite at first, Gypsies, blacks, Jews, Russians, Poles, slaughtered in camps designed for no other reason than to eliminate ‘undesireables’. Sorry about that,know you got better things to do than to discuss the meanings of quotes with people-BUT YOU STARTED IT ! (smile) Later,thanks for the encouragement. That thing with Fox 7 SOUNDS good.But think about it,the ramifications.What if someone has to go on regular hospital trips,say every week.Or someone has something going on in court and he got to keep to keep making appearances.If they only got one area fr court and one for doctor and hospital trips,and one for Covid.That means every time someone goes on a trip,medical,court,or for covid,they go back on the same tier,which in turns starts that entire tiers 14 days quarantine time over again.If several people are going on regular trips,hell once a person gets over there he aint likely to ever leave.Hunt is a medical facility.Lots of people get cancer treatments and stuff,lots of people in courts for stuff.They way it was before,they would fill up a tier with people,if anyone went a trip they went onto another tier so that tier wouldn't have start over again.SO at the end of 14 days AT LEAST somebody would end up leaveing.wouldnt be a whole tier,maybe 15 people,but people would leave.The way they got it now,as I understand it from you,a lot of people gonna get caught up for a long time.Later shalom…”

November 22, 2020

Allen:

• “Thank you for the updates. Some individuals have already started to receive their stimulus checks, those who had their family e-file about a month ago. Unfortunately, I filed by mail. Speaking of IRS and taxes, in 2018 I had my mom, who has power of attorney for me, close a retirement account so that I could pay off some debt to McNeese State University when I was withdrawn early in fall 2011. Because she closed the account early, I had to pay fees and was taxed heavily (go figure.) Due to this, my mom had to file a 2018 tax return for me early last year but is having issues getting my return released to her. She says that they require some sort of verification as to who she is and what relation she is to me. She has tried all she knows what to do with no success. If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know. On a different note, I'd like to give you an idea of what it has been like for us concerning medical needs here at ALC during the pandemic. We can only request to go to sick call once per week because they want to keep all tiers separate from one another in the infirmary, yet four tiers go to the yard at a time and each unit eats, attends classes, and religious services regularly, together. If we need to be seen any other time than the assigned time, we must request an emergency sick call and pay the extra fees for doing that. So if, for instance, I have a bug bite, which may not be life threatening but is serious, on Friday and my assigned time is Thursday, I must wait a week to be seen or pay extra to be seen sooner. Before the limitations we were able to fill out a sick call request nearly every day. This may not seem to be much of an issue, but not everyone has the luxury to be able to afford the extra few dollars for the emergency status. The dentist has been limited to only pulling teeth instead of repairing teeth or even performing preventative maintenance. For me specifically, I just went to see the dentist for a minor toothache. He told me that he needed to pull two teeth, which are not in bad shape, and one that is not near the toothache, because he would need to perform root canals, which he does not have the equipment for. Yet, he did not even take an x-ray, he only looked visually and probed around with a tongue depressor. I have had one root canal performed before and that tooth was in much worse condition, so it seems unlikely that that is necessary. Nevertheless, if simple care was given, i.e. fillings, cleanings, etc., to those who request it, these issues would not be necessary. I have been incarcerated for more than nine years, six in DOC, and have not been able to receive proper care for my teeth, even though my parents tried to offer to pay for any and all care needed.”

DCI:

• “Dear Vote, I Was placed in cell block C when i was living on unit-ONE...I was released from the cell blocks and place on unit-2...I was on unit-2 a few weeks and an [incarcerated person] was tested positive for COVID-19...I am on dorm __ right now and we are segregated from [the other dorms]...They are not going by the guidelines in the CDC book at all...I know they are saying that they are doing thing by the book and protecting [incarcerated peoples’] health and safety but they are not...I ask that someone help and tell people about the trouble we are having...Thank you for your time and concern....”

EHCC:

• “Dear VOTE team, This is a letter concerning the upcoming potential legislative changes as well as a request for certain information; 1. Have you heard reliable info on when the new session is supposed to occur? 2. Are there any proposed Bills or Ammendments that will affect Non-Violent, Non-Sex offense time computations that will possibly allow someone on a drug charge(like myself) an earlier release? 3. Do you know what the status is for the retro-activity of the ‘new’ Act 280c(formerly Act 1099)? 4. Do you know where the Dept. of Corr. stands on the issue of releasing people whom are within 2 years of their release date due to COVID-19? 5. Is it possible for you to get me the address for the Re-Entry program in Plaquemines Parish and/or Lafourche Parish so I can write to them requesting placement in their Re-Entry and ‘Good-Time’ classes? 6. The C.O. whom reported for duty in my dorm today stated that only 6 officers reported for roll call today, meaning that this facility is so short staffed that if a big enough altercation occurred in just my dorm alone, that they would have trouble quelling it; which shows that this facility is understaffed and therefor unsafe! Can anything be done about this? Is this the kind of info that you need to help get things done on your end? As far as what's been going on at this facility recently; you know that laundry has been disrupted, but did you know that foodservice has also been disrupted? Since my unit went on quarantine, we have been receiving our food in styrofoam trays prepared all the way across the street...packed inside of discarded styrofoam cup boxes and sent over here COLD and then delivered on the same home-made carts they transport discard refuse from the dorms as well as biohazard bags EVERY SINGLE MEAL! Beyond the food being packed and served in a manner violating many Servsafe regulations, it is also quite unsanitary for human consumption. They even bring us the cooler with the ‘juice’ in it only after the dorm next to us after they have used half of it. They are on quarantine as well!”

• “Hey guys, thanks for the check in, its approximately 4:37pm, the kiosk machine time. In response to the few questions asked, here are your answer to them 1.) have I been provided new masks? no. I have been using the same mask for over several weeks (November 7, 2020) is the last time I was able to hustle one of those masks when I was told to go work in the skilled nursing unit. that was for that Saturday night, and Sunday night details. This was where the guys with COVID-19 are, then allegedly the head warden found out we were ordered to, we were told not to refuse (no choice) or consequences? yes, the CO's are wearing their masks and the slip on vinyl plastic suits...3.) no. I currently have no health issues. I thank God for that, I have not had a physical or seen a doctor for about 3 years now. I did take the flu shot just recently on my birthday October 15, 2020, 4.) taking any medication? yes. I am presently taking -- Aspirin EC 81 mg, Amlodipine 10mg(blood pressure), multivitamin, Simvastatin 20mg (blood pressure), calcium/Vit D 500/200, Lisinopril 40mg (cholesterol), Naproxen 500mg (ankle injury/a bunion on right big toe). These are the MED's I have been taking. I stopped taking the calcium/vit D 500/200, and the lisinopril nearly 6 years ago, I told the female nurse/practitioner that these meds did not agree with me, I requested to stop use. they still continue to send them anyway. I don't take those two meds. since I stopped using them years ago, I am able to workout, stamina is good, I watch my cholesterol and avoid anything not good for my interest. if there is anything in addition to that, please, don't hesitate to ask for the response….PS. we are still on lockdown quarantine, it has been a total of 13 days, since November 10, 2020. all of mine temperature checks have been good twice daily, and the other guys in the dorm…”

November 21, 2020

DCI:

• “hi there. dci has found one [incarcerated person] that has tested positive for covid-19. Now we are quarantined again for 14 days. I'm in the process of signin guys up for the coronavirus release application. There are so many [incarcerated people] in prison that don't have anyone to contact concerning our problems in here. I shall b n touch.”

November 20, 2020

Angola:

• “Vote Admin so we got a new President now and this virus seems to be getting more out of control. What's the meaning of Vote Admin so I can tell anybody that cares to ask what kinda help I have now. I wish I knew somebody's name for your organized group.I am working on writing an ad on the website write a prisoner.com asking for help. I hate that now it has come to this but I really mite die here in prison for going to watch a fist fight as a teenager. I am so lost now with nothing filed in the courts and no family because I am an only child and no kids being I have been locked up since I was a kid. What kinda help I am needing???? Well a second chance everyone says should be given but I am not everyone I can tell you because I provided my innocence to only be given a death sentence to die here of old age. I am so scared that I will be buried here right next to the [incarcerated people] I hate the most. So I am going to beg that somebody will claim my body and at least have me creamatted because I want to be thrown in the gulf of Mexico where my Dads and uncle's ashes are too. Really to just get me out of here dead would be a blessing and to be thrown in the ditch that's flowing towards the gulf of Mexico as long as I am not here anymore. I am sorry that my family died knowing that their only child has lost the gift of life to live. I hate that I know I killed them because they couldn't free me out of here so they committed suicide. I don't know what's it's like to lose a child to prison but I can tell you what's it's like to beg your father and uncle to not leave me like this that I need them. Now I am the last of my blood line and if I don't have any kids my bloodline dies here in prison for going to watch a fight and getting jumped to defended myself to being told if I don't testify to lies of me saying for the DAs that my codeffendit kicked that young man to death that I will be given life also when I never even touched that young man.I was jumped fighting 3 guys whenever you're being jumped I can tell you not much to be seen but 3 guys punching on you so I am wondering why can't the truth set me free why has this happened to me for I don't deserve this but I am not saying for he should have lost his life either but 2 more wrongs of life lost because he punched my co defendant and in return got struck back in the temple that took his life by my codefendant.Well can I ask y'all if maybe you can answer if possible for a Proportionality sentencing for me is able to be filed or reconsidered anything please tell me for I am needed to find something to help me thanks...”

EHCC:

• “Well...Golf 1...because of that warden...they tested, and have now taken about 69 or 70 people out of Golf 1 with the Covid. [Golf 2 has] been on quarantine...and there are a few people...that aren't feeling well, but the free-people are scared to test us for fear of what they will find out. They can't have the prison's main workers out of commission for too long, if you get my drift. It seems that they are more worried about their image, and what this newest outbreak will bode for them, instead our actual health. And they really have no idea what they are doing. Anyway, I am doing okay, so far. I just wanted to let y'all know the newest news about what is going on here.”

• “Hello, Yes I'm doing what I can. Unfortunately I was one of the many in our dorm that have been told that air has tested positive. Right now I am housed in Fox ___. Two dorms are used for quarantine for those that come off trips,court appearances,etc. But the other two dorms are now housing us...the ones that have tested positive.There are 33 [incarcerated people] in this dorm...Right now we are unaware how long we have to quarantine and what's next for us.We know very little as administration is doing what they can as we move forward. Even they don't have a plan in place. So I'm wearing my mask and practicing social distance the best way I can. Well I will keep you informed and I hope that you do the same. Like I said,we don't have a clue of what going on...Being able to converse with someone on the outside really helps with keeping your sanity. So again,thanks a bunch and God bless!”

LCIW/JCCY:

• "Hi thanks for the words of wisdom and encouragement. When I went back to see the doctor about my x-rays he told me I'm going to have to have surgery!!! Because my back is messed up they will go in my side and put in a rod and then back in my back and put a rod and six screws. If I don't have the surgery I will lose control of my bladder and bowels and won't be able to lift my foot!!! But if they shut us back down because we are now on quarantine because a female in our building tested positive for Covid there will be no trips not unless it's an emergency!!! So please keep us in prayer because we don't want that to happen again!!!! As of now we are the only dorm quarantined!!!!!”

• “Hello...Spring dorm...is once again on quarantine. A young lady tested positive and was moved, however the entire dorm is on quarantine for 14 days. There will however, be no testing for us. I myself had the virus in April and May when it was running rampid around here with over 400 cases. I would really like to share my story with the legislature. The disparity between crimes is almost laughable. Well thank you for writing. Stay safe.”

November 19, 2020

EHCC:

• “Word is that sixty plus [incarcerated people] tested positive from the golf-1 dorm today. They have been moved to fox-7 for quarantine. Fox-2 haven't been swab yet for covid-19 and its few [incarcerated people] with scabies, but a lot of [incarcerated people] won't get examined or treated, because they don't want to be placed on quarantine. The facility is allowing [incarcerated people] with scabies to live in our dorm to infect others. Sending their laundry out with the dorm to infect others' laundry. Same with covid-19 and no one knows anything.”

November 18, 2020

DCI:

• “Hey, Well I've got some news for y'all. The ‘Corona Virus’ is back at D.C.I.!! They now have Dorms 1-4 on unit 2 under quarantine AGAIN. It seems as IF the infirmary personnel screwed up B-I-G. 2 [incarcerated people] went on a hospital trip to New Orleans for some kind of procedure. The hospital tested them and they tested positive for the corona, so the hospital sent them back here and called the Infirmary and told them they could not do their procedures because they tested positive. When the [incarcerated people] got back here the infirmary sent them back to their dorms on unit 2 WITHOUT putting them in quarantine. Now this all happened last week and they just put unit 2 under quarantine today. BUT, they still let them go to chow and now we are all afraid we were exposed because the kitchen crew lives on unit 1 that served them. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE is wearing their mask. Only a few of us that work down the walk and in the gym, infirmary, etc. wear our masks, but 99% of the [incarcerated population] and a lot of the Security don't wear them. Also I'm still trying to find out when that Lady that helps with the ‘clemency’ procedures can contact me. I don't mean to be a pest, but I'm just worried about it. It's now been 2 yrs. since I received the acceptance letter and I still haven't received a date for the hearing. I hope and pray that she will be able to give some advice as to what to do. Well that's about all I have for y'all today…”

EHCC:

• “Hello there, Yes we had testing but it wasn't a nasal swab.It was done by a nurse and we were swabbed by the mouth.They said it will take to Thursday or Friday to receive the results. Right now I'm just wearing my mask and taking safety precautions until I hear back.I don't know if others are feeling any symptoms because a lot of them are scared but there are a lot of coughing in the dorm.”

November 17, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “Dear VOTE Team, last night people started getting copies of their stimulus checks. I personally saw one today, since I work in the shed, I have the ability to deliver food to various units, and multiple people told me that they received a copy of their stimulus checks. also, the portable glass for the non-contact visits arrived today. They are preparing for visits. this is a bittersweet experience for everyone who has waited months to actually see their families. visits are the only thing that really reminds us that we are human. The ability to hug and kiss your loved ones takes us out the mindset that prison has coated around our brains. just because we are in a dorm, does not negate the fact that we are in a cage, and all cages transform the mind into something almost beastly. a simple visit can bring you back mentally, the kiss of a mother or a child can dissolve that. coat prison placed on our minds, the shackles have been removed from our hands and ankles, but the mind is what they aim to shackle, but the love we receive at visit is the key to unlock any shackle.”

November 16, 2020

EHCC:

• “Hey guys, yes, I am well, though a little disgruntled with the way that the prison administration are managing poorly under their neglect to prevent shortage of security, (limited officer to work drops) using [incarcerated people] no it assigned to health care, which has gotten some guys infected with the coronavirus. we are limited to exit the dorm on the dormitory yard. they are on Unit 1 compound limiting each dorm to an hour on the dorms yard. being kept in the dorm when the weather is fair, clear and moderate. whe are [we kept] in the dorms on lockdown, no opportunity to socially distance ourselves with nice weather when the count is cleared, chow is a total joke. no hot food shortage of meal trays by whomever working the count to send the amount which the numbers don't change. in other words, an easy job, or lack of interest to eliminate guys...from handling food trays without the proper gloves, the description is plainly insane. Yet, I am determined to understand. there is no one to get our mail to the mailbox. we can't walk to the kitchen, air any kind of grievances to respectfully cooperate, under these unbalanced circumstances...we are extremely limited to any movement. it's basically the same routine with either security shifts. it's understandable, we are not asking for anything beyond what we should be entitled to. trying to mail out mail is a joke…”

• “Hello there,Happy Monday! Well let me get straight to responding to your last email....Nothing has changed since my last email.We are still on quarantine due to someone testing positive that was housed in the dorm I'm housed in. And as I said before,since being placed on quarantine two other units on compound one have also been placed on quarantine. Have there been any testing? No,at least not in the dorm that I live on.The nurses come around daily to do temp check but that's about it.I'm NOT for certain but I don't believe the other two dorms have been given testing either. How is everyone holding up?It's mad crazy cause everyone has been basically confined to its dorm for several days now and frustration is growing.There haven't been any violence though. Does anyone have obvious symptoms or are sick? There is 123 [incarcerated people] that housed in the dorm that I'm in.Its one dorm divided into four tiers.I would say that near half of the [incarcerated people] are feelings something.I know that plenty have been coughing on the regular. Some want the heater on,some want the fans on.That would lead people to get sick especially with the weather. Now here is a lil about me personally. I never did this cause I assumed that I was emailing Mr Norris Henderson.I'm friends with his daughter and was a friend of his son...(RIP) At the present I don't have a job.My last job was at the warehouse as a stocker/clerk.I recently got wrote up for gambling and they took my job. Before the pandemic,I was in several clubs....Alumni Association,Civil Leadership Association as well as the Lifers (even though I'm not actually a lifer) I have had the pleasure of serving as VP for both Alumni and CLA.I have lend my skills to facilitate several classes...parenting,character,manhood,etc. I also believe in the Christian faith even though the Islamic community have had a lot to do with my personal development...My support system is made up of plenty of family members, loved ones,friends and formerly incarcerated brothers. Most live in New Orleans,LA. I will enclose their names and info at the end of the email.My birthday is March 18,1974.Yes I am 46 years young (lol)...I have been a trustee a couple of times.Perhaps I will get it back in the upcoming new year.When I'm a trustee,I always get the job working in the A-building as an orderly washing cars.Last not least,no I don't have the non unanimous jury verdict.I pleaded guilty to a 40 years sentence for manslaughter.I have been incarcerated for nearly 15 years now. I do have the 20-45 parole date so I know that I need to start getting in position for that. Well I enjoyed emailing with y'all and again,I appreciate everything that y'all do for the brothers that's incarcerated. Continue to do what y'all do. Until next time peace and blessings.”

November 15, 2020

EHCC:

• “Dear VOTE, Yes, the virus has caused the whole unit one to be placed on quarantine. The really scary part is that is where the old folks dorm is, as well as the Skilled Nursing Unit. You took the words right out of my mouth about Steph. But it is also the last thing I need to worry about, STEPH and this virus. I will probably lose my mind if something happens to her. Especially after she brought me back from the brink of despair. It is truly hard to find someone who is completely on your side without any ulterior motives. And you can believe one thing I am very, very protective when it comes to her and her health. With that being said, you should see that I am being careful myself. Well it is official. November 1, 2026, is my parole date. I got the new rap sheet Thursday and filled out my paperwork for college. I will be working towards a Bachelor's degree in Science. Steph will have some restrictions as to where she can live due to the nature of her crimes. I personally would like to come back to New Orleans where you all are at and continue to do what you all do already. Now she has some reluctance about going to N.O. But I can convince her, at least I know that she will have someone there to help her until I get out. But I will talk to her this evening about it and let you know when you write back.”

November 14, 2020

Angola:

• “Congratulations on the new building...Isn't it something what can be done when minds are put in gear. I am happy for you all. Happy all the more for longevity and the prospects that VOTE'S future holds for us all. Commend me where necessary. As the covid-19 pandemic is spreading around the world, I am extra vigilant given this sardine can I am housed. There are no precautions being taken herein, extra nor otherwise. Actually, Camp D [incarcerated persons] and staff act as though we are all immune: like the plague will just pass us by. There are no PPE supplies being passed nor is mask and social distancing commonly practiced. To be honest, it's down right scary being imprisoned at 60-plus. The winter is fast approaching and along with winter comes colds, flu, and even the possibility of pneumonia and then there's the covid-19 pandemic. With the preexisting diseases, the out of control drug abuse, drug use, drug addictions there is a worse case scenario on the horizon. And with expectations given the Care Act's distribution of 1,200.00, weakened bodies, compromised minds will become a welcoming mat for the covid-19. Of course I am standing by and shall do my best to remain covid free. Be well. I am hopeful. Covid-19 is changing us all. Empathy will have to become the order of the day. We won't survive here nor there without an inclusive approach. Tribalism and Nationalism no matter what the plutocracist think won't see us through this divine appointment.”

EHCC:

• “Our facility Hunt Correctional Center is dealing with covid-19 that some [incarcerated people] have tested positive, and most of the compound is placed on quarantine. It's short handed with keeping our laundry clean in which its been three days since our clothing should have been wash. We are still dealing with the scabies outbreak that several [incarcerated people] have come in contact with also. Medical hasn't tested us yet for covid-19 or treated the hold dorm that have been in contact with scabies outbreak that their allowing [incarcerated people] that have scabies refuse treatment, because they don't want to be put on quarantine. It's putting other [incarcerated people] at high risk of catching either one, because of the lack of medical care. Also wound care has been on hold, because of the quarantine and I'm a day late from receiving my treatment that's ordered to be done every two days to be change cause of the condition my leg is end for the past six plus years. I'm in need of special care to heal this open wound on my leg. It's bad dealing with these crises and I'm praying that my health holds up.”

• Hi VOTE team...The reason for writing to you today is because we here at Hunt are in an extremely dire situation where loss of life is HIGHLY probable. Let me explain, On Friday before last, There was an extreme outbreak of COVID-19 here at Hunt, more specifically Unit 1. The outbreak was apparently caused by this facility ‘accidentally’ allowing two [incarcerated people] who work in an area called Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) to come into direct and daily contact with [incarcerated people] whom are essentially on their deathbeds primarily due to being infected with COVID-19 in SNU, and then return back to my dorm...where they ended becoming ill and then testing positive for the virus. Now, the majority of my dorm has lost their sense of smell and taste, numerous people, myself included, are having severe flu-like symptoms, and are reporting it to the medical staff who come around a couple of times a day to check people for fevers. The [incarcerated people] are ALL requesting to be tested for the virus yet the facility med staff are refusing to get us tested saying that they will only test those who have a fever. This shit is ridiculous. Many of us have had our families call up here to demand that we be tested and the administration here is flat out lying to them saying that we have already been tested. My contact on the outside is a life-long friend and advocate named Quin Bates. He is an Episcopal Deacon. He called up here for me last week and informed me that the people told him that they would notify the medical department. I made an emergency request for medical attention citing shortness of breath, fatigue, night sweats and chills, loss of taste and loss of smell. NO ONE came and examined me, they just sent an EMT to bring me some cough drops, robitussin, and nasal spray. I have since made 3 emergency requests and have been threatened with lock-down(ad seg). I have NOT been tested for COVID-19. I am a non-violent, non-sex offense offender and have less than 15 months left on my sentence. I don't want to die in here! Please help me!!!”

November 13, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “Dear VOTE Team, the information that you send me most times is right on time. There is so much misinformation in prison that people don't really know who to trust when it comes to accurate information. So I thank you...I am not a trusty, the requirements are not like in Angola, with a clean record, you can be eligible, eligibility is based on your release date. On the visitation issue, I was at the dorm rep meeting on Monday, and they were talking about visitation being non-contact. I have a member of my club that recently was blessed with getting his daughter back into his life, he last saw her when she was a baby, and have been in prison ever since. Their relationship strengthen to the point of her requesting to come see him, then the pandemic hit, and he has not had the opportunity to hold his child in 11 years. Non-contact visits is not going to be enough for either one of them. So, I ask that the push be hard. I understand the saying, ‘Beggars can't be choosy.’ But if you are going to give a starving man a meal, why just give him the appetizer and not the full course?”

November 11, 2020

Angola:

• “123,000 infected today, November 2020 Veterans Day. American medical institutions are being overwhelmed by covid-19. You guys be careful out there. We have a new surge in the prison as well. Many [incarcerated people] have yet to be tested, including myself. Prison is Scary enough without a pandemic infecting the gated community. Presently, there are over a couple of hundred [people] isolated - quarantine. And we are just getting started. The flu (winter) season is at the starting line. I am setting a bed masked down. I'm taking no chances. At 60-plus, the last thing I need is covid-19. Okay yeah, did I tell you that I finally got the flu shot Tuesday morning. And no, no one offered me 5.00. I'm thinking 5.00 would get many more [incarcerated people] lining up for the shot. Many are they that would do most anything for a few dollars. Shit, these guys are in love with Trump and all his antics just because of the stimulus checks: 1,200. I can't believe half of what I hear in this joint. Anyway . . . be safe. Oh yeah, how many of [Voters Organized’s] candidates for this election cycle won? No, I'm not talking about winning like Donald T thinks he has either. Nice hearing from you guys…”

EHCC:

• “Well, guess what? One of the guys that was volunteered to go pull a 12 hour shift at Skilled Nursing has come down with something that sure resembles the COVID, and probably is the COVID, but the free-folk will neither confirm or deny. We have heard that the other WARDENS (higher up on the food chain wardens) are teed off at ____ _______ because she basically shut down both compounds because of her stunt of sending the trustees into the mouth of the beast (no workers are left to run the compounds you see: maintenance, AS and R, warehouse, main-laundry, etc.), but there again, we can neither get confirmation or a denial out of the people to hear if she is in any trouble over it, or not. It would probably be easier to get information if I wasn't on quarantine.with the other trustees. There are a bunch of them over the last few days saying that they feel really bad, but I don't believe the incubation period for COVID is that fast, so it is probably just the flu. Unless one of those orderlies passed it on before they got sick, or the virus has mutated into something meaner. It is what they do. Who knows? But it looks like the COVID has reared its ugly head again, and this time it is taking no prisoners. Skilled Nursing is filling up slowly, for the moment, but it is filling up. If COVID hits compound #1 like it looks like it wants a lot of people to potentially die. This side is where most of the preexisting conditions are located, along with the ones that are already dead and just haven't realized it yet. I'm not trying to be funny, or cruel.... You would just have to see some of these guys for yourself. You would definitely understand then. But do you know what the funny (funny weird, not funny HAHA) thing is? They still haven't tested the compound to see who may have it and quarantine them to keep the rest of us safe. Then again, ____ sent trustees with no training to cover for sick orderlies at Skilled Nursing. It doesn't look like they really care as long as they can work damage control when things do get out of hand. Anyway, thought you'd like to hear the latest. Hope everything is cool on your end. Stay safe. I know I'm going to try to.”

• “Hello there, Hope and pray that all is fine with the genre Vote Adm family.Im writing with a quick update here at Hunt Correctional...Golf 1 have been on quarantine for 5 days now…[of] a 14 days quarantine. Today, two other dorms have been placed on quarantine due to positive Covid testing.That lead to Golf 2 and Fox 2 being placed on 14 quarantine as well.All 3 dorms basically make up the entire unit 1 compound...kitchen worker,canteen workers,warehouse workers, trustees, orderlies, etc. As of the present,we still haven't been given a Covid test.Nurses come around daily for temperature check but no test. Again,my question is should we be tested? Is there a way that we could request a Covid test? Well I will close now but again, thanks for everything y'all do. I speak for the brothers and want y'all to know that y'all are appreciated. On that note remain blessed and may peace be upon y'all.”

November 6, 2020

EHCC:

• “Thank you for the information. I will share it with my fellow [incarcerated people]. But I have some breaking news for you. All of the Skilled Nursing Unit orderlies, who were just moved into the same dorm yesterday, have caused all of Golf-1, the dorm they went to, to be quarantined for Covid-19 because one of them tested positive for the disease. That is not the kicker though. About an hour ago the Warden on compound 1, _____ _____ called two dorms out of Golf-2, the trustee dorm...and volunteered by threat of lockdown numerous [incarcerated people] to report to work at Skilled Nursing to replace those orderlies on different shifts. All those orderlies have special training to do their jobs, because they are working around the very sick and Covid infected people, but yet I am being forced to go there tomorrow morning at 6am to do that job, after working 10 hours a day all week doing my regular maintenance job, with no training whatsoever. If I don't go I will be locked up and I will lose my opportunity to complete my college courses because I will most likely be kicked out of school. She….gave me no choice though, even though that is not my job. I fear for my health working in Skilled Nursing. Whenever they have Covid patients in there when I work maintenance we are not allowed to go in there, period, but yet the Warden, _____ ________, overrode that order and is making me go anyway regardless of the dangers involved to my health. Is it that she doesn't care? I believe so. If you want to raise hell about something that is clearly against DOC regulations regarding putting [incarcerated people] in harm's way, then here you go. I kind of hope I catch it. Know any good lawyers? Because if I survive I will definitely sue the crap out of the administration. And the bad thing is that she did the same thing to a bunch of other trustees regardless of their health also, but if anyone asks she will most likely say we volunteered. Just like they say we volunteer to fill sandbags whenever a big storm comes. Just so you know what these people are doing now. If I was you, I'd be on the phone the minute I received this email trying to get these people to explain their actions. Someone is bound to catch something, being that none of us are trained to do that job…”

November 5, 2020

EHCC:

• “Dear Vote Team: Thanks so much for the update. I have two areas of concern: 1. We are having trouble getting more copies of the tax form at Elayn Hunt (EHCC). I have ONE blank copy left. Some have been told that the form cannot be copied. Is this true? Is it possible to get copies of the form delivered to EHCC quickly? 2. Visitation recommendations: Mandatory masks during the entire visit. (except when eating) Mandatory symptom/temperature checks upon entry to the facility. Socially distanced tables inside (offer outside visits where possible). Plexiglass screens between tables inside the visitation building. Sanitize table and chairs between visits Please emphasize to the advisory council that we want (and need) contact visits. Visits via plexiglass walls do not provide the same quality of communication or personal connection as in-person contact visits. Thanks again for fighting for us.”

November 3, 2020

EHCC:

• “Hello, Yes, I just looked at the memo. It is signed by the head warden here at Hunt...It is date for October 30th. It talks about the COVID pandemic and how the flu season is coming and that if people have chosen to take the flu vaccine, then they are offering 5.00 for it running retroactive back to August 2020. They say that 5.00 will be credited to the person's reserve account for use in the canteen. It is being put out there as an incentive for people to get the shot and I am sure that prison officials in general are pretty concerned about how COVID situations are or could increase, either in numbers or intensity in closed environments like this. I say, if the flu begins to actually injure or kill people in here, then the powers-that-be should have taken that into consideration when they had the chance to let go of some non-violent offenders, (One of hose perfect for this is a client of mine) I wrote to the warden, the Secretary of doc, and the Governor, and never got even so much as a response from anyone. Enough of that. I get aggravated. But I will be giving you his name and number before it is over. Just in case. I do hope that he stays well. SO, about the memo, I saw the first of it when the memo came out. The dorm officers made a verbal announcement about it when the memo came into the dorm, and then it was placed on the bulletin board here in my dorm. I assume that this was done in all the dorms. I cannot go to other dorms, but I will ask the fellas I see from other dorms once in a while. It is an actual memo from the warden here and it does have the Departmental letterhead, and has the Governor's name on it as well as the Secretary's name on it at the top. So, I cannot be sure I have answered all your questions. Oh, no one actually told us face to face to do this. It was not an order or an enticement. It was just something that was done on memo and was placed in the living area. I had already taken the shot and have not written in for the five dollars. I should, so at least I will know who they are handling it. I took it earlier in October. Perhaps two to three weeks ago. The memo was not out at that time, but I take the shot anyway. Well, if I missed anything in the way of questions. I will try to answer those later. Be blessed, and have a terrific November. Be safe, and always consider others...p.s. the ‘reserve’ account is a third account that is maintained, and we can use it for purposes like this. It is only good for store purchases when the state puts something in it, or when we bring our compulsive savings accounts below the 250.00 mark that we are required to maintain it at. If I take 100.00 out of it, or whatever they allow me to during the COVID pandemic, then whatever canteen purchases I make, come out of that first, even if I get money in from the street. Then I put money back in through having half of my incentive pay placed into that account, and half of it placed in my drawing account. Just thought that you might be wondering about how that situation works. SO, we have three accounts. Our drawing, savings, and that reserve account. Oh, also, they said that the funds of 5.00 for taking the flu shot would not be subject to garnishment, or disciplinary store restrictions, and whatnot. (Insures they get it back quickly :) Have a great day.”

• “Dear VOTE, First and foremost, as we well know, things are never always what they appear to be, especially in the prison system. Things change for varying degrees of reasons. Nothing is the same except for change itself. Now if I were to listen to the gossip of the compound, I would be saying that we are a part of a mass experiment that is testing a vaccine for the Flu and COVID-19. But I have to disagree. Although I am aware of the $5 offer, I had already taken my flu shot prior to the offer. So it had no sway in my decision. We have not been getting paid previously for taking the Flu shot, so this is something that is altogether new. Some are taking advantage, but like I said, most are skeptical and suspicious. Now there was a memo that was put out about 1 week ago that explained that whoever takes the flu shot will be credited $5. Now what makes me think that there is no ulterior motive, is the fact that even the people who have taken the vaccine before this memo will be credited as well. In fact they dated it to say anyone after August 1, 2020. Now the reason why I say that it held no sway over my decision is because every year I HAVE to take the Flu shot and every 5 years I HAVE to take the pneumonia vaccine, because I have a compromised immune system. My opinion is that they (DOC) are doing something that, as surprising as it may seem, will benefit us in the long run. Due to the fact that the flu and COVID-19 have the same symptoms it is kind of hard to differentiate between the two. Every time someone gets sick, that dormitory is placed on a precautionary quarantine. Now the quarantine can last up to 14 days depending on the test results of the person who took sick. This virus is serious and I can understand the precautions. So taking the flu shot is wise because that gives them the benefit to weed out the people who have the flu from those who actually catch COVID. And honestly as much as I hate to admit it, it was actually a smart thing to do. I know that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that is my take of the entire situation. Hopefully I was able to answer your questions adequately enough to be helpful. Take care and stay safe…”

November 2, 2020

Angola:

• “Dear V.O.T.E. Family, Thanks for the warm wishes. Happy Monday to you all as well!:-) :-) It's always a pleasure to hear from you guys. I'm hoping that you had a fun filled eventful weekend. Were there any trick or treating in your area or did you participate in giving the kids any treats? I am amazed at you knowing about the flu vaccines and the ‘pay-you-to-take’ method this' year. Let me try and answer your questions and give as much info. of what I WITNESSED myself. It was either Last Monday or Tuesday early in the morning when a male and female nurse entered this dorm...It had to be around 6 or so. I sleep in the front of the dorm on the wall and close to the microwave table. The nurses came straight to the table and set up shop’.:-) They had some papers, a box, and their vaccines set up right here on the table in from of me. The lady nurse started calling a lot of names from her clip board, waking many up in the dorm. They were dragging from their beds up to the table where the nurses were. One nurse was giving the vaccine while the other was handing each of them the clip board with a yellow paper on it for them to sign. I could hear her saying something about $5. I couldn't understand if it was a $5 fee or what for the flu shot. They were just signing away and taking the shot. After about the 6th person signed, I yelled to the next guy to make him aware of what he was signing. I asked "What does that paper say? What are you signing?". He signed and then gave me an evil eye.:-) :-) ‘It's for this flu shot.’ I asked a couple of the others if they read what they were signing. NO. And my neighbor next to me name was called. He told me that he was refusing the shot. I asked him to go and see what the paper says. He had to go up and sign the refusal anyway. He talked to the male nurse about something and then came to me. ‘What did the paper say?’. He simply glanced at it and said it was mentioning $5 being deposited in your account if you take the shot. It was a lot that took it and the ones that weren't on the list were inquiring about getting the shot. I'm inclined to believe it was the $5 that motivated them.:-) :-) The lady nurse was telling them that she couldn't today becuz they had to get everyone on the list that wants it and they had other dorms to get. But they would be back in a few days to give whoever wants it with the vaccines that's left. And the $5 will still be deposited into your account. Yes some guys were inquiring about getting the $5 even if their names weren't on the list. Yes, as long as they sign the paper. Did I take the shot? Heck No!:-) :-) Have I ever? No! Will I ever? No. Of all the years that I've been here, I never seen or heard of them depositing $5 into accounts for taking the shot. Never!! Why this year? Red flags are raised in my mind. Who is paying the $5 to this many prisoners? Why? Who is benefitting from a mass # of vaccinations given? Are these experiments and the prisoners are the guinea pigs? Is the payment a motivation to meet a quota? Who are the suppliers of this vaccination? Is there a link between this vaccination and the coronavirus? And other questions. There was no notification or anything about this flu situation. It was learned when the nurses entered the dorms. No memos, fliers or anything. As of yet to my knowledge, the nurses haven't returned for others to take the shot in this area yet. A fella across from me informed me that he noticed Saturday, at the canteen, $5 deposited into his account and he took the flu shot. Switching gears. You know it has gotten chilly at night now. So today, the maintenance workers came to each dorm, close all the windows and put the besqine (?) I.e. thick plastic on the windows. It's a yearly tradition. They cover the windows with plastic to prevent the wind from coming thru. Sealed tight! All the airflow is sealed off . They have been doing it for years. But I always slept on the wall by a window in whatever dorm I've been in. Each year I tell them to NOT cover or close the window next to me. I have never gotten real sick with a cold or flu because I believe its from the cool, fresh air coming thru the window during the winter. So many get sick each year and it spreads thru the dorm. I believe its from the stuffiness and heaters blowing with no fresh air coming into the dorms. The windows sealed with plastic makes the dorms become a giant suffocation bubble. But it is welcomed by the fellas. Not me, this window stays open year round.:-) :-) :-) I don't know WHY I shared that with you.:-) :-) It had NOTHING to do with the issue at hand. LOL:-) :-) I guess it was on my mind so much to where I had to get it off.:-) :-) Thanks for listening.:-) Okay, I'm going into my book mode!:-) :-) Let me stop here and give your ears a break.:-) :-)”

DCI:

• “HEY, HAPPY MONDAY TO YOU AS WELL. I was at the moment writing to you about the money for the flu shot when the computer shut down on me, and went off line , now I am on the tablet I want to see if this shut down, Now, as I was saying , Warden ____ offered five dollars to encourage [incarcerated people] to take the flu shot, many have already taken the flu shot, as is the practice every year, the only difference is that we are now given an incentive to get e flu shot, the e-mail came out after the flu shot had already been given so A LOT of people was upset that the missed it. but we are given a chance to get the flu shot later if you missed the first go round, I usually take the flu shot but decided not to this year because I am not sure if it is what they say it is. So yes we are give a chance to get five dollars, maybe Warden ____ really is concerned about our health, but I think that, Asst.Warden ___ promoted this to save a lot of sick people in the future, He was the director of nursing before becoming Asst.Warden, I don't know, all I do know is that I will take my chances on my immune system doing what it do for now.”

• “Greetings Vote Team, as far as the vaccine being offered to all [incarcerated people] in the DOC, in exchange for five dollars to be placed into each [person’s] account whom willingly agree to such; thus was a memo put by James Lablanc, the head of DOC. As for myself, I did not take the vaccine because I'm not quick to jump at things in which I feel leary about. However, I've talked with one of the medical officials here at DCI (a nurse) and she made me feel somewhat better about taking the vaccine. So, next time it is offered to me I might take it. On the other hand, my mother and brother live in Algiers...As I explained to the Vote Team in a previous email, the board of Pardon and Parole has granted me a hearing for a Clemency but I'm still waiting for a date for said hearing to be set. Thus, It would really help if the Vote Team could explain to my family how things work with the Clemency Board to give them a little hope and understanding of how things work. God bless you all and I hope to hear from you all soon.”

EHCC:

• “Dear Vote, The $5 incentive for flu shots has been marketed here at EHCC. The information was disseminated via posted memos in the dormitory and dining hall. The memo didn't persuade me to get the vaccination as I got the shot a week before the memo was posted. According to the memo, people who previously got the vaccine would have their names sent to DOC HQ to receive the $5 incentive. The funds are supposed to be posted in our ‘reserve account,’ which an [incarcerated person] only has access to once they've depleted the funds in their ‘drawing account’ so the funds will not be immediately available for some. Many people who were already skeptical of the vaccination are MORE skeptical now. They question why DOC would pay us to receive a treatment and it does seem especially odd considering we are charged $5 for a prescription. There is also a concern that this is not a valid flu vaccine but is an untested, experimental treatment for Covid-19. And, of course, there are conspiracy-theory talks of the funds coming from a government grant and DOC misappropriating a majority of the funds. I really do not believe this will persuade many to get the vaccine because there is much understandable distrust of DOC. I hope this information was helpful. It may not be very positive, but it's honest and objective. The TOP concern on everyone's mind is holiday visits. We're hearing rumors of non-contact visits through plexiglass walls. NO ONE IS HAPPY ABOUT THIS. As of date, we haven't had visits for eight (8) months and are desperate to HUG our loved ones and sit at a table and fellowship with them without a wall between us. There has to be a better solution to this. (Symptom screening upon entry, mask mandate, plexiglass walls separating each table, socially distanced table arrangement, outside visits where possible, and etc.) If citizens can go to restaurants / coffee shops and students can return to school, why can't we hug our families? If you're forwarding concerns to DOC officials, please forward this on as a priority concern.”

October 30, 2020

David Wade:

• “Hello folks, I have a very serious concern that i want to tell you about. There is an elderly gentleman ( i believe he is around 81 years old ) here and lately he is exhibiting signs of extreme dementia. He is in a constant state of paranoia, he is extremely forgetful, he is constantly accusing others of getting into his footlockers and taking everything he has (but he rarely leaves his bed giving anyone such an opportunity), he states that someone is always altering his paperwork ( but when asked what paperwork he cannot explain ), His speech is often unintelligible and when it is he often speaks gibberish and makes absolutely no sense at all. But the most concerning thing is that recently he has taken to holding locks in his hands and threatening anyone he perceives as being a threat to him (which in reality is no one at all). For instance, i was informed that last night he was standing by his bed with the locks and telling a specific [incarcerated person]  ‘come on you ni**er, you keep laughing at me and i'm going to kill you’ but the guy he was talking to wasn't laughing at him he was laughing at the TV. So you see, he is becoming a danger to himself by instigating those he thinks are out to do him some perceived harm and I would hate it if someone jumped on him not knowing his current mental state. This problem was presented to a particular nurse (whose name i will provide if requested) and her response was ‘well, wait till he does something and we'll block him and put him in a paper gown’ That isn't a very humane response in my opinion and what this poor guy needs is some immediate medical and mental health attention. I have no idea if anyone there can influence someone in the D.O.C. to act on this guys behalf, but if there is any way at all that you can help please do so.”

October 29, 2020

DCI:

• “Dear VOTE, My Wife told me she spoke to you October 22, 2020. She explained you caught her just in time she was getting off work. She was pleased to hear from yall an informed me about what you explained. She also told me to tell yall you can contact her anytime you need, She would be glad to hear any help. Also I received a Text message from Someone at VOTE Named Norris talking about the election and voting. But He was only speaking in terms of Baton Rouge and down south as you know i'm from the Northern Area. But I did share his information like he asked me to. Is there anything new going on with DOC that I don't know are need to look into? I haven't heard from you ma'am in a few days. I hope everything is going well with you all and the organization. Also they announced that they are paying anyone $5 who receives the flu vaccine they have. What do you guys think of that? Honestly I don't trust it. I feel it's a coronavirus vaccine they are trying on [incarcerated people]. I've never heard of DOC being a jail paying you any amount of money just to take a flu shot. I have never seen are herd of any jail claiming to be that concerned about any inmate to make anything like this happen. Besides being here seeing first hand and knowing for and fact they don't care whether you live or die, I feel this is them trying to use us as the primary test for a vaccine for the coronavirus. Because they are paying people on the outside to take the vaccine. Let me know what you think ma'am. Also I have another person who would like VOTE to contact them here...Thank You For Your Time And Consideration In This Matter…”

October 20, 2020

Angola:

• “HEY VOTE ADMIN! HOW YOUR OFFICE ARE DOING? WELL, THIS IS A CONCISE EMAIL, GIVING YOUR OFFICE A FEW DETAILS WHAT IS CURRENTLY GOING ON INSIDE OF ANGOLA RIGHT NOW. IN ANGOLA, THEY ARE STILL PRACTICING A LITTLE SOCIAL DISTANCE DURING THE ONGOING PANDEMIC. FOR EXAMPLES, SUCH UNITS ARE SEPARATE AGAINST SUCH UNITS, [incarcerated people] AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS ARE STILL WEARING MASKS, [incarcerated people] AREN'T ALLOW TO GO TO SUCH AREAS, VISITATION (INCLUDING ATTORNEY VISIT) IS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. HOWEVER THO, THEY ARE FORCING US TO GO TO THE FIELDS. [People] WHO ARE POPULATE IN THE MAIN PRISON COMPOUND RIGHT NOW HAVE TO GO TO THE FIELDS TOMORROW. EVEN IN THE WORKING CELL BLOCKS [incarcerated people] ARE GOING TO THE FIELDS. IS THIS VIOLATING THE SOCIAL DISTANCE RULES? BECAUSE IN THE FIELDS, WE WILL NOT BE SIX FEET AWAY FROM EACH OTHER. WE WILL BE DEFINITELY WITHIN SIX(6) FEET AMONGST EACH OTHER. I'M IMPLORING YOUR OFFICE TO PLEASE CHECK THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUES OUT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE CATCH COVID-19, AND COVID-19 HAVE BEEN FLOWING AROUND ANGOLA LATELY. THIS WILL BE CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT IN VIOLATION OF THE 8TH AMENDMENT OF THE U.S.CONSTITUTIONS. I WILL CLOSE FROM NOW, HOPING TO HEAR SOMETHING FROM YOUR OFFICE REAL SOON. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I HUMBLY AWAIT FOR YOUR RESPONSE.”

October 19, 2020

DCI:

• “WELL NO ONE CARE,S ABOUT US IN PRISON! [incarcerated people] GETTING HIGH ON MOJO DAILY. HOW CAN THE GOOD [people] SURVIVE...DCI CAN,T HANDLE THESE [incarcerated people].WHAT,S THE PURPOSE COMING TO PRISON,IF YOU DON,T WANT TO CHANGE!PLEASE CONTACT LEGISLATURE FOR HELP. MY PAROLE HEARING COMING SOON.I NEED INVESTIGATION ON PAROLE BOARD ASAP! THANKS AGAIN! THIS MY 3,rd HEARING!”

October 16, 2020

David Wade:

• “On 10/92020 the cellulitis that hit me last month returned with a vengeance only a few days after taking the last dose of keflex(antibiotic). When seen again by the Dr. he prescribed the keflex and extended the period of taking it to a full month. However, when I asked for something as simple as Aspercreme for the pain caused by the cellulitis the conversation between the Dr's and the nurses shifted to , have we ever seen aspercreme here? and my request for a simple pain reliever went ignored. So, apparently their philosophy on medical treatment doesn't include treatment of the entire affliction--excluding any pain management. That is obviously an intentional incomplete method of providing medical care. Where else in God's free world do people treat other people with such disregard and disdain when the ability to do right is readily available? Actually, now that i have considered the matter further i honestly and truly believe that most of those who work in the medical dept. there are, at the very least, sadistic and at the most satanic in their attitude towards treating ill [incarcerated people]. Everywhere I turn it seems that their overall attitude towards pain management is to act as if there is no pain, that it doesn't exist when [incarcerated people] are the patients. I am really beginning to think that they derive immense joy and satisfaction in knowing that one of those [incarcerated people] are in pain and they could stop it but don't. And they really think that what they are doing is ok!!! Well Saul thought that same way when he was killing and imprisoning Christians. That is until Jesus got a hold of him! But.....as my father was very fond of saying ‘God's gonna get 'em’ Because one day, soon I hope, God is going to repay everyone....’according to their deeds’ here on earth. I have more that I want to write to you all but the time limit on the kiosk is almost expired. More to come. Be Blessed Stay positive....Test negative It's on the rise again according to the news so you folks be safe!”

October 12, 2020

Angola:

• “Greetings V.O.T.E. Family, I received your email. Thanks for the compliment. Oh hell as I'm typing this the kiosk and Wi-Fi is gone out again. It only been up for about 30 minutes. I'll finish this up on my tablet anyway and send it whenever the Wi-Fi comes up. Let's see where do I start? Its not much going on right now. There are no dorms on Quarantine at the present. The power outage lasted from Thursday Night, Friday Morning until about 10 am today. There were no phones, emails, or any communications working. Light poles and trees were pulled out of the ground along the Angola around and all around the prison. The East Yard Canteen's tin roof was blown completely off and scattered all over the ground behind the Mag Dorms. Some of the inside perimeter fences by Mag are also leaning over and touching the grounds. These are tall fences. Iberia Parish prisoners were brought here Thursday morning housed in the gym. All the essential workers that were staying in the gym were moved back to their dorms. The Iberia Prisoners were transported out of here Saturday HURRIEDLY by Angola Administration instead of Monday as originally scheduled! :-) :-) :-) :-) Those parish prisoners were wearing Angola Security OUT with all the running for fights. :-) :-) It was around the clock fighting too. I was out Friday morning around 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. delivering breakfast for the Re-Entry club and I witnessed them running back and forth to the gym twice in less than 30 minutes. Later that morning I was standing by the gym with the security officer and the parish prisoners were being escorted to breakfast. It was an endless line it seemed. I would guess around 300-400 easily! The Angola Security Lady said ‘Look at 'em. not one of dem have on a mask! And not e'en their Security.’ I nodded in agreement. She continued ‘Yet they be on US about always keeping on a mask. I'm surprised they let them in here like that.’ She was right though. We saw ONE lil' fella with a mask on and the very end of the lines. I was thinking maybe they didn't have masks or Angola hadn't issued them any at the time. I don't know. Some great news now. In case if you are not aware of it, Michael Williams aka Mike Skinny will be going on Wednesday. He has already signed out and everything. He went through the courts. Wonderful!:-) :-) He had been working hard for years too. I guess Perseverance pays off !:-) :-) That's all for now. Just waiting on the Wi-Fi to come out and I'll send it out to you. I hope and pray that all was safe for each of you and your families! May God bless you all and keep up the good work.”

October 8, 2020

EHCC:

• “EHCC Fox 6 dorm, one positive case covid19 went on 14 day quarantine 7 October 2020, 2230 CST"

• “Supreme Peace to my VOTE FAM Here's some Sade news! At this moment I'm working in the kitchen and we've just been ordered to fix ____ some quarantine trays... there's another case of the covid19!!! Don't forget to send me the information I've requested. Thanks!”

October 6, 2020

Angola:

• “Dear V.O.T.E. Family, Thank you so much for the information concerning the stimulus. I learned about it yesterday morning and had been spreading the word on both yards. So fellas hopped straight on it. Others, I have been fighting with them trying to persuade them to jump on this. UNBELIEVABLE! I'm trying to persuade them to do something for their own good and they refuse. Fear! I along with a few others are telling these skeptics that it is legit and they are finding every reason to deny themselves a blessing!:-) :-) Truly UNBELIEVABLE! And it is the ones who could REALLY use the money if approved. Anyway, the word is out and the ones who weren't able to get anyone to e-file, I managed to get a 1040 form and made copies to spread on both yards. For those that are willing to take advantage of this, it's available on the form too. Be honest, I'm completely mentally exhausted from wrestling with the skeptics.:-) :-) Your email was timely last night. Two of those naysayers (the chiefs of them) are in the dorm with me. I showed them your email and my neighbor showed the case plus the 1040 form and info from the innocent project. (that's how I got the form to make copies, a fella got I in legal mail yesterday) The two chief skeptics are still coming up with excuses. Is that Unbelievable or what?:-) :-) Others are going to miss out becuz they are on the sidelines waiting to see what happens. Its extremely hard to get some kind of unity with some of the guys. And it's NOT the youngsters, its the ones that have been here 25 and 30+ years! Anyway, moving on to the circumstances here. Two dorms (Ash-3 and Cyp-4 ) went on quarantine for a few days. From Thurs to Sunday. I don't know what that was about. Church just started back Monday. It is EVERYDAY with limited capacity. East yard in the Big Chapel and West Yard in the Inter-Faith Chapel. Services are interdenominational and from 8AM -10 AM and from 6PM-8PM daily. The Islamic Community are the only religious organization that is outside that time zone. On Fridays from 1PM-3PM due to requirements of the religion. It has the population in good spirits with some movement. And the law library is opened daily as well with a rotation between the yards. The weight pile is opened with a schedule between the dorms on the east yard. There is a 5 gal bucket out there with bleach water to wipe equipment down after every use and a sign requiring masks to be worn. The Hobby shops are back opened as of Monday past with odd numbered boxes on one day and even numbered on the next for box owners only. Upon entering the hobby-shops or churches, the security is checking everyone's temp and making sure they have a mask on. In the church services there are masks being provided as well. Probably the ones that you all donated a while back.:-) :-) This is our first time seeing them!:-) :-) That is about it for now. I will keep you posted with any developments. And Thanks a million for the valuable information concerning the stimulus. My app have been accepted and I'm simply waiting on approval. If so, then it will be sent to my account on the streets so I can share it with my grand kids and Mother. I may keep $200 if I'm approved!”

DCI:

• "Dear VOTE, D.C.I is stating that they are not providing soap anymore due to they fill some [incarcerated people] are using the state issued soap to make synthetic marijuana/ Mojo. However I personally don't see how that's possible, And when we asked why and how we are supposed to get soap they say, ‘There not responsible an they do not have to provide us with any hygiene material, They were doing it by choice but they are about to stop providing soap and they said you will have to get your soap from the commissary.’ Are they able to do such things? Because everyone doesn't make stores so how would that be possible? Also there is an issue with state issued clothes refusing to provide any [incarcerated person] with any type of state issue clothes to wear. You have people walking around here in D.C.I cloths that are so old their falling apart. You can put in a clothing sheet and they either deny it or just don't respond at all and when you ask about it some tell you we are not issuing any clothes, Some say they do not have any clothes to give there's nothing in the ware house. Which is not true. I've been and the people who work in the warehouse have seen the clothes that they're refusing to pass out. Winter is approaching so people need clothes, Jackets warm material period to stay warm in this changing weather. However, we're having to deal with the stupidity of some of the correctional staff here. Some of the ones that are standing up to the people are being sent to the block just for speaking what's right. haAnother issue is their Disciplinary Court System. You may receive a write up very badly and you can have all the proof and witness of your innocence and all but they still find you guilty. And this is the good part as they say. ‘Since you do not have a bad disciplinary Record an Since you haven't ever had this charge I'm not going to do you bad, But I still have to find you guilty'.’ When you ask why when I have proof I'm not guilty can you see it and you also agree, they say that's just how this goes, Regardless of whether your rights are wrong the court is always going to go off the credibility of the officer. Meaning it's true what these officers run around here saying, and I quote. ‘'Weather you did it are not wtever my pen write up on paper that's what's going to happen I can put anything down an get you blocked, good time taking whatever y'all don't have no fucking rights are wins.’ That's very wrong and very unprofessional and bad for anybody. You have people who are trying to make it home, people who actually have a chance and have families. We have no structure here in anything. So is it possible for them to be able to do this? I know it can't be that they're playing with people's time and freedom. They extend people's time just because they can and that's bad for people who can visit the Parole Board and people who would like to participate in certain things. Then the [incarcerated] lawyers are no good there is no point in having one. Are there any ways we could have a real lawyer attend disciplinary Court? That's a question a lot has asked but we don't know the answer to. Once again Thank You For Your Time And Consideration In This Matter Sincerely And Respectfully Submitted...”

October 5, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “Thanks for the informative means, sorry for my delay only leading to reason for waiting to see what turns as a result of your meeting Legislatures, plus my gathering a story line. Do know.....It was quite insightful reading you were in Lafayette marching behind NFAC, supporting the cause for racial injustices associated with other causes. Meanwhile, I want you to know that testing began immediately, following your testifying before the Judiciary Committee. Since then four areas have been tested all having positive cases, so far about 164 and counting have either Asymptomatic or shown symptomatic cases. Security is being tested as well. Thank you for your efforts we have adapted a new warden along with deputy warden of security, with hopes now that this pandemic will be well underway and taken care. Moreover my unit which covid hit first has been out on the front lines on this pandemic for one week having yet to be tested. As a result, both kitchen shift teams resulted in positive cases of covid, having been placed on quarantine as of today. CDC measures of retesting negative cases are well underway. So far much progress is developing. We are not ‘out of the woods,’ yet...Thanks again for all your efforts.”

September 30, 2020

Angola:

• “We have finally moved to phase 2 1/2. We are back in Worship service with an attendance of 120. Masks are mandatory for the duration of the service. We are also required to maintain a distance of 6 ft. circumference. No hugging or fist pump. We have 2 - services a day just for East Yard residents. Each church must sanitize the building before passing it on to the next service. The law library is not quite up to par but, the arrangement is sufficient to keep everybody satisfied. I hope the administration snaps and utilizes the gym for Lifer's to attend GED classes. Re-Entry can use the regular classrooms so they can go home. They keep telling us to mask up, but the guards themselves don't mask up. The word now is if anyone gets sick, we know who to sue. Crazy.”

David Wade:

• “Put in a request today for a pair of diabetic shoes to possibly relieve diabetic nerve pain in feet, muscle cramps in arches, and general achiness caused by poor circulation. However, the nurse who saw me, while trying to dissuade me from requesting the shoes, let it slip that the shoes that are provided to the diabetics here at David Wade are nothing more than $17.00 off the shelf Walmart shoes that provide absolutely no medical benefits whatsoever. Wouldn't that be an intentional refusal to provide a needed medical appliance, and an intentional deception by implying that what is provided is a medical appliance when in fact it is not, and is that legal?”

EHCC:

• “G1B58- There are guys from DCI in the building now. They are supposedly there for a very short time (30 days or so), and they are supposedly undergoing dialysis (so I've heard from a major). The only reason I was told anything is because I'm the one who has to go fix stuff when it goes haywire, which is going to happen in that building. I have no idea who is up to tenant the building after these guys, but the powers that be are bound and determined to house more dialysis patients in there or so I'm told. We'll have to wait and see what happens next. Thank you for looking into that memorandum for me. I am really curious to discover if it really exists, or if it's just this jackleg warden doing this stuff because he feels he can and is looking for brownie points with LaBlanc. I'm sure you'll let me know. I'll keep my ears open about any changes to anything that may interest you. Keep up the good work.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “We who have tested positive for the virus are not being re-tested,the only ones being re-tested are the ones who have tested negative, they have to have two consecutive negative tests in a row before things get back to normal;and believe me they are so ready to do this.I don't believe that some of us were even positive begin with,the only sure way of knowing is by a blood test,to see if we have the antibody for the virus.If someone from the outside came in and did these tests for the antibody then we would know for sure. Some guards are still walking around without a mask on;they are coming down the tier (knowing we are positive)without masks on at all or around their necks. If we could get some intervention by the Federal Government then we could get some system going to get things back to some form of normalcy with visitation and classes,because there is no way they can do it on their own. Please let me know if there is anything else you need to know with anything that is happening here. Did you finish the recap of the hearing that you had with the State Legislation?”

September 25, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “The last Email I was in _____ I had been moved to a tier that was all non-positive tested [people]. Now they re-tested those who tested negative on September 21,2020,and I tested positive for the virus;I haven't had any symptoms yet.I was told that everybody that tests positive is moved to a tier with other positive [people] for 14 days and then they are moved back to a tier with negative [people], but they are not testing them to see if they are negative or positive which makes me believe that we may not be testing positive in the first place. I am wondering if the facility gets Federal aid for every [incarcerated person] that tests positive. So then eventually we all will test positive at least once. The test done by swabbing the mouth may not be as effective as through the nose and they are getting a lot of inconclusive tests(neither negative or positive).We need someone from outside of D.O.C. to come in and do these tests,so that we will know how accurate the results are.I believe they are just looking to line their pockets with the governments money and get whatever medical equipment they can;and we here in prison and in the state itself could use those funds elsewhere. There is a website that will let you know how many [incarcerated people] are contracting the virus inside of prison in each facility,but are these numbers as accurate as what is being proclaimed. The Doctor comes around every morning to check our temperature and pulse but no one is getting sick or showing any symptoms.When we get moved around after testing positive they are telling everyone that they are ‘ASymptomatic’ and won't have any symptoms but are just carriers. I really don't believe that this entire facility is ‘ASymptomatic.’ It would be a miracle for that to happen! I will be move yet again in about 14 days so bear with all the moving around.”

September 24, 2020

EHCC:

• “Thanks! for your concern. though it's been approximately one month, some weeks since my grandmother's passing away. I am much better mainly because we did talk on the telephone, shared conversation with each other. The most enjoyable life time with her was, we were able to draw close to each other and inspire my incarceration. so those moments shared will never be forgotten. all she would ever say to me was ‘when r those people r going to let u come home.’ As for the corona virus here, it has been limited to areas where monitoring medically is conducted. There is one concern though, the dorm I live in has not had any exposure to any signs of any potential inmates showing, are complaining of similar system to the virus....I question myself that, they are using valuable trustees in the skilled nursing unit, no training, proper equipment either than a mask to avoid exposure. When guys sent to the skill nursing unit refuse to either work there, or complain of potential medical inmates being treated for virus type illness, they are threatened to be written up and locked up for refusal to work. this is a ADA activity and does infringe upon the disciplinary rights under rule #5, ‘if vital harm to life or health issues is threatened.’ you can refuse to either continue to work in an unsafe environment, or not trained or equipment provided for hazardous safety issues. it's a question of interest, when your imprisonment subject you to not abiding by the rules when told to as ordered. I myself will not risk my help, unless I have been properly given the basic gear to perform that job, or opt out of conscious fear. FYI VOTE TRUMP OUT...I do hope the efforts of VoteAdmin will be very successful for this exercise of change. thanks once again”

September 23, 2020

Angola:

• “Another dorm Walnut -1,just went on quarantine. Again we need you to call up here and ask why are they constantly moving people during a pandemic. Over the last month six dorms have been placed on quarantine because of moving. This needs to stop until a vaccine has been issued out. Please help us.”

• “I'M RESPONDING TO YOUR EMAIL? WHOEVER YOU ARE? THANK YOU BUT I'M GOING TO BE OK..PLEASE DON'T TAKE DIS THE WRONG WAY OK EVERYTHING I SAID IN MY FIRST EMAIL ABOUT ME GETTING MARRY ONE DAY OR HAVE KIDS WATCHING THEM BE BORN.NONE OF DAT EVER GOING TO HAPPEN FOR ME OK!!!...AN I ACCEPT DAT OK , AN I SNO Y'ALL TRYING TO HELP.....LETS BE HONESTLY IF I STAY HERE THEN I BE ONE THE SAME OLD GUYS IN HERE DIS ALL THEY SNO!THEY FAMILY GAVE UP ON THEM THEY GAVE UP ON THEY SELF 30 R 40YEARS THEY DOING TIME I DON'T WANT DAT FOR ME DATS WHY I WANT OUT OK...PUT UR SELF IN MY SHOES RIGHT NOW WHY YOU READING DIS EMAIL +2007 YOU 20YEARS OLD YOU THINK YOU SNO WHAT'S BEEN A MAN IS SO YOU START TO RUN THE STREETS CUZ THE ONE THING YOU WAS GOOD AT YOU MESS DAT UP YOU WAS REALLY GOOD AT FOOTBALL.. COLLEGE WANNA YOU TO GO TO THEY SCHOOLS AN YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN THE FIRST ONE IN UR FAMILY TO GO COLLEGE BUT YOU MESS DAT UP BYE QUITTING SCHOOL..SO THE STREETS CALL AN YOU ANSWER? SO I DON'T BLAME NO ONE NOT MY FAMILY NOT COPS NOT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY.DATS ALL ON ME BUT I'M NOT ABOUT TO WAST GOD TIME PRAYING OR HOPING FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN FOR A 2 CHANCE...I' JUST WANNA SEE MY FAMILY ONE MORE TIME..JUST WAITING FOR VISITING TO COME BACK THEN I CAN TELL MY MOM AND DAD THEY WAS BEST PARENT'S ANY CHILD CAN ASK FOR..AN LET THEM SNO IT'S NOT THEY FELT...LOOK I'M NOT WEAK OK I BEEN THRU ALOT SINCE I BEEN DOING TIME I GOT LOCK UP WHEN I WAS 20#NOW I'M 33# NOW I CAN'T DO 60#YEARS I BEEN AROUND GUYS WHO DONE TIME LIKE DAT AND SOME ARE CLOSE TO DAT SO I WATCH THEM DUDES IN HERE WAITING TO DIE CUZ THEY DON'T HAVE FAMILY CUZ THEY ALL DEAD AN I'M SORRY I CAN'T BE LIKE THEM OK? I DON'T TALK TO SNO ONE I STICK TO MYSELF I DON'T TALK TO NOBODY IN MY DORM AN I DON'T HAVE NO FRIENDS IN HERE OR OUT THERE.SO I DON'T SNO ANYBODY WHO MAY NEED YALL SORRY....THE ONLY FRIEND I HAD IN HERE WAS OLD MAN HE DID 44YEARS IN ANGOLA DIED YEARS AGO SO I'M ON MY OWN..SORRY I DIDN'T MAKE FRIENDS IN HERE JUST USE TO BEING ALONE.....STAY SAFE STAY HEALTHY OUT THERE IT'S NO NEED TO EMAIL ME BACK OK,,.GOD SAW U WAS TRYING OK! IT'S OK JUST MAKE A DIFF IN SOMEBODY LIFE DATS ALL I ASK!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS VOTE TEAM”

DCI:

• “Hi y'all doing!? First I want to ask you to forgive me for passing y'all bad information about my friend. He is alive,the people were looking for him to die like the others that passed but God brought him threw. So they said 2 more had passed and the compound went around sharing that he was one. So he is alive. I haven't seen him yet because they moved a lot of us on unit 1 for quarantine. So Monday they moved everybody back,but I'm still over here waiting,I'm a little upset because I supposedly went back with everybody I came with.I thank y'all for checking on me. I'm much better knowing that my old school friends is alive. I'm 36 years old he like 53 year old.I want to see him but they still got me over here.Everything suppose be open bk up Monday I'm really ready to get away from here.I'm tryna get to a work release, but I want to see him before I leave.Well thanks again and I apologize for the bad information they passed out.”

• “Hey Good to hear from you. Thank you for your condolences. It really means alot to know that other people care about our friends. Thank you for giving my name to the Lady. I will await to hear from her. Yes they have opened everything back up. They are now sending us down the walk to the main kitchen to eat. And they have also started moving us back to our original dorms. They still have a lot of moving to go. I'm still waiting to go back to unit 1 dorm A. They did move me...again but they said they are going to get it all straight. Well that's about all. They also said they are going to open the hobby shop some time next week. Just in time for my 66th Birthday on Tues.:):):) Well I'll close with that. TTYL”

• “Hi there, I'm recovering from the corona. I have been intentionally exposed to the covid-19 by the DCI administration, which from the beginning never had a plan in place. they have crossed contaminated everyone in this facility by placing negative results with positive results with no excuse for what they have done. The DCI officials have not adhered to the CDC mandatory protocol for prisons and detention centers. I feel as if DCI and DOC are directly responsible for the unfortunate deaths and the outbreak of this disease. I'm in need of a civil rights attorney that will carry this fight to the federal courts. Also I need to be able to write a letter via mail to you guys with testimony from other [incarcerated people.] The state legislature needs to be made aware of the facts that these facilities were on a witch hunt for federal relief dollars, and didn't care who contacted this virus as long as they could obtain the federal grant money. ‘sorry the DOC,DCI did not get the federal grant they were so willingly to obtain at the expense of ‘[incarcerated peoples’] Lives’ this type of attitude does not cut it as prominent public figures.they are too much state corruption within the DOC, i mean look at the way they move!”

Raymond Laborde:

• “It's a conspiracy going on in Cottonport Louisiana Prison and that's a fact or I can be wrong. The head Warden and the head Doctor died from the COVID 19 in March. It took approximately 6 months later for the prisoners to get tested. 17 came up positive in Unit 1 Inside the Gym 17 prisoners tested positive Unit 2 inside A2 , 12 prisoners tested positive. D 2 same Unit 17 tested positive and etc. Wait a minute ! There are too many 17's coming up saying the same thing (tested Positive). I don't believe it because there are 52 beds (prisoners) in each dorm.We all been locked down for 6 months and you tell me that only 17 in each dorm ? Let's put it like this, let just say one person had the COVID 19 inside of one dorm, the dorm holds 52 prisoners. Within 10 or 13 days, ' how many ' individuals could possibly have the COVID 19 ? Inside the dorm in the bed area has 6 big gym fans mounted from the top of the ceiling. If one person got COVID 19 and been around 51 individuals, within 10 days, at least 30 or 40 people will be exposed with the virus despite their immune system being strong or not. I am not Doctor ____, but I do know when this is not adding up like all those 17,17,17,and etc. I really think they are playing the State just to get free money like those 40 gallons of hand sanitation that prisoners never see here, and our extra soap that was mandated by the State Governor John Bel Edwards. What's going on ? None of this is not right and adding up, We need LSU to come up here to test everyone and the Attorney General or someone that has experience on this above said matter respectively. Everyone in here and work here lives on the line with this COVID 19,and I fear for everyone's safety, including mine. And have all the people affected on the opposite side of the prison like it supposed to be instead having the same people in the Units with everyone else.”

• “The tests are self administered and as far as them being effective I truly cannot say.We are told to cough five times to get mucus into our mouths but if we don't have mucus in our chests then the test will inconclusive and the test will have to be redone.They say the test cost about $50 each.As the days go on I am seeing less nurses working here and from what is being said is that they are quiting.No one wants to be here with the fluctuation of the virus and we who keep testing positive either need to be transfered or released.I would rather be released with an ankle bracelet and deal with whatever medical issues come my way on my own than sit here with the virus knowing I could possibly get the virus and not have proper medical care.I cannot stress hard enough how bad it is here and how they really don't know not only what they are doing but they also don't know how to handle what is coming. From what I've been told, B type blood (B+&B-)are not getting the virus,if this is true then I am on the safe side because my blood type just happens to be ‘B+’. I will write again Friday with the rest of the results as they come in.”

September 22, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “The entire facility was tested last week; my dorm has a capacity of 432; there are actually 379 [incarcerated people] in my dorm;out of all that were tested in my dorm 181 tested positive for the virus.we were moved around to different tiers to put all the positive tested [people] together. All the [incarcerated people] that tested negative were retested today because we were on the same tiers with the positive cases. We should get these results back Thursday.The kitchen workers that were seperated in the gym, 22 of them tested positive.There are 3 other dorms that were tested also and about half of each of those dorms tested positive too. So approximately half of the [incarcerated] population at this facility have the Corona Virus. There are not enough medical personnel or equipment to assess that many people.Eventually the staff and guards are not going to want to come to work in fear of getting the virus.i don't think that D.O.C. knows the real amount of positive [incarcerated people]  they have at this facility;I think they are playing down the numbers to risk closing down the facility and they will be out of jobs.We are in a major crisis hear and I know we won't get the treatment we need to beat this virus.Already, they are just separating us and not doing anything medically to help the ones who have tested positive. The State Legislature needs to know what is going on here,without them knowing for a fact what is happening we will just be put on the back burner until we are on the brink of death,and then they will just say we didn't have the means to deal with something of this capacity and the state will get the blame. I will get back to you on Friday with the latest results.”

September 21, 2020

Angola:

• “HI THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL NEW CASES ALL OVER ANGOLA WEST YARD, CAMP F, EASTYARD ETC. MY DORM...ON THE EAST YARD IS CURRENTLY UNDER QUARANTINE WE HAD A NEW CASE YESTERDAY JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT INFORMATION WITH YALL WOULD YOU SEND ME INFORMATION ON THE SPECIAL SESSION CALLED A FEW WEEKS AGO IT WAS REPORTED ON THE NEWS THAT THE LEGISLATION WAS CALLING A SPECIAL SESSION TO ADDRESS PRISON ISSUES SINCE I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING I'M ASKING YOU ALL TO GO ON THE LA LEGISLATION. GOV WEB SITE AND SEND ME ANY INFORMATION THANK YOU KINDLY”

DCI:

• “Hey, I wanted to give you the latest update on things here at D.C.I. Warden ___ just came in and gave us some good news and the bad news. D.C.I. is going back to normal, meaning they are moving everyone back to their original dorms BEFORE this pandemic started in March. He was not sure on visits yet. Vo-tech and other classes will be starting again next week IF all goes well. The bad news was, he confirmed for me that 5 men did die and we now have 11 men on the street in the hospital. A lot of guys asked a lot of questions but he could only answer a few. Religious services or still undecided. But they are trying to get everything back to normal, as much as they can. He also introduced a new Warden. I believe he came from Hunts. Not sure whose place he took yet. A LOT of rumors on that question. :) I don't want to spread a rumor so when I find out I will let you know. Did you give my name to the Lady that will help me in my Clemency? If so thank you so much. I really need a lot of help. I do have a portfolio, but I don't have another copy. I sent one copy to the Clemency Board when I applied in 2018. This is not like Angola where I could just go to the print shop and make copies. These people are so strict about the use of a copy machine. Well that's about all I have for now.”

EHCC:

• “SUPREME PEACE and REVOLUTIONARY SOLIDARITY Salute! VOTE!!:-) Just wanted to inform you that I had my Sista/Comrade Princess in Cali to take care of that business over the weekend with the medication! She did a great job... nevertheless, it is necessary for someone of higher authority to speak to this matter before its too late for someone. Because Covid 19 is still in Elayn Hunt!!! You know, I follow all the T.V. propaganda from the inception of this Germ... So many lies were told to the public!, as if this thing was so new to the world!! Yet I have sitting before me on my bed a book called: ‘THE GREAT INFLUENZA (The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History) by John M. Barry... author of Rising Tide.’ Now the very existence of this book contradicts all that have been told to, not only the American Public BUT The Global Public!!! What have the world become?!!! Hold me down... ONE LOVE.”

September 20, 2020

David Wade:

• “Well, I don't exactly know what the current situation is out there, but in here things must be improving. [People] are allowed to move around in the dorm with no mask on at all and tonight the major comes in doing his rounds and sits on the officers desk and immediately moves his mask to his chin. This all seems strange to me since we currently have several dorms that are still on extensive lockdown and other inmates still in quarantine. I believe that that is exactly how the virus got on the compound in the first place. The staff get comfortable with the way things are and start slacking in upholding the rules related to the current situation. Same night, Lt. comes in on her rounds and stands at the desk conversing with an [incarcerated person] whose mask is on his chin and never says a word to him about it!!! Did the pandemic end and somebody forgot to tell me? Another thing that I don't believe I have ever mentioned ( actually two things) is the way [incarcerated people] are lied to on a daily basis.Often we have legitimate questions that we need answers to so that we don't inadvertently violate posted policy. For example my wife and brother were planning a picnic visit before the pandemic hit but I had questions about what was and wasn't allowed. So I sent a note to the officer in charge of visitation and inquired about what I wasn't sure of. That first note went completely unanswered. Subsequent requests for information were also completely ignored. When he did finally respond I was informed that everything I had asked about was okay. But when the visit was eventually approved a notice was sent with the approval form that completely contradicted what I was previously informed was allowable. In another instance there was an inmate who is an older guy with cancer who was in quarantine that we inquired about from several nurses. Every nurse responded, ‘oh, I don't go over there where he is.’ If none of them go over there who took care of him? Really I think it was just a useless lie with no viable purpose to keep from having to share information with an inmate. That is something that is done on a regular basis here. And in the first case, if the staff intentionally withhold information that is necessary for an [incarcerated person] to perform in a manner in accordance with facility policies, how can the [incarcerated person]  possibly be blamed (which is ALWAYS the case) when an error in conduct occurs? I cannot believe that [incarcerated people] are treated with such disdain, contempt, and despisal and then when the recidivism rate rises it's the illtreated who are blamed!!!!! Hatred breeds hatred, and likewise contempt will breed contempt, so I think the blame should be equally distributed. As if the above examples were not enough, I would like to mention one more. I sent a note to the mailroom asking if it were permissible for me to order a set of Bible marking pens and a Bible cover ( included were clippings of these items from a Christian Book Distributor catalog). I can see no reason to ignore such a simple request but that is exactly what was done. On a final note I would like to mention the fact that recently the diabetics have been given their insulin and then required to wait up to 2 1/2 hours before being allowed into the chow hall. This puts them at risk of having a hypoglycemic event. The A.D.A. recommends that a diabetic eat within 10 to 45 minutes after taking insulin to prevent such an occurrence. I personally am on a 70%/30% mixture of fast acting and long lasting types of insulin which can begin acting within 30 minutes of injection thus putting me at a high risk of having such an occurrence.”

September 19, 2020

DCI:

• “DEAR VOTE, I...am still...on unit-one and [incarcerated peoples’] rights are still being violated...They are still moving [people] from dorm to dorm and in the kitchen [workers] who live in other dorms work together...The [incarcerated people] on my dorm still have not been tested for the virus COVID-19 and i think they are telling everyone we have been tested...Please stay in touch and help me shine some light on what is happening...Thank you so much for your time and concern…”

• “...First of all I want to say the testing has stopped and as for as ppe and sanitizer that's out of the question. you know when they got the money for all of us being infected everything else went out the window. I'm fine just a little discouraged catching this virus at the end of my sentence. like i said the last time we talked that i was like 7mths short from walking out this awful place after 15 yrs. My support comes from my mother and she's a retired school teacher...as for me I took a welders class and graduated. It was BRCC that sponsored the program here at DCI. but I also have a bachelor's degree in animal science from a southern university. I really could use some guidance when I get out...I don't want to return to this hell man. I know you got a lot on your plate doing all sorts of things to keep stuff afloat out there but if you could help me when I get out I'd appreciate it...my father died in 2014 and my mother is struggling to hold on to the house they brought in Lafayette LA. I got to help her in some kind of way...she's been there for me you know how that goes .I just want to have a chance to show her I can help man. these people said the CDC told them they don't have to test us no more cause we're asymptomatic ,but evidently they don't know you can catch this virus again. they mix people who had the virus with people who're testing positive the first time. it's real sickness going on here...and they don't care man.survival of the fittest know what I mean. There's been a lot of death here too,frankly the whole jail is infected and it's crazy over here Norris. I'll keep praying for you and the organization to make things right with these people ,but I know what a struggle that is cause of the disobedience from them but GOD SEES EVERYTHING...just watch how the lord is going to punish these people for doing what they done to god's people ! it was good talking with you bro thanks for the time I know you care bro... your brother that's still in the struggle”

EHCC:

• “SUPREME PEACE FAM I have a personal health shituation that seems to continue to go unrespected by those in authority! I was shipped to Hunt's for Hepatitis C treatment. Yet on countless occasions whenever I go to the pill call window, a C.O. named Ms. __ seem to have a personal problem with completing her job... She closes the pill call window and leaves before feed up is complete, not allowing some offenders to get their meds. Now the social shituation here is one that these guys allow all their rights to be disrespected, and they're OK with it. Nevertheless my situation is a life and death one that under the circumstances of Covid19 could cost me my life!!! yet the authorities continue to downplay this, or ignore it all together. Someone needs to call and put this situation in check before myself or someone else dies from some underlying health conditions from covid19 because no one seems to care about us [people] getting our meds!.. This Shituation is urgent!!! As I was writing this email I had the officer in the dorm to call Capt. ___ who also showed no real concern other than coming back next pill call. Now let's look at this! There is no structures, WD don't know what time feed up is going to be call nor when or what time pill call is going to be call. We just sit around and wait for the call whenever... there is a 20 minute window we have to eat even under the condition of this social distancing! Feed up was called at 1:15PM I arrived at the pill call window at about 1:25 or 1:30pm given me a 5 minute window to get my pill, yet the window was closed and the officers had already gone! I'm about to talk to the Capt. She told me that I ‘either come out for feed up or pill call, when the last man standing is gone the pill call is over.’ I then ask could I have me meds?! she said: ‘you gotta take that up with pill call!’”

September 18, 2020

Angola:

• “Three dorms have been placed on quarantine on the west yard in the main prison, Pine-1, Pine-4, and Oak-1. The administration are moving too many people around jeopardizing our lives, they are trying to make these veterans dorms and in the process they are getting us sick and we need you to call”

DCI:

• “I think Monday I was finally given the chance to test and see if I was infected by or with the coronavirus, I was thinking that it is crazy that so many people in society is doing everything they can to NOT get infected yet the department of corrections is doing everything in its power to make sure that the prison population get it or they are lying saying that the prison population is infected. 1,500 people 1,100 test positive ? Is it possible and ‘NO one’ experience symptoms? NO loss of taste, NO night sweats NO fevers, NO headaches, and NO medicines, is it possible that many [people[ can be asymptomatic!! I think not!!!! SO is this a Joke that they are playing on society or do they plan on claiming that the prisoners or infected try the drug on them first. At first it was to make sure you are safe now nobody cares. I was recently moved to...The elderly dorm PER DB COURT and found that this is the one place that has no soap for handwashing, No cleaning supply for the dorms No bleach or sanitizers for general clean up . This dorm was made and designed for the elderly that is its purpose that is the reason for this dorm, yet none of the stuff that society demands that we keep on hand is provided for on THIS DORM, Col. ___, Warden ___, Major ___ all have failed to do anything about the treatment of the elderly people in this dorm, Yet they are still placing people that are sick or have been sick back in the dorm with these old people (WHY)? So I have not been sick don't plan on getting sick and the medical department refuse to allow me to review any test result that will claim that i am or was sick I have no headaches no night sweats no fever no loss of taste no symptoms yet they are going to say that I am positive when the test come back and that will be a lie. So when that does happen then I wish to file my R:S 15:1171 with the court for deliberate indifference and intentional exposure to a deadly virus, this intentional exposure serves no penological interest nor does it preserve the life of this [incarcerated person]. Thank you for listening. I just needed somebody to hear my thoughts.”

September 17, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “I am being moved along with several other [incarcerated people]. I will send info on where I am going to be at. Some of the tests have come back and approx 10 [people] in Cajun1 have tested positive.Will have more for you next week.”

September 16, 2020

Angola:

• “Hi, just an update. There still hasn't been any mass testing of the institution. There are no dorms on quarantine, but we are still semi-lockdown. The word on the street here is that we will remain as is until the vaccine is released. That is hard to believe because over 80% of the employees no longer wear masks. So they must be trying to fully contaminate us all. You guys be safe. Standing together.”

DCI:

• “I'm writing to let you know that DCI has completely broken quarantine. As of today they are moving people from the clear side to the infected. Most of the prison has been exposed to the virus and been through the incubation stage. At this point it should not be hard to open up the prison. With the breaking of quarantine the prison officials lose any reason to keep the prison shut off from our families. I'm currently dealing with an infected tooth and gum problem that I made a sick call for on 5.3.2020. I have received little in the way of care or treatment. I have an abscess gum that has been draining pus for Four months. The only consistent answer that I get is to keep making sick calls. If they won't treat me the first time why should I keep doing the same thing over and over. The reason I'm telling you this is to ask if you think I have a claim for malpractice and cruel and unusual punishment. This is starting to affect other areas of my health like vision etc. Also I wanted to let you know that I don't need to stay anonymous with anything I tell you. I'm willing to take the heat for anything I bring to your attention. I've been in prison over 22 yrs and I'm just tired of the B.S. Thanks for your time.”

• “Hi y'all doing?...yes I'm aware of the deaths I told yall in my email one of them was a close friend. He had one leg I use to push him to all of his infirmary call out faithfully everyday for 2years.Dude was a real good dude he was a diabetic but u couldn't tell at times,but yea.Well I'm alive thank God but I'm not OK with this to many [incarcerated people] test positive and they moving people that showed positive around people that showed negative. If they would've tested the hold jail earlier like 5months ago we wouldn't have this problem,they could've had control of it.By them moving people around with this fake quarantine its just spreading all over the jail.Yes I talks to my family everyday.Thank God for healing me,but I'm scared to death I been down 14 years first time and I suppose been at work release last year.I mean I rather took my chances like that.They brought it in here and didn't try stop it because they get money for every head that test positive.”

• “DEAR VOTE ADMIN, YOU ASK ME ABOUT COVID-19 IF I HAVE HAD IT. THE ANSWER IS YES,BUT I BEAT IT HANDS DOWN. I ALSO WAS A PRIME CANDIDATE FOR COVID-19. I ALSO HAVE COPD, WHICH WAS NOT A GOOD THONG TO HAVE DURING COVID-19. SOMEHOW THE GOOD LORD LOOKED OUT FOR ME. ANYWAY I'M FEELING PRETTY GOOD AS OF NOW. BUT I'M HAVING VERY BAD SINUS PROBLEMS. MY NOSE IS DRAINING IN MY EARS AND AT NIGHT ALL THAT FLUID IN MY EARS IS DRAINING IN MY THROAT. IT CHOKING ME TO THE POINT THAT I CAN'T BREATH, I'M AFRAID THAT ONE NIGHT I'M NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO CLEAR MY THROAT AND CHOKE TO DEATH. I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU WHO ARE TRYING TO MAKE THINGS BETTER FOR ALL [incarcerated people] ACROSS THE U.S. ANYWAY YA'LL TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS.”

• “Good Morning, Yes there is only one restroom for all of us the other toilets have been broken. They are moving things back to normal. The people from unit two went back to their unit. The guys that work in the white house for the wardens returned back to work. The officer that works with the Baton Rouge Crew told us we are going back to work at the end of this week. I just don't think it's right to take us around people without retesting us to ensure we are no longer positive people are still sick, headaches, Can't smell or taste, continue runs, coughing. We have received the worst Medical care available. I truly mean it. DCI purposely put lives in danger and are still doing so and if they take us back around members of the community we still be putting others in danger. They acted so untimely because they had to miss money by testing us and that's something they didn't want to do. So they put off testing for compounds 3 and 4 where they bring in [incarcerated people] from other jails during the pandemic which wasn't supposed to be going on. I was moved here from Hunts [in] June place for 14 days in the chapel with the dialysis [patients]. Me and 10 other [incarcerated people]. So to me I can clearly see how unimportant our life and well-being was taken by DCI. And when they brought us here Hunts was having a bad outbreak themselves they were shocked DCI sent for trustee at the time. With us being in the chapel we used everything with the dialysis people ate with them and used the same restroom just slept in other classrooms from them. Officers have been sick working the baton Rouge crew and said they were forced to come back or told to resign by the Warden.”

• “Good day; I am sorry for the late response, but everyone tested positive for coronavirus here is Unit 4 and the administration for DCI transferred us to the visiting shed...The move was kind of calculated due unto there was no wifi available to notify anyone at realtime of what was actually happening within the walls. There were over 70 people placed on mats on the floor, with only 2 feet of space between each individual mat: also there was no treatment given, only a temperature check and tylenol for headaches, ibuprofen for ailment and allergy medicine. I notified the medical personnel about shortness of breath and he advised me to walk and drink water. There were numerous individuals that became extremely sick and were unable to move; whereas, other [incarcerated people] had to assist them to medical, yet they were placed right back in the visiting shed with everyone else only minutes later (about 20 minutes). Also, there was inadequate ventilation and we had to constantly demand to see higher ranking officials to have the yard open to get fresh air. I was transferred on september 4...along with 12 other [people]...we were remanded to the visiting shed for quarantine, and after 11 days of only us (18 total) the administration retested others in Unit 4 and then placed everyone (almost 65 others) in the visiting shed with us. We complained that this was a backwards procedure because it was re-exposing the 18 who were already there for 11 days to coronavirus. This complaint was met with the words, ‘We are doing the best that we can'. Thereafter, on Monday DCI transported every single [person] from the visiting shed back to Unit 4 even though that 65 [incarcerated people] had not quarantined but for 2 days. So right now, I am housed with everyone that has coronavirus in a small, confined unit and no medical treatment is being given to treat the virus. The administration has only passed out dust masks that are ineffective and no one, I mean no one wears them and these are all the [incarcerated people] who recently tested positive for coronavirus. Will you please inform me, as this is what has been circulating in prison; ' once you catch covid-19, are you immune to recatching it again? For what it is worth, Samuel ____ died days ago and the administration is shifting the blame to 'congestive heart failure'; however, Mr. Speed was a diabetic and was anticipating going home in about a year and some months, after already serving a 15 year sentence. I really believe that the covid aggravated his condition, over 85% of...where he was housed has covid-19. Thank you for your concerned ear.”

• “Yes it is hard on us when someone dies around here, because we get close like a family and it really hurts when someone passes. I was good friends with [them]. We were in the same dorm for a while, we ate together and always played cards. Yes by all means give her my name. I can use all the help that I can get. It's hard to get help when you're all alone and only make 4 cents an hour. And they haven't even paid us that since this all started, back in March. Yes it is very boring with no work or anything. I try to walk the yard for about 2 hrs. 3 times a day and do exercises. But even that gets old after a while. Even watching tv or sports gets old when you do it day after day. Well I've wasted enough of your time. I really do appreciate all the help.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “We were tested yesterday;they came around with test kits for everyone.The test kits had a stick with a cotton like swab on the end of it, we had to swab the entire inside of our mouths and then put it inside of a clear tube. Medical staff was on hand to help. Of course I had to ask: how often will we be tested? Their answer was that they didn't know. This morning when the shift officers were making their rounds, I asked if we were still on quarantine because Capt. ____’s mask was on his chin and Maj. ____ didn't have a mask on at all, of course they said we were still on quarantine. Guards just like them are still not wearing their masks properly or not at all,then they want to get directly in our face and talk and when you ask them to get back at least 6 feet, they get mad or offended saying they've been tested. This is why the virus keeps spreading and we will never be able to open the facility back up for visitation and classes. Since I have been at this facility, the state has tried to shut it down at least 7 times,and now I see why;the blatantly disregard D.O.C. regulations on every level and don't care whether we live or die.I don't think they know the real reason why they are working here and what their priorities are for working here. I am so glad to hear everyone has recovered from the virus,it lets me know my prayers are being answered and to continue diligently in them.”

September 15, 2020

Angola:

• “Greetings V.O.T.E. Family, I am glad to hear about your recent success with the LA. Legislators and the A.P. Great news! I delayed my response back to you because I was waiting to see how this current situation was going to play out so I can better inform you. This is the latest update. Oak-1(West Yard) is still quarantined and just got a fresh 14 days yesterday or day before. That is the dorm that a [person] who passed away was housed in. He passed away about two weeks ago from (your choice) either double pneumonia OR Covid 19. Those are what ‘Inmate Tweeter’ have posted. :-) [He] was a good guy who had been here for a long time and was a Pastor. The situation that I was speaking of above was concerning all the moving over the weekend. For about 3-4 days there were mass movement from the West Yard to the East Yard again. Except this time it involved the geriatrics and medical dorm. The whole Hickory 4 (medical dorm, wheelchairs, etc.) was moved to Ash-1! Ash-1was nicknamed the White House many years ago. Even during the times of Norris Henderson and Check Yancy and Ashanti Witherspoon, and Wilbert Rideau (which they all were housed)! It was a unique dorm that was all trustees and mostly the elite of the prison were housed. Those old men that been in that dorm for 20 + years were moved to the West Yard, Spruce Unit (ghetto :-) ) and thru-out. Two moved in this dorm I'm housed in and they are like fish out of the water in trying to re- adjust. :-) We question the mass move and the reasoning that we were given is to have both Ash-1 and Ash-2 as medical dorms adjacent to each other. I personally don't think it was a legitimate reason to uproot the old guys from their stability...I was just talking to a guy in the dorm with me who just returned from having his 2nd heart surgery. He has been gone for about two weeks. He was telling me how much he suffered back there at Camp J and the deplorable conditions. I asked why he was back at Camp J after having a heart surgery. He mentioned that is where they placed him for recovery! WHAT! He mentioned that he was locked in the cells 23 hr a day, no access to telephone calls, and he was shackled whenever he went on the yard or outside for any reason, and housed NEXT to those that were Covid positive. He made a complaint to the Administration back there about treatment as a disciplinary prisoner, to no avail. He is preparing a grievance to Warden ____ now concerning the treatment and conditions that they were under AFTER having a heart surgery. However, he mentioned that they were living in the A.C. back there. Good. Now to some more positive news. We have moved into Phase III today. I'm just curious as to what changes will be made. The weight pile is supposed to be opened on the East Yard. It has always been open on the West Yard. I'm waiting to see how they will pursue school opening in the Education Bldg and the Law Library. Also, a Substance Abuse Peer Support Dorm has been established as of today. Some of the guys are moving in right now. Two are moving out of this dorm as I'm typing this. The participants are moving from various dorms throughout Main Prison to Walnut-3 (WestYard). I think it will be a good program to help those with drug problems. I know the Peer Sponsors (mentors) and they have made some drastic changes in their lives over the years from a drug lifestyle. So it has great potential. My only concern is moving some of the ones seeking help from their safe environment over in the midst of a drug hot spot. Then on the other hand it could be a bright light in the midst of a dark land. So it may shine light that will spread over there(west yard). Many guys are still getting letters from the Justice Reform Initiative concerning the 10-2. That is a great thing because it is putting smiles on the guys faces.”

DCI:

• “Greetings, Well Mr. Speed was about 59 or 60 he was also a dietabic. He was having a difficult time breathing and didn't have energy once the virus began. The other [incarcerated people] reported it to the Lt on duty Lt. ____ moved him to the visitation shed for three days then once the results started coming back for everyone they moved him to dorm 8 in the back he stopped eating or moving around we told the officers no one did anything their response was the covid has to run its course. The night Lt. came in and he moved into action once he was noticed but it was to late they sent him to the ER but he didn't make it. He was getting ready to go home in a year had been incarcerated over 20 years. He was also the cook for the Governor at the Capitol. He was from Shreveport, LA. No one has heard anything about ____ _____ yet he passed out about four times before they even did anything about it. They sent Mr. ____ back today he hasn't been out the bed yet since his return. They also moved the guys back to unit ___ that they brought over when the outbreak began without testing. They went back to their unit today. Also they retested the 24 negative [incarcerated people] again today. And announced we will be returning to work the end of this week are beginning on next week. Everyone is in fear they don't want to go around people without getting tested again to make sure they no longer have to virus. But we were told once you have it after ten days you can't pass it along. Don't know if that's factual or not that's just what the Warden announced.”

• “Mr. ____ is another person who is incarcerated here at D.C.I that has had experience dealing with the circumstance of the corona virus while incarcerated. Several of the people that have died because of corona related issues [he] knows personally, I hope that you can contact him and get his story of what he is doing, and have been doing to keep not only himself safe but those that are in and around his living area. [He] is one of the few people who has Been helping me get hand sanitizers for the [incarcerated] population , like now there is NO hand soap in the bathrooms but I am working on it if you can call and inform Warden _____. and Col. ___ That I am still Crying about hand soap. I would greatly appreciate your help Col. ____ is one of those that say they're going to do something and leave your presence and it is soon forgotten. That's why I have not had hand soap in the bathrooms. You can use my name and they know that I am going to file on all non compliance. Everything that affects us is the fault of the administration here because they refused to provide us with the minimum amount of safe environment. Thanks for being here. Oh!!! I wanted it to be noted that at 11:25 am. September 15, 2020 I was tested for the Coronavirus. I have had NO symptoms therefore if I test positive the institution is liable....”

• “Greetings, Vote Well there are still more [incarcerated people] becoming positive in unit 3 and 4 several people have been rushed out of here and we haven't seen or heard of how they are doing yet. They also are starting to move more people over here with preexisting conditions, the guys they moved that are receiving dialysis they moved back yesterday. [Names of four incarcerated people] have or had pre existing medical conditions and were left among all this to contrast this virus. I know you're not a legal team but is there anything we can do legally because we were forced to catch this stuff. Making us go work in the midst of this pandemic when the whole world was on lockdown DCI was still taking the Baton Rouge Crew out to work. They aren't retesting the positive [incarcerated people], the Warden told us once you got it you got it. They have been placing more [people] in these two dorms. with one restroom that has three fully functioning toilets for 159 [people]. They did however retest the neg [people] again this morning and it won't surprise me if they are positive as well DCI keep positive people around negative people and they moved a guy that they didn't retest he was positive they isolated him ten days and moved him back around the other to work in the kitchen. He was also shocked that he wasn't retested; he said the Col told him he can't pass it after ten days. Thank you for all your help”

• “@ DCI [incarcerated people are] DYING AND YOU CAN'T DO NOTHING.DCI & DOC IS SECRETIVE ABOUT EVERYTHING.MOJO DIP SMOKING ALL DAY.GOOD [Incarcerated people] CAN,T MAKE PAROLE CAN'T GET TRANSFERRED.WE JUST STUCK AND SOCIAL MEDIA CAN'T DO NOTHING. WOW”

• “Dear VOTE Team Greetings to you all and special thanks for your love, unity, support prayers and long hours of dedication. I believe our prayers are being answered in that God looks after the seed of righteousness in us all...About two weeks ago, I tested positive for covid-19, was given an Albuterol Sulfate HFA Inhalation Aerosol 90 mcg per actuation for respiratory like difficulties, since then making medical emergency for like symptoms, medical personnel did not take my emergency sick call serious. Medical personnel took my vital signs, with pulse 45 BPM, and weezing, the nurse aid claimed, it was probably inter gestation and that I would be put on a list to be seen by doctor, then sent back to [my dorm]. About three days latter, myself and about sixty other [incarcerated people] from dorms-1,2,3, and 4 Unit-2 were transferred to unit-1, because medical personnel claimed we have all been retested for covid-19, and that we tested negative for covid-19, being the reason of the transfer. I submit to you you that none were retested... What is the motive behind these deadly practices? DCI and Medical departments need to be put under investigation! Warden ____ ____ said, ‘Y'all (prisoners) will not get what you want. Anytime, there is an issue with security, security will override.’ In regard to ‘prisoner's rights,’ when [incarcerated people] have issues with our rights being violated and when seeking relief, DCI Administrations create a ‘security issue’ that would override Constitution and Prisoners' Rights.”

• “Dear VOTE Greetings to you and thanks for your relentless efforts to advocate for the safety, health, and rights of the people! Assistant Warden ___ does not believe in all the guidelines from the C.D.C., and the guidelines from the Federal Government that is suggested. In an open statement Mr. ___, has stated to [incarcerated people] and outwardly in the dorms of D.C.I.. In which, why is there a large outbreak in DCI...Bear minimum testing is conducted here at DCI. Medical and Administrations here at DCI only retest [incarcerated people] that tested negative for COVID-19. Medical and Administrations here at DCI are not retesting those [people] which have tested positive for COVID-19. Medical and Administration here at DCI claim, ‘positive cases are retested, during the positive quarantining system.’ THAT IS NOT TRUE! Positive [incarcerated people] are getting moved to negative quarantine dorms to spread covid-19 to other [people] which are not positive. D.C.I. Administration continues to move [incarcerated people] who are positive and negative are moved through an ineffective quarantining system for a week or two, then moved to other units/dorms dangerously mixing positive with negative [people]. D.C.I. and Medical Administrations' are telling all [incarcerated people], ‘if you have tested ‘positive’ for covid-19, you don't need to be tested!’ That's a very critical statement! Apparently, here is a case of ‘Discrimination,’ and ‘Conspiracy to commit Embezzlement.’ D.C.I. and Medical Administrations are highly interested in ‘the paper trail’ for protection from suit and to get funding rather than intuitively implement procedure, duties, and/or safeguards for the safety and health of any and all persons…’State Officials push for more financial support while prisoners get less support and provision!’ While many just want out...God will serve true Justice by his own! Hope to hear from you soon!”

• “Thank you for the dates for the pardon board hearings, now I just have to wait and see when my name comes up. It's been 2 years now since I received my letter saying I was granted a hearing!! About the deaths here at D.C.I., [five people died], and 2 more that I don't know their names. One was from unit 1 and on dialysis. There is another one that we are hearing is in really bad shape but we don't know anything yet about him. This virus has really hit here hard. But we believe it's mainly because the security would not wear their masks and cough and sneeze all over the place and wouldn't even cover their faces. It's like they wanted to spread it all over the place. Also they should have tested everyone back in March and April, when it first broke out. But these people were trying to figure out how to steal the money instead of trying to prevent the spreading of it. Also when they did quarantine us they put us in groups where when one got it everyone got it. We are still overcrowded and sleep not 2 feet from each other. Then they say no congregating but we all eat together and in the same rec room right next to each other. It doesn't make sense as to what these people are doing. I am on crew 2 doing NOTHING at this time. All clubs are still shut down, but I belong to the Vets and Re Entry, and JayCees...I am bored out of my mind. I really want to get back to my job as Landscaper. I take care of all the flower beds and of course my on Veg. Garden.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “I know these facilities have to be trying to find ways of saving money because it is hard to come by. As of September10,2020,all dorms were placed on quarantine;each tier was allowed 45 min. of yard time by itself,no one dorm had access to the other.On September 14,2020,at approx 2:00a.m.,about 30 of the 54 [incarcerated people] were drug tested in all the dorms.To the best of my knowledge no [incarcerated person]  came up positive for any type of drug.I don't know how much these tests cost but they could have saved the money for some other use.Last year I saw them changing a section of razor wire on the outer perimeter fence and I'm sure nothing was wrong with the old wire;also the wardens and other high ranking officers are riding around on electric scooters and the rest ride 3 wheeled bikes.Is that what D.O.C. is giving money for instead of better equipment and books for our betterment to keep us from returning to prison. Maybe someone should ask D.O.C. if they are sanctioning the minimum custody trustees to go out and pick up trash outside the facility on the roadside.That is how the virus came in in the first place.Also guards are either not wearing their masks or not wearing them properly (over the mouth but not the nose).”

September 14, 2020

DCI:

• “Hello, Yes i do have other health issues and they only placed me back in my dorm around 162 other people that are positive as well with one restroom and shower for everyone. People report to the nurses and staff that they are having hard times breathing; they are told to let covid run its course. They are moving the dial people back over to the dorm as well. move people are being positive and they were calling names for work release in here today. It's very scary in here i've lost my taste and smell my system don't fight well as it is. So i'm not sure if i'll make it through this. I do have a question is there anyone aware of how they are handling this in here. The whole unit four now has Covid 19 on top of the other three units here at DCI. And They are telling us we are going back to work the end of the week. They are well aware of my other health issues and haven't tried to protect me in any kind of way. They took me in to the community and allowed me to catch this stuff. The nurse doesn't allow you to ask questions, doesn't really check on us, they take our temp and keep going. If you could inform my Mother of the outbreak here and that I have it i would be very thankful.”

September 13, 2020

DCI:

• “DEAR VOTE, Im sorry it took me so long to respond to your last letter to me,i was in the cell blocks and couldn't get to a j-pay computer to respond...I am doing well under the situation,i have a lot to still tell about our rights being violated...In the cell blocks as well they put like 10people in the holding cell and we don't have any water or bath room or anything we should have...The [incarcerated people] in the holding cell have to yell and hit the bars to get the correctional officer to help them...The correctional officer's leave the [incarcerated people] in the holding cell and the horse shoe for days sometimes when the [incarcerated person] gets locked up...The [incarcerated people] that work in infected areas still come back to general population and live with everyone else...I also have a friend that would like to speak to yall and shine some light on DPSC violating our rights....Thank you so much for helping us,my yall be bless…”

September 12, 2020

DCI:

• “Hello Thank You for reaching out yesterday at 3;35 that told me I was positive for covid 19. I'm very scared right now this jail have done little to nothing to protect or prevent this from happening. People are having chest pain and hard times breathing and are being told to let Covid run it course there nothing they can do. One guy died, three others passed out and where rushed to ER and still haven't returned back. A little about myself Yes i have a support system my family. and My skills are Mental Health I received My Master in 2016 and made some very foolish mistakes that lead here. I also Sing I have release CD's Gospel music. My Skills and gifts all deal with people. That's the greatest gift I receive being able to connect with others. I will try to keep you as up to date as possible about the things that are going on in here. This place have really played with our lives that had us going out working around people like we were front line worker risking our lives to keep contracts and make money. And seems like they may get away with doing so there is no way we should've been allowed outside this jail throughout this stuff in this unit along out of 173 offenders 142 so far are positive. All at one time.”

September 11, 2020

DCI:

• “Hello, I'm writing to inform you that things are getting worse in here more people are testing positive because of the way they have been handling things here. one Guy passed last night because they are seeing any of us in medical ___ ___ was his name all the people that didn't have it last week have it now they or mixing positives with non positive it's crazy here right now.”

• “hi Im ok but things are kind of crazy right now a guy...kept complaining to medical and made 3 medical requests they were ignored by medical staff he slept a couple beds down from ____ and i heard last night he died the medical here is not taking this seriously if you guy find out about speed and can contact his family please let them know there are people who are willing to write statements and send them to attorneys because he asked multiple times for someone to please take him to receive outside help and they flatly refused saying you can talk you must be ok! thank you for all your help.”

September 10, 2020

DCI:

• “DEAR VOTE ADMIN, THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR ALL THAT'S INCARCERATED. IT'S NICE KNOWING THAT THERE SOMEBODY THAT ACTUALLY CARES ABOUT US. EVERYTHING IS ABOUT THE SAME HERE, THERE'S 2 THINGS I DON'T AGREE WITH HERE, ONE IS THEY STOPPED TAKING US ON HOSPITAL TRIPS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SERIOUS CONDITIONS. I AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. I HAVEN'T SEEN MY CANCER DOCTORS SINCE LAST DECEMBER. I WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE A CAT SCAN AND MRI TO MAKE SURE THAT CANCER DIDN'T COME BACK. THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE PLACE IN MARCH, BUT WITH THE COVID-19 VIRUS SHUT THAT DOWN. ANYWAY THANKS AGAIN FOR BEING THERE FOR US, YA'LL TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Our entire dorm has been out on an extended quarantine due to 10 more [incarcerated people] testing positive for the virus.It won't be long before it gets to everyone because the feed us in the dorm and use [incarcerated people] who are in our dorm,on other tiers to feed all the tiers, so if one of those [guys] gets the virus then they will pass it on to someone else and so on.There is not enough room at this facility to separate the ones who are supposed to be on quarantine from those who are not.Even if they have to release [incarcerated people] on ankle bracelets and put them on home incarceration then that would be better than having to have a facility full of Covid19 inmates;I would suppose that they will not have guards to work here either;hence they would save money for not having to care for us, I'm sure the medical bills would be much higher than usual and the nursing staff here is thin as it is. I wish I could be physically present when you speak to the state legislature to speak for myself,but I am sure that won't be possible. I leave you with my prayers as I continue to press on.”

September 9, 2020

DCI:

• “Hello, Vote Team , As you may have surmised, I am still here. It is crazy the way things work, and I am starting to believe the hype.... I still have not been tested for the corono-virus, and it is scary because the administration and medical staff have refused me the chance to take it. and I am starting to take it as a mixed blessing.... maybe, I mean...asst. Warden told me that he has not been tested either and it is no big deal, but for the last couple of days they have been moving people in and out of the Dorm saying that they tested positive for the virus and the people who tested positive week ago are moved back into the dorm with and around me who has not been tested and the only security I am offered is that ‘if I'm not showing symptoms then I am alright’. I don't have any symptoms hopefully because I practice safety and have clean hygienic behavior traits. I don't know what else I can do to protect myself, I guess that if I was free I wouldn't worry as much, yet I am concerned that I am in a situation where my safety is out of my hands. Do you think that I need to push the issue of being tested or should I just roll with the flow, I watched dudes that was not sick get tested then get sick that is why I have mixed feelings about the testing , and since Warden ____ feel that testing isn't an issue any more I shouldn't either. but if they keep putting people in my area that have been infected should I be worried ??? I don't know, it seems to be a scam to get money from the state, just to say that they tested for the corono-virus and helped those that got it, but they offer no help, no medication, no aftercare or any thing.So is it real or what. they act as if it is not…”

Raymond Laborde:

• “I am sorry that I could not get this info to you sooner than this because your E-mails are censored by Jpay for any messages that may pertain to an escape attempt or any such other things. As far as [incarcerated people] not having direct access to their attorneys;this is true.Our attorneys cannot come to the facility for any reason and we cannot go to them either.We are only allowed to contact our attorneys by a properly place phone call that is not supposed to be monitored(that's not going to happen).Our family members can have direct contact but we have to have power of attorney form filled out and notified by the notary republic so that they can stand in for us as being us.Since the court system has been shut down for a time until further noticed we cannot see our attorneys until then. The minimum custody trustees are still being sent out to pick up trash off the road side.The reason they are doing this is because the facility gets paid,so when they don't go out they lose money.”

September 8, 2020

DCI:

• “Hey, I just wanted to give you an update on the deaths here at D.C.I. We have now had 4 deaths here. And the prison or D.O.C. doesn't want it to get out. It is really getting bad here and they haven't tested everyone yet. Dorms A,B,C,& D, on unit 1 have NOT been tested. But what they are doing is putting NON-SICK [people] with SICK [people] so everyone gets it. They really seem to be trying to knock off a lot more [incarcerated people] around here. I am doing a lot better now. I have been sweating it out, by walking the yard for 2 hrs. every morning and 2 hrs. every afternoon. Really working up a good sweat. It has also helped me lose a lot of weight. BUT the BEST thing about this virus is that I did lose my taste. I don't have to taste this food they are feeding us. I also wanted to ask if ya'll know anything about how long does it take to get a Clemency Hearing? I was granted a hearing in Nov. 2018. Nearly 2 years ago but have NEVER received a date for the hearing. I wrote to them but have heard NOTHING from them. On the acceptance letter it said 1 year but they can't use up the Pandemic because I was granted a hearing before the pandemic hit. I guess I just have to wait on them. Well that's really about all I have for you today.”

• “I apologize for the delay in responding to your email. We have been moved around to different dorms and access to Jpay has been delayed due to these moves...Thank you for being our voice at the aforementioned forums. It is refreshing to know that someone is speaking on our behalf. In so far as how to start to open the facility back up with classes; it can start with distance learning or even spacing out the seating along with everyone wearing a mask and hand sanitizing. As far as visitation is concerned, physical contact at this time is certainly not an option. Video visitation could be an option, however the cost and the technical problems are a hindrance. Right now the main problem is keeping all offenders safe and that's not happening. Another [incarcerated person] has expired due to the virus. Shuffling everyone around without sanitizing isn't helping the situation. There are still corrections officers at work not wearing masks. That is the biggest issue. They are the ones coming into the facility from the outside. We are stagnate.At present if something isn't done to decrease the population I'm afraid more [people] are going to die and even more will contract the virus. Are prison officials disclosing close to an accurate number of the population who has tested positive? I think an independent counsel needs to investigate. I really appreciate the work that you all are doing. Thank you.”

September 5, 2020

DCI:

• “Dear VOTE we...at DCI are currently in the process of filing an ARP in an effort to pursue a lawsuit for negligence as we were neglected by our custodian for a large percentage of us tested positive for the corona virus on the grounds that the correctional officers are the ones who brought the virus into the prison which proves that they were not being tested before our custodian allowed them to enter the prison for their work shift.”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “Hey Vote, I believe that it is true that many people are having a hard time accessing their attorneys due to the COVID restrictions. In fact just today I overheard [someone] who had a telephone conference that was set up and now the prison is claiming that they do not set up conference calls; however you are not allowing attorneys in for visits. They are allowing no essential personnel and even the Muslim Chaplain Heneif. (if I spelled that right) I am not sure of anyone else but I do know that because of the restrictions on the library and we can only go once a week, they have not been allowing the use of Lexis Nexis and/or going in the library for research. This is a problem. Thanks for your concern.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “I previously stated in an email that the state could save money by releasing more [people].There are many [people] who have severe medical conditions: diabetes,cancer,AIDS/HIV,HEP,etc. There was approximately 2 years ago,an [incarcerated person] who had lung cancer with diabetes whom also had one leg amputated just above the knee.He ended up having a heart-attack and was moved to the medical housing unit;within a year he had about three more heart attacks,and yet the would not release him. Approximately six months ago he was on his deathbed and was told that he would not last til Christmas,and they still would not release him;knowing that his release date was in September. He is at home right now only because of his release date.There are many more cases like this and they are just getting worse and worse...Gov. John Bel Edwards has done a tremendous job,before this virus hit at pulling this state out of debt and putting us in the green….Edwards and other Governors of the other states are practically like a president of its own state.If the Governor doesn't act for the state that he runs,because Trump is only looking out for his best interest and not for the country's,this state will be in trouble.At least we don't have the rioting and racial problems other states have.I would suppose that the history of Louisiana speaks multitudes for its multi-racial ethnicity and heritage for all its citizens and how we as united state keep in touch with our roots as a whole and we don't deny who we are. If we keep seeing everything in black and white,we will miss out on all the beautiful clor GOD has placed before us to enjoy.This state has many beautiful things within it.The people are the best;so if we stop with black and white,and get back to reality(we are definitely Americans),but we are also:Hispanic,Asian,French,German,Natives of many tribes,Russians,Jews,and so many more. ‘WE ARE LOUISIANIANS!’ That is what keeps us united. I will continue to pray for you to have a place to speak before the state officials and a mouth of wisdom to say what needs to be said.”

September 4, 2020

DCI:

• “Dear VOTE Team HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND! Greetings to you all and special thanks for your love, unity, support prayers and long hours of dedication. I am feeling a lot better! :-)...About two weeks ago, I tested positive for covid-19, was given an Albuterol Sulfate HFA Inhalation Aerosol 90 mcg per actuation for respiratory like difficulties, since then making medical emergency for like symptoms, medical personnel did not take my emergency sick call serious. Medical personnel, took my vital signs, with pulse 45 BPM, and weezing, the nurse aid claimed, it was probably inter gestation and that I would be put a list to be seen by doctor, then sent back...About three days later, myself and about sixty other [incarcerated people]...were transferred to unit-1, because medical personnel claimed we have all been retested for covid-19, and that we tested negative for covid-19, being the reason of the transfer. I submit to you that none were retested...What is the motive behind these deadly practices? DCI and Medical departments need to be put under investigation! A critical statement from DCI's...Warden ‘Y'all will not get what yall want! Anytime, there is an issue with security, security will override.’...when prisoners raise issues dealing with our rights being violated, provisions, policies, treatment and safety, seeking relief, DCI Administrations seek to create a ‘security issue’ that would override provisions of Constitution and Prisoners Right...Thank you for lifting your voices, effectively advocating and sharing our experience in these extremely difficult situations.”

• “First of all I want to thank you Norris for all that you're doing out there on our behalf...the only way to better the situation is to constantly administer the testing,cause without the constant testing you can't contain this virus. this virus is so complex that just checking your temperature is not working cause you might not show a high fever and be infected. That's what is happening here at DCI...they're not testing enough. we are infected asymptomatically and you don't know who got it and its spreading to guys who don't have it. Now they're telling us that the CDC is saying for us to quarantine ourselves for ten days and if we are not showing any symptoms we can be placed back in population. That's crazy...we’ll be infecting those brothers that don't have the virus. we haven't seen any paperwork showing we got the virus or anything of that nature man.”

• “Dear: VOTE I'm extremely glad you contacted me regarding how things are...thank you for asking and being concerned about my well being... they don't ask you anything about your health family, nunthan. This from Ranking correctional staff down to regular Sgt`s, to all the supposed to be medical staff. Then you may ask for medical attention and be denied. If you keep complaining they will charge you $6 an tell you nunthan is wrong with you. It's sad especially with us incarcerated and having to deal with this coronavirus In an orderly for the older people and I push them to the infirmary. Well I took one man...and they told him nothing was wrong with him then later that morning he died. They Don't take the time to really check and see how a person really feels; they feel as if everyone fakes sickness. Its crazy then they talk to you extremely bad here running around cursing at you MF do this son of a B**** do that. You can be humble and ask sir are ma"am would u please not talk to me like that. The answer you will receive is, We can talk to you mfas anyway we feel whenever we feel like it so shut the F*** up before your chest get caved in. I stand up when I'm disrespected because I'm not the type to disrespect anyone that's my age younger are older than me...What they fail to realize is everyone who comes to jail is not bad people. It's better to get to know a person instead of jumping, placing judgement on a person an mainly from he say she say/word of mouth. The correctional facilities would be ran smoother if you had real people who didn't let the power behind that badge get to their head, Knowing that their protected because the officers word is more credible then the [incarcerated person]...an the officers word is more credible then the convicted felon on the street. I'm just starting to feel better I tested positive for the covid-19 and wasn't treated at all. I was sick for 3 weeks. I prayed and treated myself with over the counter medication to keep my body from hurting. They want us to social distance, But there's no such thing as social distance in jail it's impossible when we sleep no more than 2an half feet from one another and this person sneezing, this one coughing, another vomiting. Some maybe nasty not washing hands some not showering. A Lot of the ones who don't shower is because they have no soap the jail do not provide you with the state issue things you are required to receive, but yet and still its documented that they are buying an issuing the items out when actuality they just doing the proper paperwork so they behind is covered everyone doesn't have family that will help them everyone cant attend store but this facility makes you get things from the store. its a pandemic and they are not providing any soap chemicals to clean nunthan. They give you two free phone calls but if anyone of em hang up the mins don't roll over an it doesn't matter if the call dropped because they cutting it off are if your people lose signal are not able to talk if it disconnect weather it's on the facility are not its over with an you may have not talked to anyone so its like they giving you the call and taking it from you at the same time. Then you have people like me who work release eligible but they want to send you but they keep receiving people to this jail for trustee work, why?? and from capt’s...mouth we don't wanna lose our contract with the state. so they risk our lives going to Baton rouge state buildings everyday to clean up an they treat us like sh**. If I can go there an work for free why you want to send me to work release so I can have something when I go home? Are better yet let me go home do to the pandemic I go home next year anyway it's an crisis in here everywhere else around the world has released people with the time I have left but not Louisiana I have one charge...and they gave me the max 5 years an deem it a crime of violence...these people including the governor get on the news and talk and repeat himself about a lot things but i don't never hear him talk about the louisiana prison system and how it can be better for the people on the inside an the passing of laws all i hear is money talk thats whats talked about the most money...”

• “Hello VOTE, They did test everyone today and there is now a full Dorm in unit 2...completely filled with the positive cases. DCI let this get fully out of hand before taking any actions and they are still waiting on others results to come in tomorrow. This Jail is so hell bent on getting [incarcerated people] back out to work so that they won't lose their contracts for cleaning the building. They told us we only have to quarantine for ten day and that started Monday which I believe it should start now since the tests are just now being taken and coming back. But they told us we are going back to work Monday. The phone calls to the Lawyers still aren't going through. The way they are handling this I foresee more people getting sick than what there is now. They still haven't taken the ones with others on recond illness from around the people with Covid. It's a mess. The only concern they have is getting the Baton Rouge crew back out to work ASAP. And thank you for speaking up for us being our voice no one else hears us but Thankfully we know you do. The count of todays test returns...(82) out of 150 [people] and they still haven't received all the test WOW”

Raymond Laborde:

• “...Something else that needs to be discussed is the way that the quarantine process is being handled within the facilities.We are housed in non air-conditioned units. We do have industrial sized fans,but all they do is push around the hot air and does not give any kind of relief.It is not impossible to put in central air;they have already put some into the cell-block for the [people] who have been tested positive for the virus.Then when the power goes out in the dorm(for no real reason)it gets very oppressive, and being in an enclosed place with no escape to the yard,tempers tend to flare up and fights break out,and it is no one fault but that of The Department Of Safety And Corrections,for not doing what they knew ahead of time to do.I cannot express enough the frustration and stress that I experience on a daily basis,so much that I am literally getting sick(severe headaches and vomiting). I pray that the state starts to release more [people] to not just only lower the chances of spreading the virus but it will also lower the amount of money the state has to spend to house [incarcerated people].That means less money spent for food,electricity,gas,water,etc.The president said that the state would have to provide a portion of the unemployment for the citizens of its own state,so if they release [people] they will have the money they need for this. If there is anything else you need just ask.”

September 3, 2020

Angola:

• “I was really excited to hear of the VOTE presentation to that particular board. The taxpayers need to know the are paying board members for doing nothing. Again, please know that I am prouder of VOTE than anything in the world. It's not about me, it's about VOTE and what ‘we’ are doing to level the playing field for ‘US.’ It's because of the ‘testicular fortitude’ of Norris and those that helped to get us where we are. That we as a people can look to a brighter future. I am an agent of change supporting the seeking of justice for all. The crazy thing is over 90% of the employees are no longer wearing their mask. They have them on but their noses are sticking. So we can have an outbreak on the East Yard any day now. All ranking officers are turning a blind eye because the workforce is shorthanded. Since they are showing a disregard for their one safety, I just pray. Standing in Solidarity with VOTE.”

• “Thank you for all of the help you have provided the [incarcerated] population. You would be surprised at how the morale of the population has dwindled and the lack of hope and faith is at an all time low. For whatever it's worth, everything you do on our behalf, is of benefit not only to our freedom, but to the maintenance of our struggle in our self-esteem. Indeed I am grateful to be of service and I humbled to think my words were used in anyway to further the plight for our freedom. I pray that it didn't fall on deaf ears but actually benefits us. There have been many times I have witnessed many platforms for penal reform ending in just talk, not action, and with minimum or no bite.“

DCI:

• “I have now been moved...I don't know for how long. They are still moving positive cases to unit 2 as they come in. Unit 2 holds only about 650 men and we are full at this time with positive cases. They are even sending some of the positive cases with no symptoms back to unit 1. I guess it can't spread if you have no symptoms. I have no family or friends left alive on the outside.Y'all are NOW my family, whether you like it or not you're stuck with me. :) HA HA!! There is really NO safe way to open the prison up for visits. We are infected and positive and IF family or friends visit we could in reality give it to them. Now the prison could open up the yards since we are all testing positive. But it doesn't look like they are going to do that any time soon. I'm glad y'all were able to testify for us. EVERYTHING I told you was the truth. I now know they are repercussions for speaking out but as long as y'all are my voice on the outside it's well worth it!!! I'm so glad that y'all can be there for us. Well that's about all for now. I am still sick but I'm fighting it off. I'm a very stubborn man. I've made it this long (66 years, on Sept 29th) and I'm determined to live a very long time. I have NO help from the outside and haven't had any since my Dad died 6 years ago. I live off 4 cents an hour and won't ask anyone for help. That's just to show you how stubborn I am. I will live through this virus and be a better man once this is over. Well Thanks for writing. Until next time.”

• “I'm upset and at a loss for words!!! My health,freedom and life is in the hands of people who don't respect us or nature.They're shuffling people around do to the pandemic for instance they just move like 12 people from compound 2 to compound 3 because of a outbreak and those same individuals just tested positive for the virus.But before those individuals were brought over to compound 3 we didn't have any sick people or nobody feeling ill.”

• “First off the concern about the [incarcerated population] was never considered. Here at D.C.I. We were still made to got out to work in buildings such as the state Capitol and so on and so forth.They never provided us with hand sanitizers to use which was a key factor in fighting the spread. Hand sanitizer and mask is the key to restarting everything but there are guards who don't frequently adhere to the order. Were still packed in here and it's just going to be hard to get back to normalcy”

• “i'm here at dixon correctional center the virus have came to this camp in march of ths of this year someone that work here have brought it in the dci and now everybody in the camp have it we n the need of help right now would you please reach out and help us we have a serious problem”

• “Hello, I just received your letter...At this point we have over a 75 to 85% infection rate in DCI. You can infer from that the effectiveness of the measures that the prison admin used to contain the virus. AS of now most if not all the [incarcerated] population at DCI has been infected or majorly exposed to the covid virus. Any measures at this point are mute. I will write more later...”

• “Good morning. I apologize for the delay in responding to you. I was moved out of the dormitory I was in to another dormitory and as a result I wasn't able to log onto the Jpay kiosk. As far as individuals being able to contact their attorney I'm not aware. What is being done to secure releases for [incarcerated people]? The spread of COVID19 is rapid within DCI. Everyday more [people] are testing positive. We can only be moved around so many times before we can't be moved any more. Are you all aware of anything that's really going on here? It's a cluster f___! I don't know of any other way to put it. How many more offenders have to test positive or die before something is done? It's time for ACTION!!!!!”

• “You know, I think to myself and say, will I be like other prisoners who lost all of their loved ones before they got out of prison 15, 20, or 30 years later! Or will my family and I get the chance to see each other, before it's too late! This is a death sentence! Lord, if it be your will...In solidarity always”

• “Thank you so much for being a voice for myself and the others who are incarcerated with no voice. Our appreciation goes beyond your understanding. We see daily how our lives and well-being doesn't matter in this place, But to know that you're' fighting for us and which encourages us to continue forward. I'm pleased to finally be able to inform you they tested yesterday at 10 a.m. they are clearing Dorm 8 out to house those that have positive results. And truthfully it's several individuals who are very sick in here right now the Warden informed us while testing they are going to do ten day quarantine on those individuals positive. And then place them back in the dorm. It puzzles me that all of the other and older people who have low immunodeficiency and or high blood pressure or other illnesses, weren't and still aren't protected or placed out of harms way. And they did test the officers as well with us I will let you know they number of positive results for this unit once they return.”

Raymond Laborde:

• ATTENTION!!!!! EVERY TIER IN CAJUN1(8 TIERS) IS ON QUARANTINE.YET NO ONE ON MY TIER IS SICK OR HAS AN ELEVATED TEMPERATURE.THERE WAS ONLY 4 TIERS IN THE DORM(CAJUN1) HAS SOMEONE SICK OR HAS AN ELEVATED TEMPERATURE.

September 2, 2020

Angola:

• “Interesting enough is the slow email. It has much to do with on my part, being mostly unconnected to WiFi...There's no WiFi in this location of the prison. So it is my only excuse for my delay in responding. Actually, I just received the email. Yes, of course there are many problems occurring because clients herein cannot visit with their attorneys. Like all other person-to-person visits, attorney visits have been nonexistent...There court appointments prisoners are rushed into without the knowing support of attorney's counsel. Courts across Louisiana are business as usual, yet the pandemic is blamed for the closing of doors to attorney visits. Attorneys do not recommend their clients discussing their legal issues by telephone nor email. It is understandable considering all phone calls leaving and coming into the prison is monitored. So, yes, [we] are having all kinds of setbacks (procedurally and substantively) not having attorney visits. And really there is no reason attorneys can't visit: social distancing, mask, and hand sanitizer is good enough for open courts, it must become immediate for the imprisoned attorney visits. Be well, wise, and strong.”

• “I have been quarantined now for 9 days. No, I'm not positive. Actually never been tested. Although I am considered an essential worker, the covid-19 still found me out. I am well nonetheless. ____ ______ on the other hand has tested positive and the information I received today was not a good report. He hasn't made it back and it's been over the required 14 days. The virus is continuing to infect those here...The news is every dormitory on Eagle Unit except Eagle 2 is yet on quarantine. Last night two prisoners were pulled out of dormitories on Falcon Unit. And even worse than covid infection rate, the violence within the prison has found new heights. Unbelievable as it is, there was another death (killing) in the prison on the Main Prison. The merit system within the prison is a thing of the past. The east yard is as volatile as the westyard. Thanks to the new leadership. Most times, it serves to leave well enough alone. Incentive will always service rehabilitation and restoration. ‘Lock 'em up and throw away the key,’ is but a matrix for mass incarceration. And on top of a lack of vision, mind you, drugs are everywhere, easy to be found, and provide much indifference. And you know the evils of indifference: healthcare declines, mental health sufferers increase, and worst still, the survivor of the fittest. Prisoners know this attitude well. And then there is the anxiety of the retroactivity of non-unanimous verdict decision pending in the United States Supreme Court: Edwards v. Vannoy. And Trump. Need anyone to say more. Stay safe: mask, mask, and mask.”

DCI:

• “Greetings to you with wishes for this message to reach you in good health, faith, peace, security and charity from our Heavenly Father. Thank you all very much for standing and fighting on the behalf of me and many others. You all are great people and very helpful you are...So, do let discouragement trick you...Several years ago, my mother had a very serious stroke and heart attack that nearly took her life. She is alive by the grace of God. Not taking any credit from God, or my mother but she was left with some impediments. Today, my mother is dealing with cancer and chemotherapy and its effects. And her son, who was unlawfully imprisoned by a kangaroo court. However, my mother is willing and wanting to get legal assistance for me, but she is limited by physical conditions. In December 2018 I went before court for resentencing on an appeal. The next step was to file for my PCR within the time limitations. The time limitations for post conviction relief (PCR) will have exceeded 2 year time limitations in December 2020.Since December 2018, I have desperately made several attempts to obtain any legal counsel...I'm still without and unable to get legal assistance throughout these many difficulties. We are seeking proper legal assistance and are prepared to hire an attorney. Please help us seek an attorney!...On the other hand...Since friday, August 21, 2020, I've been awakening with an intense burning in my chest and lung area, with chills, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Herein, I assert, respiratory difficulties, with pre-underlining, chronic respiratory conditions, and on multiple occasions have I request for proper medical treatment, tests, vitals, an interview, and review of medical treatment plans requests, emergencies, sick calls, records, recordings, files, and diagnosis of chronic respiratory conditions, ect... Medical Personnel here at DCI refuse to provide adequate medical treatment, plans, duties, responsibilities and/or follow provisions of ACA and DPS and C as mandated by Louisiana State Laws and Procedures. On Saturday, August 29, 2020, through Tuesday, September 01, 2020 I...have not received a level of medical treatment for each and every [incarcerated person] who is sick in order that the sick [person] may be taken care of as their situation may require. Provision which shall be provided by, DPS and C, Medical care of [incarcerated peoples’] testing... The secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall establish and shall prescribe standards for health, medical, and dental service for each institution, including preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures on both an outpatient and a hospital basis, for all types of patients...around 2:00AM-3:00AM... the director of nursing...did a walk through on dorm-1, with a list of offenders, asking how we were feeling to determine if we would be removed from the current dorm-1, to another dorm...I advised the director of nursing the symptoms I've been hiving, and he said, ‘you've been having those symptoms since way before (COVID-19). On the night of 08/01/2020, 9:00PM through 11:00AM, 100`s of [people] from unit-2, dorms1,2,3,4,5,6,7, are being moved and mixed with a multitude of [people] from unit-1 dorms and replaced. Medical Personnel and Security Personnel here at DCI have claimed retesting and [people] who were positive are now negative. That is not true! Several [people are] still having difficulties were moved as well as [people] who have no symptoms are being moved and mixed around different units! I was not moved, but It doesn't matter because exposure to newly tested positive [people] being transferred to dorms were trying to recover. This is one big catastrophic screw up!...I'm out of breath and tired…”

• “I'm writing to inform you of the outbreak here at D.C.I, the advocate Baton Rouge newspaper for Sunday August 30 talked about it. There are more than 400 cases and 2 deaths now at the prison. And [incarcerated people] are coming back positive everyday and [there’s] nothing these people can do to help or save us.”

• “URGENT PLEASE READ! They moved about 50 people to Dorms 1-4 from Unit 1 who tested positive and from Dorms 5-7. They moved 60 [incarcerated people] from Dorms 1-4 last night to Unit 1 (40 [people]) and Dorms 5-7 (10 [people]). They are not retesting us before moving us back. Yesterday they made everyone catch their beds about 4:00 PM because the tactical team and Wardens had to be called in to stop a disturbance on Dorms 5-7. They are moving more people tonight from Dorms 1-4 to Unit 1 and Dorms 5-7. I love you and just wanted to update everyone. I am starting to get sick again.”

EHCC:

• “There is a guy...who, on July 13, 2020, was scheduled to have a conference call with his attorney...About an hour prior to the time for the scheduled phone conference, [he] was called into the Security Office to use the phone. When he got in the office, he was handed the phone and his lawyer's secretary was on the other line! She advised [him] that ‘the facility had called them,’ and that [his lawyer] was not in the office at that time! Although [he] has spoken with his attorney since this incident, this incident represents just one of several incidents that I have heard about happening regarding this issue. I cannot locate and or contact the other guys, as we are still on lockdown due to COVID-19.”

September 1, 2020

Angola:

• “There is a video conference room for limited legal conferencing between attorneys and clients. As far as I was able to find out the only real issue has been telephone privacy. There are lawyers who have called and asked that their clients be allowed to call. The shift supervisor refused to let the classification officer connect the [incarcerated person] to protected line. The attorney involved has spoken to the warden but we don't know the outcome. Contact me for any further information. PS. A 23 year old [incarcerated person] was killed up here today for stealing from another. Have a great day and don't VOTE for Trump (lol).”

• “It has been noted that attorney calls made by the [incarcerated] through classification have been prohibited of recent. However, a new procedure has been put in place that requires the [person] to have his attorney approved first through the warden of the [individual’s] respective camp. The catch-22....I am hearing that attorneys calling the prison and asking permission to have a confidential phone call(attorney-client privilege) are being flat out denied. One example...an attorney...called the prison today and yesterday to have her client...available for an attorney call and I have never seen attorneys treated as if they were ordinary citizens. Lawyers always had leverage with prison officials because prison officials don't like litigation. Mainly because, as we know, the plaintiff is most likely correct when stating a grievance. Technically, it is a shield...there is a pandemic existence globally, so the least amount of influential outside support minimized at whatever level, increases officials' cover-up scheme to obscure covid numbers.”

• “Hello VOTE Team...As always it's good to hear from you, yes we're striving to win even in the midst of trouble. Today there was another aggravated stabbing which turned out fatal :-( I've asked around about guys having problems seeing their attorneys, a few stated that they're being told that some COGIMS are being put up for attorney visits. My attorney calls the facility to personally speak with me and the facility gives me an outside confidential call so I can talk to my attorney. But I haven't been able to visit him in person. So that's all I know as of now by asking around. I pray that you are successful in your plight as you work to help me/us to freedom. Thanks for the open line of communication. In His care I am always…”

• “...This place here has become a mad house. The Covid-19 has made men go crazy men been killing again because no one out there had been trying to do ANYTHING for us here in prison. We relect a man named John Bel Edwards to do what he said he was going to about Prison Reform and as of so far we in prison have not heard a damn thing it's all about this Stupid azz Covid-19. And...This was posted in All the dorms. ‘To: All A and B Shift Supervisors From: Colonel Carl Smith Date: August 18, 2020 Re: Attorney Calls All Offenders attorney calls are to be made from the offender phones in dormitories unless instructed otherwise upon notification of the call. Thank you . Colonel Smith.’ Well these calls are NOT going to be private anymore if this happens, 86 men with roaming ear's to listen to your private information that is suppose to be done in the Warden's office...I don't know if anyone has told ya'll the New news yet but there was a killing this morning and 3 stabbing just today. The killing was in the west yard and (1) died. (they cut his throat) The stabbing in Blocks(1), and (1) was at the outer Camp-C cell in the blocks. This place is going back to the famous name The most bloodiest prison in the World. Why does the Governor Not do something for us here Does he even care Or is it something else like maybe he is Not aware of it? This most not come back to me I was given a life sentence Nowhere in my paper work did it ever say I must die by someone inside these four walls.Thank you for your time........”

• “The administration sent a memo out to all dorms saying that attoroney calls would have to be placed from the dorm for the time being. No explanation as to how/why. It was a very short memo, only one sentence. Presumably they mean using the wall phones and Jpay. That's only first hand knowledge I have of problems with attorney communications. All the wall calls are monitored, you can't call without it being recorded. There's a sign in English and Spanish telling you so next to every phone. The same notice says properly placed attorney calls won't be monitored but it never tells what that means or how to properly place a call. The menu doesn't have an option for legal calls, it just goes press 1 for eng 2 for espanol then 1 for collect 2 for account. Jpay cut down the free phone calls by 5 minutes. Now we get two 10 minute calls every Friday instead of 15 minute ones. Seems pointless, the money is lost when you give the call away not when you don't charge per minute. They aren't saving anything. There was no announcement either you just found out when your call capped out. A man was murdered on the West yard today. This was the second aggravated fight this week at the main prison. Walnut-Hickory side is going to be shut down for 72 hours. No work no no store just chow. Eventually they're supposed to test the entire prison. First they'll do the outcamps then Main prison. Right now they are still testing camp D. Every time they get a positive result they quarantine and start over they'll move on when all results are negative. That approach is pointless since free people are still coming and going from the outside as well as moving between camps. All this does is establish that there weren't any cases the day you tested it doesn't do anything to prevent a new outbreak. It also uses up all the test we have. A guy in my dorm wanted to be tested but they told him they didn't have any to spare.”

• “Vote Administration:...Yes, it is very frustrating since my hearing have been pushed back due to the COVID pandemic. In some instances attorneys from Promise of Justice are requesting their clients call them from the Classification Office. This is new in Angola and calls are made after everything calms down. Newer guys are having the harder problems and they are greater in need. As you know, no contact visits because of the virus. If a person dorm is on quarantine that would eliminate calls by classification. Possible solutions? Wall phones, letters, J-pay-emails and attorney video visiting however those conversations would be subject to be recorded and monitored. No attorney visitation places us in total odds of privilege communications. I hope this is of some help to you.”

• “Good Afternoon, I'm happy to hear from you guys. Yes, we are still experiencing the extreme challenges that covid has placed upon us. The last couple of days have been really tough. Being that I am the [incarcerated] minister in my section, I have to do the death messages. Two of the guys in my area lost their mom yesterday. I was woken up at 6:00 a.m. and I did not stop ministering until the sun set. As soon as I got finished with the first guy I was told that another guy's mom had also passed. I was like WOW!!!! All in all, I was there for them, and I tried my best to try to get them some type of closure. That is an issue in itself because we are not allowed to go to funerals when our loved ones pass. As a result, there is no closure...there was a major disturbance here today, and now everyone in my area is on lockdown because of it. So, all I was able to do was my unit...located in the main prison complex. Out of 80 guys that I talked to only about five have attorneys. Out of the five only one guy said that he is having trouble contacting a lawyer... out of New Orleans. He said the phone number must have a block on it because it is not going through. Personally, I am waiting to go to court to have a post conviction hearing which was a pro-se writ dealing with an incomplete trial record. The last time I went to court was in the month of Feb. During that time the judge said that he was appointing me an attorney from the 23rd District. However, I have yet to hear from that attorney. In addition, I know that there has been a lot of legal mail coming down the walk on a daily basis. So, guys are at least getting mail from either the courts or their lawyers...On final note, I have my family ready to go out and vote, but I will need the names of the people we are supporting in the upcoming election.”

• “Hey my V.O.T.E. family...I heard Warden Vannoy and LaMartiniere talk about the cogym bldgs. that's in place at the out-camps with the teleconference for Attorneys and tele-med visits with doctors. They are arranged so the client-attorney privileges privacy will be maintained. I think that it is up and running at the out-camps already And I see the Attorney Bldg installed by the Visiting shed for the Main Prison and cell-blocks . They are in the process of installing the necessary equipment(lights, furniture, etc.) for attorney visits here too. That is for sure what I know concerning attorney visits and doctors visits unless they HAVE to go to the hospital to meet in person. Also, the virtual funeral visits are in play as well...”

• “I hope this letter finds you all and yours safe and healthy. I am as well as can be expected. Everyone I have talked to about how they contact their attorney say they have to call them. There are some instances where inmates are able to talk to them through video conferences...They also communicate through the mail but it is taking longer than normal. As for the issue with covid...the dorm I came out of founder quarantine last week. But I'm thinking it was a false positive because the same guy came back in less than a week...Camp D has been mass testing and the last I heard over 200 people back there tested positive. Stay safe and strong. Thank you for your help and support.”

• “I AM IN ANGOLA MAIN PRISON THE PROBLEMS SURROUNDING THE ATTORNEY SITUATION IS THAT ATTORNEYS ARE CALLING ASKING TO SPEAK WITH THEIR CLIENTS AND THE PRISON ADMINISTRATION IS NOT PROMPTLY COMMUNICATING THESE MESSAGES TO THE CLIENTS, THEREBY INHIBITING ATTORNEY CLIENT COMMUNICATION WHICH MAY BE OUTCOME DETERMINATIVE.”

David Wade:

• “How is everyone at VOTE?...I can vouch for the complications with having attorney/client privileges. For example: I have no way to speak privately to my lawyer.The calls are monitored as well as all talks via JPay which prompted attorneys to opt out all together from convency only to settle for reduce corresponding via mailbox letters.”

DCI:

• “Yes a lot of people have been having problems contacting their families and their attorney's. Some numbers have been saying restricted when we try to call and inform people of the health conditions of the compound. there's a guy who can't contact his lawyer and he would like to speak to someone from your organization because the administration keep trying to block his communication with the outside...I appreciate all your help especially in a time like this when the covid has hit by over on this compound and administration hasn't taken proper precautions and they're refusing to test us.”

• “Good evening my family. I pray that all is well for you all and your family's well. As for me, I'm bless.I just got back in the dorm .I'm a healthcare worker. We had a big call out this morning. We had to bring some of our people to see a mental health DR. Then on top of all that, a youngsters got killed this morning. He was 22 years old. Let's keep his family in our prayers. Yes, I have been seeing some men going to see their lawyer. The lawyers that are helping us with the 10/2 have been calling up here to talk to a lot of people. Yes they're letting us go call them back. yes I have been seeing some men going to see their lawyer. Thank you all for all that y'all are trying to do and doing for us !I truly thank God for all of you all . 9/26/20 I'll be 42 years old. I came here at the age of 18 .Please keep me in your prayers. Have a blessed day, y'all in my prayers.”

• “Hello I'm writing to let you know they still haven't tested us yet five people have tested positive for Covid 19 and were around us. They lied in the paper saying they had people in the chapel for safety but that's not true the people getting blood transfusion were in there with everyone new that comes to DCI i was placed in the chapel with them when i came here...And people that have other illness haven't been checked on that have low systems like myself. They just gave is some mask last night it's people coughing and saying that can't breathe or have headache in all three dorms in unit 3 compound. We can't get in contact with our lawyers for some reason the phones are hanging up when we reach out to our family. I have health issues and they still took me outside this jail to work around people who they knew had Covid the building sent emails telling them it was in the building. one guy was in the building with us on 07/20/20 and on 07/21/20 they got a letter saying don't go on the second floor of the building until it was sprayed and we still had to go and clean that floor before the company made it to spray the building. The staff are coming back and forward to working with family members or themselves having tested positive for the virus themselves say the admin made them come back to work. when you ask about testing they say they'll Lock you up if you say something else. There is no way to have any distance here, the beds are close to each other, the tables in the kitchen we eat right by one another, The restroom we have to be right by one another. Even when we go to work on the bus they have us two to a sit to make sure we are by the staff but that's not safe. The Staff are working, all units bring the virus back and forward and that doesn't keep their mask on at all time.”

• “...DCI refuses to pass out legal mail everyday and will only pass out legal mail on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week. I also know that DCI refuses to follow policy in regards to the handling, mailing, screening, and searching of legal mail. That seems to be a huge problem here at DCI. I hope this information helps...”

• “Hey Thanks for writing, It's always good to hear from a friend during these times. To answer your questions, I have talked to a lot of guys and some are getting access to attorneys through ‘ZOOM’ whatever that is. But the prison is limiting Attorney ‘in person’ visits. It has to be really urgent and has to be approved by Warden Kent. Did you read the article in the paper about D.C.I.? The prison does not want the public to know the real numbers!! We have a lot more than 330 positive cases! The one that died was...was an older guy around 80 I think and had a lot of problems. He was in the I.C.U. in a Baton Rouge Hospital. He was also on a respirator. They just retested dorms 5,6,7 and honor dorms yesterday. We are waiting on the results now. Also they came around with a list of names that have been in quarantine for 14 days and had tested positive. It looks like the ones that are not showing symptoms will be moved to another area, possibly Unit 1. I am doing better, it hit me hard but I have pretty much gotten over it. Losing my taste was not so bad considering the food we eat, :) HA HA!!! Well that's about all for now. Keep in touch, I like hearing from my good friends out there.”

EHCC:

• “I myself have a problem getting my attorney on my visiting list which I understand that we can't visit right now. but if the prison would have at least let me put him on my list I could have received telephone conference calls from my attorney...the prison had sent my attorney add on visitation list back to me and said due to the covid 19 they weren't adding any visitors on any list.”

• “As always there's problems in a system that is imploding!! No attorneys are allowed inside, yet they are supposedly reroutes to some form of video visit. If you would like you could set up one with me to see how it works?! this would give you a direct link to that particular shituation.”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “...there are numerous individuals who are not able to communicate with their lawyers here at JCCY. Each person is saying that JCCY is the problem for them not communicating with their lawyers...God Bless, and thank you all for your support and encouraging words.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “I recently had a phone conversation with my attorney from the Promise of Justice Initiative, no one...where I live has complained about not having access. our unit is still not allowed to work with the other units, so if anyone in another unit is having problems we haven't heard. however, recently, administration has set up an inmate counsel for our unit to help with legal issues. before this was done by one person on the other side, and a lot of people wasn't receiving adequate assistance, but it is straight now.my only problem, is an ongoing problem, they still have not tested everyone in this institution, and I still feel personally, that action or non-action is wrong!!!”

August 31, 2020

DCI:

• “dear Norris as you have heard the virus has hit DCI tremendously, they're putting out fake numbers about the number of people that has tested positive for the virus...the administration is still not providing us with the necessary sanitation supplies we need to keep ourselves safe that's why it's so many inmates that's testing positive. the administration can't contain this thing and we are in grave danger of being infected from a long time.please help us...we're begging you cause you know if no one else knows how this is going to play out in the near future that is why I'm writing you personally asking for your help on this thing here at DCI.”

August 30, 2020

Angola:

• “Good morning, Team VOTE! I pray all is well and that your contributions towards the struggle are well received by those who are directly impacted by your efforts...Truly, the way everything has been handled here could have been done better. First off, testing. Camp-C hasn't tested yet and more than likely quite few will test positive...asymptomatic carriers. Sanitation started off with a sense of concern and urgency but that has reduced. Laundry was being washed five days a week now back down to two. They are even cutting back on bleach, initiating a diluting process to stretch. Weird part about this entire madness is that tons of masks were donated and none were passed out to the [incarcerated] population and now free folks are beginning to collect masks as they are given two to three every time they come on. Not intentionally... just because they come to work with already bought masks and the prison issuing out masks every time they arrive to work can only create a collection of masks and the [incarcerated] population given cloth masks. I do not think that prevention was a necessity and yesterday I heard someone else died from corona. One dorm at Camp-D, about 85% of the dorm came up positive. Plus, it is my assumption that numbers are underreported. The first time I've heard of Covid Medical Furlough Board is at your mentioning. I do not see anything being taken seriously. Enlighten me about this board? Visitation should be implemented---one unit at a time...Most definitely something needs to be discussed concerning the [incarcerated] population being able to see loved ones. It has been entirely too long since we all have seen our loved ones…”

DCI:

• “I'm writing to inform you that an outbreak has began in unit 3 on all dorms. The administration here aren't taking any precautions to prevent Covid19 from getting more out of control. Other [incarcerated people] are still going to work. [Incarcerated people] are saying they can't breathe, their body hurts they have lost their sensitive to taste. Its very dangerous in here right now and they still haven't began testing us in this unit. The staff is working both units so they transmitting the virus back and forward. And some of the staff shared that they know or have been around other out side of here with Covid 19 and where forced to come back to work without being tested.”

August 29, 2020

DCI:

• “Hi. i'm in receipt of your last letter and i want to say that we are now being moved to dorm 6. this dorm has not been properly sanitize before we were moved from the gym on thursday eve.i will keep you posted on what we do know. supposingly on monday 31st we are to be retested. i'm waiting to see if there are any positive cases within our group. also, we are being housed just across a narrow fence line from all the positive cases here at DCI. there has been 2 deaths within days of each other. there are over 250 cases and rising each day. the DOC has not done anything about social distance. we are in a dorm that only allow us 3ft. of living space. the public needs to be informed as to the accurate count of cases on the rise. the DOC secretary is directly responsible for not planning 5 months ago. We do not have the right soap, hand sanitizer, and other mandatory preventional supplies issued by the federal gov in april of this year. The prison system is 290% overcrowded. Now is the time to pursue federal intervention from the US justice dept. can you all place this information on social media so the world would know that the DPSC DOC refused to release state prisoners due to the special interest groups like the sheriff associations pleased in keeping state prisoners in parish detention facilities. i'll keep you posted next week when they supposingly retest on monday.”

• “DEAR VOTE ADMIN Hello...I think you so much for responding to my request to speak to someone about D.C.I violating our rights and not following the guidelines for the coronavirus disease in the correctional Institute...The guidelines are Not being followed properly, close contact of COVID19 are not being quarantined according to the guidelines...The guidelines stated individuals who have had close contact of a COVID19 case should be quarantined for 14day's…[incarcerated people] who work in the affected areas still live in General population,and the guidline's state that [incarcerated people] assigned to work in these areas should not be allowed to return to general population and it is still happening...Also on UNIT-ONE DORM-C-D the [incarcerated people] have,not been tested for COVID19...I have more to tell and paperwork to file,i thank you for your time and concern...“

• “Good evening, It's been awhile since I've last heard from the brothers.I understand that there's a lot going on out there considering all the protesting and now the hurricanes.I sent you all a video hoping that you would be able to get a visual on what's really going through the minds of us in here.At this present moment there's a lack of respect for us and the pandemic that has changed the course of our lives during these past few months. Even now as we speak we're having trouble getting the yard open on unit 3 in D.C.I. during the time that fresh air and distancing is needed.It's like the nature of this pandemic is not being taken seriously even after all the deaths and breakouts that have occurred. We're as inmates or at the fate of the institution which is only giving the public so much information about what's really transpiring behind these walls.Even now there might be repercussions for me writing this that can affect a lot of things that i'm trying to accomplish such as work release and so on and so forth.”

• “Hey, it seems that the more relaxed the officers here become the less they are willing to wear the face . The list of [incarcerated people] that has tested positive has grown from zero to fifty in two days...Last night two [incarcerated people] were transported to the hospital on the street, Twice Acadian Ambulance has come to pick someone up in the month of August, Now that it is confirmed that the virus is here it is very serious that we protect ourselves from hurt harm or danger, many officers may be asymptomatic until the virus is activated .We need help this thing is not going away. They don't care if they kill us all.”

August 28, 2020

Angola:

• “Hello all; Just a short note to check in with everybody, and to say that I/we hope and pray that you all made it through Laura alright, and are safe and sound. It was definitely a POWERFUL storm --- was just listening to NPR and some expert was saying that this was actually the most powerful storm to make landfall along our part of the coast since the 1800's. Given the damage caused by many of our better-known storms, that is a surprising fact....but it's the wind forces at landfall and storm surge, etc., that made it the most powerful...We suffered a lot of wind damage, loose debris flying all over the place, a whole LOT of rain, lots of trees down around the farm, and we've been on emergency generators since about 0400 Thursday. But, most importantly, no one hurt. As far as the COVID-19 situation, Camp D is still the current 'hot spot', with ANOTHER bus load being sent to Camp J's coronavirus medical facility yesterday or the day before. Well over 120 from Camp D now...Camp F is still faring well in that regard. So, again, hope you all are well and safe, and your homes are safe. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.”

DCI:

• “Hello I just wanted to let U all know that D.C.I. has about 450-500 cases of Covid-19 and counting... Regardless of what the internet says this is the real count.. I'm not sure it has even been placed in the newspapers as of yet.. When they first tested Us, dorms 1-2-3-4 had over 250 positives, and as they tested dorms 5-6-7 even more was positive.. That's just the cases on Unit 2, that's not counting the guys from off Unit 1.. When they first tested I was negative, but they have had us around positive [incarcerated people], and it's apparent as to how quickly Covid spreads.. So god only knows not.. They (this prison system) went about this whole situation the wrong way.. And at least one [incarcerated person] has died from it, with a few others not looking good, on Vents or whatnot.. This Great state Herds us into the prison system like Cows, and then places us in harm's way like Livestock headed to the Slaughter House.. It's a scary feeling to think about the fact that I'm non violent, don't have a bad disciplinary record, have 6 months left before I go home, and still it's a possibility that I won't live to see that date.. (I have asthma, and have had to be placed on a heart monitor in the past...) It's just a lot to think about... Thank you for listening”

• “WE THE [incarcerated people] AT DCI IS IN SERIOUS NEED OF SOME OUTSIDE HELP.PLEASE LISTEN TO ME WE THE OFFENDERS POPULATION ARE IN SERIOUS NEED OF HELP.FROM OUTSIDE THERE ARE A 185 [incarcerated people] HERE AT DCI WHO HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 THE CORONAVIRUS.THINGS HERE AT THIS PRISON IS A REAL MESS RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THIS ADMINISTRATION IS NOT HANDLING THIS CRISI THE RIGHT WAY.THERE ARE ALOT OF [incarcerated people] WHO ARE REALLY SICK ,SOME DON'T HAVE NO SMELL OR TASTE,SOME ARES DEALING WITH OTHER RELATED ISSUES TO THE COVID -19,THIS IS NOT A GAME DCI ADMINISTRATION HAVEN'T EVEN REPORTED THIS MATTER TO THE MEDIA.HEAD WARDEN...AND HIS ADMINISTRATION IS TRYING TO KEEP THIS SILENT FROM THE PUBLIC.THEY ARE MOVING US AROUND,60 F US TESTED NEGATIVE ON AUGUST 21,2020.ON AUGUST 20,2020 THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT TESTED DORMS 1,2,3,4, AND ON AUGUST 21,2020 THE ADMINISTRATION MOVED ABOUT A(111) [incarcerated people]  TO DIFFERENT LOCATION THOSE WHO TEST RESULTS CAME BACK POSITIVE.AND US WHO CAME BACK NEGATIVE THEY MOVE US...SO WE WOULDN'T COME IN CONTACT WITH THOSE WHO TESTED POSITIVE.NOW FOR US WHO ARE HOUSED [here]  ONE OF THE BROTHERS WAS MOVE EARLY THIS MORNING BECAUSE HE HAD NO SMELL OR TASTE...MR.HENDERSON SIR. WE NEED OUTSIDE HELP OTHER THEN THAT A LOT OF [incarcerated people are] GOING TO DIE HERE AT DCI.WITHIN THE WEEKS AND MONTHS TO COME...WE NEED HELP AND WE NEED IT NOW.THIS CRISI HERE AT DIXON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE IS LIFE THREATEN.AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT.THE STAFF IS TALKING TO US BAD THE NURSES ARE VERBALLY ABUSING US SIMPLY BECAUSE WE ARE ASKING QUESTIONS CONCERNING OUR LIVING CONDITIONS.WE NEED HELP,THE [incarcerated people] HERE AT DCI IS CRYING OUT FOR THE PUBLIC ATTENTION.PLEASE,PLEASE,WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT CHANNEL 9 NEWS,THE BATON ROUGE ADVOCATE, THERE ARE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WHO HAVE TESTED POSITIVE HERE...WE WANT TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUE AGAINST DCI.PLEASE EMAIL BACK THANK YOU…”

August 27, 2020

Angola:

• “I guess you would call this the new normal. Here where I am on the East Yard on the 26th and 27th almost all of the security personnel either took their mask off or had them on their noses. This includes the rank. In addition to that they are allowing everyone who desires to, not wear a mask.”

DCI:

• “Just when we thought things here at DCI couldn't get any worse…[People] like myself who tested positive for (COVID-19), trying to overcome the (COVID-19), and are already one week into the two week quarantine process are be re-exposed every hour to [people] newly contracting (COVID-19). There is no two weeks quarantine. Dixon Correctional Institute Administrations and Security Personnel have been deliberately moving all [people] throughout the prison, and mixing [everyone] together from all over the prison units and dorms. Many [incarcerated people] and DCI officials believe that testing and results are faulty, and the DCI Officials are anticipating the spread of (COVID-19). Here in prison, there's no such thing as quarantine!...On Saturday, August 22, 2020 Around11:00AM, I...quarantined at Dixon Correctional Institute's Gym/visitation room, received CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT and DISPARITY TREATMENT from 1.Assistant Director of Nursing...2.Director of Nursing...in the state of an emergency. Statement of Fact: On the above said, date, time and location I…[declared] Medical Emergency because of Difficulty breathing, lung pain, fatigue, nausea, sweating, chills, shivers, stomach and body pains with disorientation. Seeking emergency medical care, I attempted to approach two gentle men, who, were in fact medical personnel, when [he]...looked up at me, raised his hand, and said ‘get the fuck back you fat piece of shit! Nothing is wrong with you!’ Standing in disbelief, I said, WHAT..’you heard him, you sorry piece of shit, get the fuck back!’ [An incarcerated person] asked me, ‘why are they talking to you like that? My reply was, ‘I don't know, I need assistance.’ Then I called for the aid of the Sergeant...assigned to the location(s) and advised him of the issues at hand. [He] said, ‘there's nothing I can do!’ Around 2:00PM, Doctor Bill, and medical personnel came to check temperatures. I advised Doctor Bill of my current medical issues and situation at hand. Doctor Bill said, ‘please do me a favour, calm down, just relax and lay down. Neither, Doctor Bill, nor medical personnel made any attempt to check vital signs and/or conduct any test.”

• “I work with the Baton Rouge Crew and they take us out everyday with several people in the buildings downtown. I have other health issues that make me a target for the Covid 19 and it seems as if no one cares about our well being. They moved other [incarcerated people] over here from the unit they started testing without testing them.”

• “...I spoke with Warden...and he did admit that the handheld scanners do not give accurate temperature checks. He informed me that after 10 days if we show no symptoms of COVID-19 and no fever we will be moved back around inmates who are negative. He told me they will not be testing us again to see if we are negative. When I asked why, he stated that because we are positive we can not infect anyone else, so it is safe for us to be around people who are negative. Nurse...told me the real reason they are still using the defective scanners to do temperature checks is because Dr...told them to in order to show they are doing something. She also said that the reason security really isn't stopping the spread, is because the more [incarcerated people] that test positive means more money DOC and DCI will get for each [incarcerated person]. My experience in dealing with being positive for COVID-19 has been horrific and life altering. I have a old blind man that sleeps next to me and he is so sick that he can't get up to use the bathroom or shower. In fact he has been sleeping in his own urine and feces since last night and there is no one to help him. It breaks my heart to see this and because I am feeling sick myself I can't do anything to help either. An old man I took care of...was rushed to the hospital unresponsive by ambulance and he is in ICU not expected to make it. I was so scared for my own life seeing the ambulance come down the street with lights and sirens going and it made me realize that I could be next. It is hard for me to breathe at night, I have constant headaches and dizziness, I have had no taste or smell for over two weeks, and I have been sick to my stomach forcing myself to eat in order to keep my strength. Someone needs to do something to stop these people before more of us get worse and die. The doctor told me I will get sicker and sicker before I get better. I love you mom and just know that if anything happens to me that DCI caused it.”

August 26, 2020

Angola:

• “Dear Vote: I don't know if you are aware of an article in the Baton Rouge Advocate newspaper, ( I didn't get the date but it was last week some time ago) written by Matt Sledge, ‘Officials: Nearly half of jail's inmates test positive -- Many housed at St. Charles facility seek release amid outbreak.’ Sledge, mentions Angola in comparison to this jail, ‘which has more than 5,000 (really 6,200) prisoners, has reported 193 positive cases of the 1,065 [incarcerated people] tested. I have been getting temperature readings not swabb nasal testing nor anyone else in this camp except the guy I told you about previously. There are approximately 65 [people] in my respective dormitory. Another interesting note gleen from the article, Attorney Nick Trenticosta raised concerns at a pardon / parole hearing that his client...who suffers from type II diabetes and obesity could be INFECTED AGAIN, by what he labeled as an ‘extraordinary’ transmission rate. The degree of immunity that a previous infection confers on people is a hotly contested question in the medical community. U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby denied the request to release his client Age. Maybe the politics surrounding the case, charges of conspiring to kill a federal witness. I make mention of these cases in contrast to my case, because of the severity of being wrongfully convicted, of second degree murder and subsequently serving a life sentence, without the benefit or parole, probation or suspension of sentence. In the State of LOUISYana, life means life until we die. The only opportunity we have left is the pardon board and a progressive governor with a penal reform agenda. God willing, the retroactivity stemming from the Ramos case into Edwards' case may bring emancipation to all of those who may be similarly situated like me, Guilty Until Proven My Innocence. Just thick there may be hundreds and / or thousands of other innocent people held in prison…’We don't live in a perfect system and there are many who fall within the grasp of the Prison Industrial Complex,’ mentioned in Michelle Alexander's book, The New Jim Crow. Thus perpetuating a long line of mischeviousness of patronage from the infamousTransatlantic Slave trade, Chattel slavery, slave codes, LOUISYana black codes, 100 days of lynching, vagrant laws, convict leasing, original Jim Crow laws (developed by descendants of traitorous Confederate soldiers, who we honor with statutes that succeded from the Union that killed U.S. soldiers and citizens), to the present Black Lives Matters Holocaust.”

DCI:

• “Good evening. Thank you for the ecard as well as the support. AS of the writing we are not receiving any type of treatment. They are doing temp checks twice a day. Also they are constantly putting people who are testing positive into the dorm with those of us who tested positive on last week. There is no sanitization being done. We don't have hand sanitizer. It's as if they are trying to keep us sick. Have you all reached out to the media? I've been looking in the Advocate to see if they report anything in regards to the mass outbreak of COVID19 here at DCI. Nothing. We really need you all to get it out there to the media about what's going on here. People are getting sick by the 10's.”

• “Good afternoon Relative to your question, no one has been tested here...even though crews are still going out in the daytime. As I expressed in my last correspondence, those whom were deemed as ‘exposed’ needing quarantine actually were allowed to come back to this Unit and eat a meal thereafter, allowed to go in their respective dorms and pack up what they needed without advising or instructing those in the dorms to exit the dormitory due to chances of being infected. Once again, no testing is being given, only the temperature check for those who travel beyond the gates to return later. The environment is becoming dire, because there is no real or true awareness relative to the virus's potential for fatalities this said due the fact guards continually arrive at their employment with a complete disregard for those who are not infected, yet possess a high probability of contracting it due to our inability to social distance. That you for all your assistance and concern for those without a voice to approach those who are able to make a change. Your efforts are not taken with ingratitude yet, with much appreciation and thanks.”

• “Hey, The count now is approx. 300 men that have tested positive, and 20 guards. They have so far moved all positive cases to dorms 1-4...I am still having coughing fits, and head congestion and fever. It was 103 yesterday. All they do is tell us if it gets worse, file an emergency sick call. That way they can charge us $6.00 instead of the3.00 normally charged. But it is getting worse around here. At least now they are giving us 1 tylenol every 6 hrs. I guess this is for the fever and cold symptoms everyone seems to have. I personally don't have family to notify and some of the guys can't contact family. That is why they are asking for ya'll to notify the papers and news agencies and let the word get out that it is here. Well TTYL:”

• “hi I hope everything is going fine with you guys. no one on this unit has been tested for covid yet even tho people are sent out everyday into buildings to clean them the most they do is check their temperature but other then that all is well. thanks again for keeping us updated of the status of things.”

• “Mom, These people are stupid and crazy. The doctor told me that after 10 days I will be moved back to [my] dorm...and they will not test me again. These people are putting everyone's life in danger. Please let me know when I can call you.”

August 25, 2020

Angola:

• “About March of 2019 or somewhere near that time, Camp D experienced its first case of corona-v. It began with staff becoming infected. And of course at the same time prisoners at Camp D were informed how the virus was infecting prisoners both at Camp F and the Main Prison east yard. I got to Camp D from Main Prison in September 2019. When I landed...many of the [incarcerated people] therein were complaining about flu like symptoms...I thought nothing of what I saw at the time. I mean, it was the beginning of the common cold season, so I thought it was normal. Then I learned in December/January about covid-19. And how the virus was thought to spread mainly between people who are in close (within about 6 ft) through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is these droplets that can and often do land in the mouths or noses of unmasked people nearby or are inhaled. Thus to answer your policy question. The best way to stay healthy is to avoid exposure and infection. That is, wash one hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds - especially before eating or touching one's face, eyes, or mouth. Thus, it must be practical policy to daily sanitize used surfaces (cell and dorm doors, counters, phones, bathroom surfaces and provide uncut chlorine for cleaning, paper towels and other supplies for safety purposes. We live in dorms of 90-plus [people] breathing the same air, using the same phones and showers. Policies without supplies are useless. [Incarcerated people] are forced to use community plastic food trays, cups and spoons in dining halls, and drink from trough styled containers manually filled. [We] share plastic cups, utensils, dishes, towels, and bedding washed in mass. Those 65 and older and have chronic health problems (heart and/or lung disease, diabetes, cancer survivors, weekends immune system) are all packed together like sardines. There is a need for a policy that tests the entire dorm where infected [people] have been located and a tracking system to assure that the virus is controlled. Presently, guys who were infected from Camp F and Main Prison were relocated to Camp D. Of course it was said they had cleared their 14-days of quarantine, but when they were pulled out the dorm, the entire dorm was not tested. Thus, however the infected [person] caught the virus was never investigated, determined, nor resolved. Now the virus is eating away at Camp D. There are nearly 4 dorms in that 14-day quarantine posture...How could this happen? Easy. [Incarcerated people] from the infected, quarantined dorm was moved into the essential worker isolation location: The Chapel and then The Camp D Visiting Shed. And that's just part of the problem with mass incarceration. And I keep hearing the flu season will challenge [people’s] (compromised and otherwise) immune systems all the more. Again, and I do emphasize that much of this covid-19 spread in prison can be slowed with the stroke of the Governor's pin. The paroleable juveniles are still here there are [people who could be] medically furloughed...20 and 40 year lifers rotting here and last but certainly not least, the [people convicted on] 10/2 - 11/1 non unanimous jury verdict[s] who history, justice, and the law speaks on their behalf. There is a great need for hand cleansers that are available to all…”

DCI:

• “Hey, I wanted to let you know that the numbers have gone up dramatically. We are, now as of this morning, at 230 [incarcerated people] and 20 guards have tested positive. Also I wanted to finish the questions you asked. This could have been prevented IF these people here (SECURITY), would have done things right instead of trying to save money. 1) Security personnel refused to wear their mask. 2) If the prison would have given us hand sanitizer, which they did for 1 month then said it was too expensive. 3) If they would have passed out masks in the beginning. 4) If they had taken this seriously in the first place 5) If medical would have kept sick men in the infirmary instead of sending guys back that were running fever, coughs, and sneezing everywhere. 6) Also we are to blame too. Because we didn't follow guidelines either. But we had to make our own masks and try to stay away from others which is hard to do when you sleep less than 2 feet apart. 7) This prison is way over crowded and we have 80 men in a dorm. We all sit next to each other on the t.v. room and rec room and at chow. Now I had 103 fever last night, I've got a cough and my head stopped up. These medical personnel act as if they are being put out by helping anyone. Today my fever is gone but that's because I have meds in my box and took them and drank plenty of water. Over here you have to look out for yourself because they wont do it. These people look at us as a dollar sign NOT as human beings. Well that's about all, except I'm in [a different] Dorm...now, I forgot to tell you that. The numbers will be going up as the results keep coming in. All the numbers from 5-7 dorms are slowly coming in. This is now beginning to get serious. [The incarcerated population is] asking me if ya'll can check the numbers and let the outside world know what's really happening in here. They are wanting the newspapers and news stations to know we are infected BAD NOW. Of course these people here will try to minimise everything, because they don't want anybody knowing how they screwed up but trying to save money for their pockets. This is the most crooked bunch of people I've ever been around. And I have been here in prison for 25 years now. 21 at Angola and 3 here...Well that's about all for now. I will let you know anything else when I can get more stamps. They only give us 2 free stamps every Tues. TTYL: And thanks again for the card and your prayers. That's really nice of ya'll. At least someone cares out there.”

• “[Incarcerated people] that were tested yesterday on my side are still moving around, working up front with the major and warden, and are also taking people down the walk. Security is passing through the side where the positive [people are] without proper PPE and then coming on or side and working around us. Warden Turner and Col.Bell are not enforcing proper quarantine procedures, they are not making [incarcerated people] or security follow them properly, and they are not enforcing mask wearing. Further the guards working on the positive side (Dorms1-4) only have a smock gown to protect themselves. I saw with my own eyes an officer get a positive [person] off the yard without gloves, PPE, and the walk around the [incarcerated population] without wearing his mask. This same officer then came on my side without his mask on...There is also an officer who is working in my dorm who admitted to me that her sister tested positive and she was exposed. We are still waiting on our test results and only being told it takes 24-48 hours. Lastly medical came and took our temperatures via handheld scanner and although a lot of inmates are sick no one showed a fever, because they are defective. I love you mom and I will talk to you soon. You're the best mom in the entire universe.”

• “Good morning. I have tested positive for COVID-19 along with numerous other [incarcerated people]. We are currently being mixed with various [people] from [another] Unit...There is currently no medication of any kind being given to us. Several offenders are feeling very ill and nothing is being done about it. Please do not allow Officials at DCI to lie about the current state of conditions here. They are trying to cover up the severity of how bad it really is here. Think about this; why isn't the administration people working? Why are they short of security staff? There needs to be an investigation into what's really going on here.”

August 24, 2020

Angola:

• “Vote Administration: This is an emergency email. Just after I wrote to you, my dorm went on immediate quarantine. There is this guy in my dorm that was going on a hospital trip, was tested Friday for routine precautionary measures, and was allegedly found to be positive Sunday for the COVID-19 virus. Thank God, for this blessing in disguise. This thing could have run rampid without any of us knowing anything. They came and got him out of the dorm very cautiously. The unique problem I have with this situation, he worked as a clerk, in the classification department in the camp, in the Education Building with all ranking security personnel. Exponentially, this compromised the entire workforce because if let's say it's a classification officer he came in contact with or an officer and was exposed. Whoever they came in contact with becomes a possible systematic carrier. When the shift changes hands there: walkie talkies radios, keys, telephone, door handles offices building etc. all become cantigions of infection. But instead we're being looked upon as if we're the possible infectious agents. We're too isolated to contract the virus unless someone brings it into the prison, knowingly or unknowingly. The scariest part is they think we're the carriers and not them. Point zero is not our dorm but where he worked.”

• Hello My V.O.T.E. family. It has been a minute since I last communicated with you.:-) It has been rough here from week to week that somewhat prevented me. First, I intentionally delayed responding back to you concerning being an inside rep. becuz I wanted to give it some serious thought before answering. Then, the Wi-Fi and kiosk was down in our dorm for a couple of weeks. Ughhh!!! Finally, when we got back online I was swamped with emails and video grams to catch up on. Some were very urgent! Nevertheless, you all have been right in the forefront of my mind. Okay, let me try and give you an update of the latest happenings here. Forgive me if some of it is a repeat of what I have told you before. Well, the covid cases are on the rise again here. Currently, there are over 60 confirmed cases at Camp D after testing some dorms. Supposedly, the whole camp is on quarantine. Three or 4 dorms on the West Yard are on quarantine. That includes the kitchen workers dorm!! There are no dorms on the East Yard quarantined. The newspaper article recently stating that every Angola prisoner has been tested is a flat out lie! That is NOT true. The same protocols are set up, however soooo relaxed. The kitchen workers are NOT enforced to wear masks while serving food. I have seen some workers without a mask around their necks at all. At least stunt!:-) :-) On one shift Security officers are standing beside the kitchen workers while serving. And the security officer has a mask on but not the kitchen worker and nothing is said! Amazing!!! It is not a hit and miss here and there but every day occurrence. When we tell the [incarcerated] worker about wearing a mask, they look at us like we are crazy or (out there bad):-) :-) .Unbelievable! The mojo episodes are thru the roof. And there is a stabbing every other day on the West Yard.(literally). Someone was killed in the cell-blocks recently by his cellmate. It was also on the news a couple days ago... I don't know all the details at this time. Msgt. Henry Turner, well-known by all, passed away from the virus and Rosie Thomas(pson) passed as well in the same week. She was a hospital worker here. I think I mentioned before that essential workers are isolated in the Ed. Bldg., Law library, Gym, and Chapels. They literally have their mattresses and boxes in the offices, rooms and wherever there is a spot big enough. Just yesterday, Warden Delaney and others came and made everyone in the Ed.Bldg. move back to the dorms. He mentioned that he was tired of his security catching people passed out on mo-jo and finding drugs and fighting and what have you. Plus, an essential worker mentioned that he can't get any sleep for work. That was the spark. The skeleton crew of [incarcerated] counselors were down stairs living in the law library. They had to move too. To be honest, they were living awful upstairs in the Ed. Bldg. I saw it myself. And a few weeks ago there was an [incarcerated] counselor living in the law library passed out during count with a needle in one arm and a phone in the other. All of this contributed to Warden Delaney's action yesterday. Okay, let's turn to some good news. Ted Durbin aka Animal is gone home along with Ron Walker and Emmerson Simmons. Keith Morse Aka Bossier and Paul Will got their recommendations signed. They are scheduled to go before the Parole board by November. There is an op-ed from one of the Kardashian about the split jury in the Tuesday, August 18, paper B.R. Adv. Yes, I am very familiar with the remarkable work that ASCP has done thru-out the years. They have been very fruitful in getting things passed. I have attended some of the college symposiums that they held in the past. And V.O.T.E. is still continuing that legacy on the outside…”

David Wade:

• “Hello again, There was something I neglected to mention in my last email that may be of interest. In a previous email I had mentioned that I had a suspicion that there was a possible misappropriation of inmate funds occurring either in the banking dept. or in the medical dept. That suspicion was based on the method used to list my medical charges on my monthly banking statements. For example a sick call charge of $5.00 would be broken down into 3 or 4 different charges, one for .93¢ and another for $1.07 and yet another for $3.00. But, when I added all the charges for a specific period and then compared them to the charges on my receipts for the same period there was always an overcharge. Now comes the interesting, and to me, suspicious part, on the last bank statement which I received yesterday (8/23/2020) all of the medical charges were listed as they should be on one day a sick call for $5.00 and on another a medical emergency charge of $8.00, without the breakdown. Someone obviously read that previous email , which by the way is not covered by client/attorney privilege or considered legal mail, and decided that a change was necessary. It may be that my lack of trust in anyone affiliated with the DOC just has me suspicious and conceiving conspiracy theories, but that's simply because they are not a trustworthy organization. Be Blessed and Well.”

• “Hey all, OK update. First, the cellulite that developed on my right calf area. The antibiotics prescribed when I did the initial sick call seemed to work very well.However, after a few days( when the antibiotics were discontinued ) the redness began to return and today the swelling started back. When I pointed this out to the head nurse  her response was the typical ‘put in a sick call in the morning’ It is my understanding that DOC policy states that ongoing issues are not to be charged for repeatedly as is being done at this facility. I am seriously tired of being taken advantage of in this manner and I will not be putting in ‘another’ sick call for this problem that was not treated earlier until it was resolved. If the condition worsens into something more serious such as septicaemia or something else then a lawsuit may be necessary to make them discontinue this unethical and immoral practice. Now, on covid-19 and the situation here. As stated before, 8 guys were removed from the dorm since about July 15th, 3 were recently returned to the dorm. I have heard only one of them say he was tested, although he may have said ‘we’ indicating that all 3 were. In the dorm, we all have our temp checked twice a day and as far as I know no one has developed a significant fever. My own got up to about 99.7 or so but later that morning it was back to normal. As for other symptoms I don't know if they are covid related but several individuals have experienced the following recently: body aches, headaches, weakness, loss of appetite, sinus issues, and a nagging , persistent cough. Although some who experienced these symptoms reported them, no one has been tested. In my honest opinion I believe that if everyone in this dorm were tested to determine if they ever had covid, every single test would come back positive. I believe it was simply allowed to run its course...On the wearing of masks. I wear mine any time I leave my bed area. At this very moment as I look around the dorm common area there are 3 [people] out of 8 who are not wearing a mask at all. One playing chess has the corrections officer standing right there beside him and has been for at least 7 minutes. Obviously when the warden was in here everyone was wearing their mask. Such is also the case when someone of rank over Lt. enters the dorm. Life here is really inconsistent to say the least and it is progressively, in small increments, getting worse.”

DCI:

• “Hi Thanks for your time and consideration, Yes I've been tested, but these people is now giving us our results. I'm currently in Dorm _, I moved...Thursday night. They tested Dorm E,F,G,H and L Fridays and some of the people who results came back Saturday and they moved them that night. But they're people showing signs everywhere. It's more than 300 cases now here at this institution. Again Thank You and your staff for all you all are doing. I'll keep you posted and updated on what's going on here. Well whatever they tell us, which is not much cause the [incarcerated people] are starting to act out. If they don't do something fast it's going to get out of hand.”

• “Good Afternoon: I was elated to receive your response this morning and would like to follow-up on what continues to be detrimental to the health of the incarcerated. I am in Dorm ___...a single Unit that is actually situated within the city limits of Jackson. As many [incarcerated people] have been transferred away for quarantine there are still many that are being transferred here...with only a temperature check; this is still ongoing recklessness behind these walls. Whereas, over 200 [incarcerated people] tested positive for Coronavirus, the guards that were overseeing the Units that they were housed in (1,2) are being rotated here to this Unit without thought of consequence. With this said, there have been at least three [people] who have been moved from this congested facility to be quarantined; yet, the problem lies in that these [people] had contact with others before actually being removed.Going out in the morning to the main compound where all the cases are, and then bringing the workers back here only to take them away 2 hours later is a clear disregard for human life and safety. The way the administration is handling what has been designated a crisis is clearly unprofessional, unethical and outright destructive to the ones that are being affected...Furthermore, the guards that are being rotated, are walking onto these grounds with the mask on, however once within the closed and restricted environment they feel that it is safe to remove the face covering, and many do not have the mask over their noses, only their mouths. The bathrooms have soap dispensers, however there has not been soap in these containers since I was transferred here a month ago. Bars of state issued soap are set on the facebowls, which are used for personal handwashing after using the toilet, washing cooking utensils and this is what is set out for inmates to use to fight COVID-19 and maintain a low rate of infections. This is really becoming scary, due to the non-unanimous jury issue that is being reviewed by the U.S.Supreme Court relative to retroactivity, affects me. Now that this pandemic is ongoing and spreading at rapid rates due to carelessness and just plain, ‘so what’ mentalities of administrative powers overseeing Dixon Correctional; it really dampens the hopes of returning and seeing my family, and I am certain many others are in a similar situation as well.”

• “Dear Vote Team. I am not too worried about any repercussions that the system could possibly think of, the thing is that society expects those of us that are here to reform and be productive and when things occur that places us in danger when expected not to respond in any fashion. If we as a group so speak about the injustice of the system that is suppose to be our care takers then we are punished and expected to accept the punishment as just and a part of the sentence. It is not like that ... at least not any more! Many officers refuse to wear the PPE or face mask even though they have been moved around from dorm to dorm and cell block to cell block, many have been in contact with people that this institution have claimed to have been infected with the co vid 19 virus. People...have been ‘INFECTED; these people or in constant contact with security and other [incarcerated people] yet the entire population has not been tested because of (COST)? I am informed that if you dont show or have any symptoms then you don't have it. what about the people that have late responses to the virus that pass it without knowing?...Furthermore the system is allowing people to leave the prison and return right back to the population without separation.”

• “Dear VOTE team and friend(s) On Friday, August 21, 2020 around 10:00pm I...Tested Positive for (COVID-19). Myself and 60-100 [incarcerated people] were escorted to DCI Gym/Visitation for quarantine. We all slept on the floor with mats, 6-10 inches apart, and one shower that produced only cold water. On Saturday, August 22, 2020, About 11:00PM...I... declared a medical emergency because of difficulty breathing with chest pain, nausea and dizziness, throat swelling with body pains and chills. Upon my approach for medical care, Director of Nursing...and Assistant Director of Nursing... said, ‘Get the fuck away, you fat sorry piece of shit, nothings wrong with you!’ I was verbally assaulted, Denied Medical Care, and Medical Treatment, and treated with Deliberate Indifference. I repeatedly asked DCI Security Personnel for medical care, and were told there was nothing they could! A few hours medical personnel came for temperature checks, only checking surface temperatures and would leave instantly if temperatures were not high. Most aren't showing high temperatures. On Sunday August 23, 2020. About 10:00AM, DCI officials told all [incarcerated people] to pack up, that we were being moved...to unit-2, dorms-1, 2, 3, and 4...While the above symptoms continued. Medical Personnel refused to take vital signs. On Monday, August 24, 2020 about 2:30PM...I am having difficulty breathing with chest pain, nuasas, fatigue, sweating, chills, loss of smell and taste, severe headaches, eye pressure, and body aches. I feel like death...I pray that you and your families are well... You don't know how much I appreciate you! I wish there were something more I could do to help! Thank you with utmost respect! I pray for God to heal and restore every hurt and broken places in your life! We will make it through this together!”

• “Hey Thanks for the card. They tested us on Thurs. and the results came back on Fri. Then they started moving us. Some of (60) went to dorm 12, the rest went to the gym. Then on Sun. when they came to their senses they saw there were too many so they moved everyone that tested neg. to the gym and moved everyone that tested positive to 1-4 dorms. They just tested dorms 5-7 today. I had asked to be tested a long time ago along with a bunch of others. But we were told that the only way we would be tested is if we showed signs or if we went on a medical trip. They test us for fever every shift. Today the Doctor and Nurse Practitioner came around and checked our lungs and heart and asked if we had any symptoms and if we felt like we had it before. That's about the sum of their questions. Right now we have approx. 100 [incarcerated people] tested positive and 17 guards. But they haven't gotten the test back for dorms 5-7. They did test dorms e,f,g,h,&L dorms on Unit 1 and a bunch tested positive. We now have 4 that is in the infirmary and 1 on the street at a hospital. The newspaper in B.R. should be notified and in New Orleans also. Some of the guys can't contact their families for some reason or another, and they would like to let the news get out. Of course we know the prison is going to downplay all this because they don't want it to get out. But a lot of guys, like myself, are up in age and have underlying issues and they are worried. Medical here really are doing the least that they can. Their feelings are ‘THEY ARE JUST PRISONERS AND WE WILL GIVE THEM THE BAREST MINIMUM MEDICAL THAT WE CAN.’!!! This is how they all feel and treat us. The food is the worst and the barest they can serve. Well that's all for now. TTYL:”

• “Hello, No I haven't been tested nor have I seen any testing done in the dorm i live in and will have 85% of the Dorm leave out to work in downtown Baton Rouge Daily with no testing.”

August 23, 2020

Angola:

• “Just read your email. Yes, you're right, it is said those close to the problem are nearer the solution. I now find that so funny given the historical value of problem solving. It would seem politicians and the pundits of the halls of justice would be front and center: on the front line. There too much will be the will, we might surmise…____ died a couple of days ago in Our Lady of The Lake at Baton Rouge. [He] had been suffering from hepatitis c and making every attempt to survive cancer. He had those opportunistic diseases that covid-19 prey on. He went fast. He didn't have a fighting chance. [He] was a victim of an inadequate medical system. A medical pending in the Middle District out there in Baton Rouge under the delayed decision of Shelley Dick, Judge. How many more must die unnecessarily. I submit ______ ____ would have been a perfect case for the medical furlough you all are lobbying for. Thank you. It seems the time is nearing. I too could be seeking freedom through medical furlough. What a pity that being the victim of the infamous non-unanimous jury verdict, one could be victimized yet again by mass incarceration. There is no social distancing here. We are surviving through grace one minute at a time. The only solution to mass incarceration is to decarcerate: reform. Reform the bench through the vote. We are on the right track, we only need to fast track. Just maybe I too can experience this reform ‘Freedom Matters’ ‘Justice Matters’ in my lifetime. I figure it is time for action. It is time for an executive order. It took the stroke of the magic wane, the pen to get Louisiana in this mess. Why not an executive order to solve retroactivity regarding non unanimous jury verdicts? Why not an executive order addressing overcrowded prisons. ‘Silence is the greatest evil,’ Martin Luther King, Jr.”

EHCC:

• “SUPREME PEACE MY COMRADE'S First of all allow me to apologize for my procrastination, in response to the November election! Nevertheless, much has transpired since that time... another quarantine of the [incarcerated people] being house in the J-Building here at Hunt's Correctional Center... An Elderly inmate that supposedly had cancer died from covid-19 exposure, last week! As for the election I've activated my support team to use their social networks to propagate the cause the we at VOTE are SPEARHEADING!!! :-) Also I'll be getting back with you on my personal hypothesis concerning the voting process!... I'm presently dealing with some personal issue that calls for my attention…”

DCI:

• “Good day; This is a follow-up relative to the COVID-19 pandemic that is now overtaking the population of the Dixon Correctional Institute. As a memo was recently set out that declared that 2 [incarcerated people] and 8 guards tested positive Friday that number has multiplied astronomically to almost 250 [incarcerated people] and other guards. The issue that lies within this outbreak is relative to DCI has never conducted any actual tests here since the pandemic began as of February 2020. The only gave the 'temperature check' to [incarcerated people] that travel to Baton Rouge, yet, as Dr. Fauci has addressed is inadequate in detecting the coronavirus, many have been infected due to negligence on behalf of the administration here at DCI. Guards, did not keep masks on when on the jobs: beds are only two feet apart: as coronavirus is contagious [incarcerated people] were still given plastic utensils to eat off of in the cafeteria, shared by [incarcerated] population: and no testing for the virus until RIGHT NOW (which is a 7 month span of indifference). This indifference and negligence has subjected hundreds of [incarcerated people] to possible exposure; an exposure that may be potentially fatal due unto the lack of adequate medical attention. This update is being given in good faith, whereas, the outbreak is growing daily yet guards are still allowed to pass to and fro to work, then home and back to work for potential exposure to whatever was contracted through interaction with others. Any help that this Honorable Organization is able to give will truly be appreciated in this matter. If further information is needed, please do not hesitate to notify me and by the will of God, I will deliver. Respectfully Submitted,”

• “Hello VOTE Admin., I received your email today, and my response to you is as follows: As of Friday, it became known to us that the virus was getting worse and spreading rapidly, and that many who were tested were positive. That ment that necessary precautions had to be taken in order to slow the spread, whereas as far as we know, none of us that were in the Honor-House were infected. However, as an added measure of safety, those of us who worked on the outside of the fenced perimeter were moved to unit _ to keep us safe and to keep us from being in a position to infect someone on our jobs. As for me, I have been feeling pretty good and really don't have any of the symptoms they say to expect, whereas I am truly grateful. I don't want this virus, and I don't want to get it and give it to someone else...I pray all will be well for all of us. PLEASE, keep us in your prayers. I will be in touch. MUCH LOVE, YOUR COMRADE…”

• “Hey thank you for writing back, I wanted to run some stuff by you that is happening here at Dixon, The thing with the corono-virus don't seem to be taken seriously by the administration here, the same Officers that work in the quarantine area with those that are affected work with those of us that are not infected, here in the general population. I know that staffing is bad, but the health of those of us that are not sick should outweigh other security concerns, at least the non-major ones. Lt. ______ works in the affected area,then comes and do security in the Kitchen with those of us that is not effected, how is that following the state guidelines…”

• “HELLO AGAIN! ONCE AGAIN COVID-19 AT DCI...NEED YOUR HELP...85% [of incarcerated people are] INFECTED,THAT,S BAD.HOLLA BACK SOON.”

• “Hey, They had moved ALL the positive cases to dorms 12 and the gym. Now today since they have over 100 cases here with [incarcerated people] and 17 guards they had to make dorms 1-4 quarantine dorms. Now they moved all of us that tested positive back to these dorms. BUT they still plan on testing 5,6,&7 dorms tomorrow. They will get a lot more positive cases from them. ALL of this is because the guards here refused to wear their mask and they all lied about testing everyone. They are running around here like a chicken with it's head cut off. They(SECURITY) don't know what to do. Medical is of NO help here. ALL they do is take our temps and tell us to file an emergency if we get any worse. 1 guy filed and it was 2 days later when he was seen. He is now in the infirmary and can't catch his breath. When he told the nurse she just shrugged her shoulders and walked off. That is when he filed the emergency sick call. As for me I did test positive and all I have right now is a small cold or sinus infection, because I do have sinus problems. This time of year is always bad for my sinuses. Other than that I'm doing ok. This prison did NOT want it to get out about them refusing to test us these last few months. Now they are still trying to keep it hushed up. BUT they still refuse to give us any kind of meds even tylenol would help those of us with colds. Well that's about all I have for now. TTYL”

• “wow dci has over 129 cases of covid 19. i'm not positive along with maybe 75 others. They are relocating us to another dorm that held infected [people] just hours ago without proper saniters that combat the covid. Should you not here from me in 7 days contact my mother in Alabama ____, or _____. Please tell them that i love them very much. thank you for your continued battles with refrom. we do appreciate you all very much.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Thanks for responding! We very much appreciate that there is an organization such VOTE. One thing I forgot to mention...or suggest that maybe there could be a notice placed on you guys' site that informs the loved ones of those incarcerated here at Raymond Laborde Correctional Center about the status of those individuals as it pertains to covid. Right now, the entire cell block minus one tier is quarantined. They've been that way for months but no officers have been out for that long...Also, VOTE isn't on our list of approved nonprofit to which we could fundraise for or donate too. Do you know why? It says all federally recognized 501 c (3)'s. Thank you guys for answering those questions.”

August 22, 2020

DCI:

• “The following [seven people] were moved to the gym because they tested positive on Unit 2. 15 [people] tested positive on Unit 1 and was moved to the gym...They currently have about 30 [incarcerated people] in the infirmary waiting for their test results. 4 of those 30 [people] are in my dorm. There are a total of 250 plus [incarcerated people] combined total at DCI that has tested positive in the past week. Sincerely…”

• “Thank you for the concern it's good to know people on the outside are aware of the current situation at my facility I am at D.C.I...and administration just moved [incarcerated people] that were in dorm 12 to...unit 3 which is a trustee unit but most of the [people] they moved...had just been in contact with people who had the virus and some of them show some symptoms like sneezing and coughing none were tested and it also have trustees on the baton rouge crew who work in green they clean up buildings everyday that are known to have covid and they are not tested then sent to be around the rest of the unit which can easily cause a larger out break that's part of the reason units 1 and 2 are full of covid if proof is necessary please as this inmate he works on the baton rouge crew and is forced to clean buildings everyday that are full of covid 19 endangering his life and others his name and d.o.c is_____ also thank you guys again for checking on my well being and reminding me people care I pray all of you and your family's are also I good health and spirits...”

• “Hello how is everyone doing? Well in here we have now 150 cases of the coronavirus. On Friday they tested the whole jail here at D.C.I and the results should be in this week sometime. Things are getting real crazy in here cause it feel like the people are not doing anything. I've been waiting to hear back from you guys from the last time I email. Let me know what going on with you all. have you heard anything about them letting anyone out of here do to the Virus. Have any new laws pass to help get anyone out of here. Hit me back when you have time. Thanks”

August 21, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “I have been having severe pain in the area or my left kidney and made an emergency sick call this morning about 6:45a.m. I was told by security that I had to wait until the E.M.T. came in to see me.I then made a phone call to my mom and was told to hang up because they had to do a count,I refused and ended up getting a write up.I told them my health is more important than any write up and that if they wouldn't do anything about my medical problem I had the right to do something about it.I ended up going to the infirmary anyway but all they told me was that I was just a little dehydrated and to drink more water. All I've been doing is drinking water because it is to hot to drink anything else. I think they just trying to push my medical problems away so they don't have to deal with the past screw ups they have been having on my part.I asked if I could get checked out fully because i am getting at that age where I am more prone to heart-attacks and cancer(knowing that I took Zantac for 5 years).But we [incarcerated people] get the blame for everything,they blame us for the virus coming into the facility;which is preposterous. If there is anything you can do to help me in this matter it would be very much appreciated. My prayers are constant for everyone at VOTE and all who are affiliated with VOTE.”

August 20, 2020

Angola:

• “Just last night, a young black man in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the waste down, attacked a white guy in our dorm because the white guy was a Trump supporter. The young black guy threw a bucket of scalding water on the Trump supporter. A few nights before, the same young black guy hit an elderly inmate in the face with a lock in a sock. Once again, the victim was a white Trump supporter. I am not political in the least bit, but I believe in freedom. What's the use of even being alive if you can't have different views and beliefs without being brutally attacked?”

DCI:

• “Dear Team, Greetings to my Brothers and Sisters My prayers are with you all...Unfortunately, myself and many other [incarcerated people] here at Dixon Correctional Institute are not well. Today, Medical Staff has started testing [people] on unit-2, dorms-1,2,3,4, for (COVID-19). IT HAS TAKEN THEM LONG ENOUGH. THAT'S ABOUT LIKE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS. WE ARE FIRST TO BLAME, CONVICTED AND HELD AT FAULT. WE ARE THE LEASE AND LAST TO GET RELIEF, IF WE EVEN GET RELIEF...On the other hand, I would like to call your attention to a subject most important. My Son made 7 on May 11, 2020. _____ has asthma and has to use breathing treatments for respiratory conditions for most of his life. His mother may not take (COVID-19), but I'm very concerned with the safety, health and well-being of my child! My child, like many others, children's health, wellbeing and safety are top priority. Our children's lives are at stake. We are pushing our children to challenge death, we are raising risks by leading them into the hands of the public (school), right in the middle of a deadly and highly infectious disease outbreak. A preventive measure is staying home! All can be done from the protection home! The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread worldwide. In a life or death situation, what kind of person sends their child to face death head-on? We need to protect our children now, or there will be no future. Economy is built on money. Life was created by love. People are brainwashed to believe it takes money to live! When people are dying, they don't even worry about money. I just want to be in good health and live! In solidarity,”

August 19, 2020

Angola:

• “Dear Vote Administration: Thanks for the contact information for future use. The guys who received their pardons are not in my direct vicinity. By the time I get the message to their area, in the Main Prison, they all should be long gone. Also, they are very much aware of Vote. As for quarantine in the prison, I just was informed that Camp D is on quarantine. I am not aware of the ratio of [incarcerated people] and/or security that has been affected by the COVID-19 virus. The Front gate of Angola is approximately 3-4 miles away from anywhere in the prison except the Main Prison. Where I am...is approximately 1 mile from the Main Prison, 2-3 miles from Camp D, and another mile added to that to get to Camp F and Deathrow. Angola on the books is 18K acres but in actuality it's 22K. By the sea logistics it should be very hard for any of us to contract this virus. Our problem is the irregularity in the security personnel from camp to camp. Someone may have someone in their family infected and / or making them asystematic, come to work unbeknownst to them and infect the population. One or several staff member(s) may call in sick and an extra personnel may come in from another part of the prison and could be asystematic. All medical situations are handled in camp through sick call via EMT unless it's very detrimental to the health of the person and prison.”

• “Good morning! As a writer, I would like to introduce an idea: What about sending out videograms of the VOTE team to key incarcerated leaders (VOTE members) to engage in visual encouragement. I am also looking at being creative...just as most of America opting to Zoom conferences...let's do videogram clips to add the human experience to our cause. It makes it more personal. I have tons to share and ready to work in whatever capacity. Writing, creating strategic planning to educate...and most importantly making aware of what's really going on and how we can be a little more effective in our efforts to defuse intentional negligence on DOC's part. We, the incarcerated people are beyond ready to leave prison life behind and join the fight on the outside to pull others along with us. I am 100% on board with all agendas of VOTE. Where else is there a need that I might be able to help with, even from my position of being on the inside? ....Change is coming. Equality is to be demanded through effective communication. The finish line requires hard work to get there. No stragglers. In solidarity....”

August 18,2020

Angola:

• “Hi, How's things? I am well. Covid free. Today has been filled with setbacks. 80-something [people] have been rushed to Camp M's quarantine dorm. That's the third load of prisoners carried out to quarantine. Both warden and colonel of the camp have tested positive. Covid is ona move here. A prisoner was beaten to death last night in the blocks in Main Prison. The guy had just left this camp for disciplinary problems and ran head-on into eternal bliss. What fool stores up his treasures in a barn? Things are ever changing here. It is impossible to social distance in prison. Mass incarceration have American prison industrial complex packed like sardines. Covid screening process is not fully effective. The prison did not seek to test or isolate staff nor [incarcerated people] who reported in March that they began having Covid-19 like symptoms. Pro actively distributing face coverings, was not a proven, evidence based strategy at a time when PEE resources were extremely limited across the country, across the state and face coverings were being used as contingency PEE. The prison was slow to respond to the global pandemic, both from the staff point of view and from families of [incarcerated people]. There is not enough protective gear, not providing adequate testing and a failure to limit the movement of [incarcerated people] between camps, between the Main Prison and the outer camp to prevent the virus from spreading. For me, it has always been clear that prisons and jails would be covid-19 pandemic hotspots American prisons and jails are densely packed as we have by far the biggest prison population in the world. We are living shoulder to shoulder and sleeping neck and neck. Prisons and jails are not built for social distancing. We live in dorms and our cots are about three feet apart. We are double bunked. People who work in prison will traffic in covid-19: bringing it both inside and outside to the surrounding communities. We are vulnerable because of overcrowding, malnutrition and limited healthcare. Patchy testing and reporting is frustrating efforts to track and contain its spread - both behind bars and in the community. I am well. Doing what I can to help us live.”

DCI:

• “Just wanted to give you an update on this virus. The Corona Virus has finally hit here. ALL of dorms 1-4 here at D.C.I. are now on quarantine. 2 maybe 3 [incarcerated people] on dorm...have tested positive for the virus. They finally passed out masks to us, and they are bringing our food to us. They just came in and sprayed our dorms with some kind of germicide mixture. They are taking our temps every shift. My question is, WHY WONT THEY TEST EVERYONE? Mr. Leblanc said in the paper that every [incarcerated person] in EVERY prison has been tested. NO ONE here at D.C.I. has been tested unless you show signs, high fever, or if you are going on a medical trip. Well that's about all I have for now. TTYL.”

August 17, 2020

David Wade:

• “HELLO VOTE, i kenny is writing too youall giving youall a update of what's going on here, well i have a bit of bad news, in my unit dorm...have 79 [people], on last week some [people] has been put on isolation its now about 7 of them, none of us here at this facility has been tested, the rest of us here...are on quarantine, this is a dangerous virus, MR. NORRIS HENDERSON, couldn't have said it better this virus spread like wildfire, especially in places like this, we are compacted together, also living less than 6-feet apart, they are checking our temperature twice a day not telling us what the reading is just marking it down in a book, well just giving you all a update, you all please keep us in prayer…”

August 16, 2020

Angola:

• “I haven't updated IN MONTHS SO HERE IT IS. Most recently, the staff moved a guy in our dorm from the parish jail. The wardens have been moving people all over. The only two dorms tested at the main prison, at least on the East Yard, are the two medical dorms...The wardens decided that it would be a great idea to move a bunch of people from the East Yard to the West Yard and vice versa. I'm positive the people moved weren't tested, weren't in medical dorms, and why do that during the coronavirus pandemic? It just seems nuts to me. In [my dorm] we haven't had a case in over a month. I think that's only because we've all had it and built up antibodies to the virus. If they would have tested us around April, most of us in this dorm would've probably tested positive. That was the height of the pandemic for our dorm. But they tested us at a later date, I think in June.”

DCI:

• “Good morning. Thank you all for all the love and support. At this time we all are in need of your prayers as well as your support. I'm reaching out to you in hopes that something can be done in regards to COVID19. We here at DCI still haven't been tested nor are being tested even after an [incarcerated person] has tested positive for the virus. As you know temperature checks alone won't do it. The staff here comes in on a daily basis. We as a population don't leave the facility. How then can an [incarcerated person] contract the virus if not from a staff member. It's sad when the so-called powers that be are being deceitful to not only us but the general public as well as to the Dept. Of Corrections concerning the overall number of cases when tests aren't being administered. Enough is enough. We are humans too. We deserve to be treated as such. Right now we are being treated inhumanely. Your organization has to champion our cause. Without your help we are doomed. I am pleading with you all to please look into this and to apply pressure where necessary to get the ball rolling. What will it take? For people to start dying before someone starts to take notice. I didn't receive a death sentence nor a life sentence. Is justice really as blind as it suggests? Thank you for your consideration of this matter.”

• “HELLO AGAIN! BAD NEWS, [incarcerated person] AT DCI TEST POSITIVE.DORM #1 [person] ON QUIORITINE.WE ALL SEPARATED AT THIS TIME.PLUS [people are] ON MOJO ALL OVER DCI CHECK DB-COURT RECORDS,MAY,JUNE,JULY,AND AUG.TOO MUCH TROUBLE HERE AT DCI...THANKS AGAIN! HAVE A BLESS DAY!”

August 15, 2020

DCI:

• “Tonight is the Saturday we are all supposed to get free state soap. Well, tonight Warden ___ came to all dorms and cell blocks on [our unit] to make announcements that ‘they are not giving out soap and/or no longer giving out free state soap!’ ____ ‘claims that [incarcerated people] are making mojo with the green soap!’ That is not true... D.C.I. STAFF are the ones smuggling in ‘mojo’. I'm dissatisfied, because I not allowed hygiene products/spring union supply package I should have been allowed to get my spring union supply package of bodywash and soap. I am an indigent [incarcerated person] and I need soap...D.C.I. continues to violate the U.S. Constitution, LA. Constitution and Prisoner Rights to personal hygiene, sanitary practices and indigent [incarcerated people]. Also, someone from dorm 1 or 2, tested positive for (COVID-19). Then bathrooms were closed at around 9:00pm-10:00pm Saturday, August 15, 2020. Forcing [people] to use restrooms in dorms 1-2, where [people] tested positive for (COVID-19). ARE THEY TRYING TO KILL US? Now, we have absolutely no soap to wash ourselves with... Right in the middle of (COVID-19) pandemic which requires a higher level of sanitation and clean-hands. Now we have no soap! Respectfully submitted in solidarity…”

August 14, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “When i came to this facility on Jan. 8,2007,there were 44 beds per tier in all the dorms(22 beds on either side of the tier and 30 inches of space between each bed ).In 2016 the amount of beds went up to 60(15 bunk beds on either side of the dorm with 4 feet of space between each bunk).In 2017 that amount dropped to 54 beds(15 single beds and 24 inches of space between each bed and with 6 bunk beds with 31/2 feet between each bunk on either side of the dorm).Now there are 52 beds(13 single beds with 6 bunk beds on with the same amount of space as with 54 beds either side of the tier). Only one exit on any of the tiers is blocked(the exits are not really used; they are there just for the purpose for the fire inspection),which really doesn't matter because the fire marshall is getting bribed to keep even that many beds. The masks we were issued several months ago are made of cloth by Prison Enterprises and are rewashable(we are the ones who have to wash them).From what I am told these masks are insufficient for the purpose they were intended for,yet the guards are issued masks that have a filter on them and don't use or wear them properly. As far as I know all dorms are off quarantine and the facility is planning on opening the compound up as if this had never happened. Also they are planning on allowing road crew workers to go back to work.This how the surge of positive cases happened last time.I believe it is no longer safe to be at this facility and hope I can soon be transferred to one of the state police barracks where I know they won't cram us into a confined space to get us all to fit. There has to be a way to social distance even in prison.This has to be a health hazard because of the Governor's mandate to social distance should also apply to us [incarcerated people] or is this just another way to violate our rights. This could be another way to get them to release more [people] to lessen the capacity so that we can have more space among each other in here.With the President's order for the unemployment for the state to give up $100 of the $400 funding per week;where will the money come from.Will they cut support for the prisons or from schools or what? It's bad enough that Trump wants to stop federal funding to the post office so that the mail in ballots can postpone the election so he can have more time in office so he can screw up this country more than he already has and the next two in office has to clean up a bigger mess than what it already is. Now I just have more to pray about than usual but VOTE Admin. and all of the team members involved are top priority on my prayer list.”

August 12, 2020

Angola:

• “I just wanted to let you know that this prison has sent at least 60 cadet's to shake down certain parts of the prison. This is dangerous because of the lack of social distances, all it takes is one person to affect many. Take Care Ttyl.”

August 11, 2020

DCI:

• “Hey This is just some more complaints coming from the [incarcerated population] here at D.C.I…. The Warden here...have now started giving out ONLY 1 ice chest per shift to 160 [people]. All we have is lukewarm water to drink because ALL of the water coolers have the compressor disconnected. There is NO cold water to be had around unit 2!! Not only that the Warden has given each Security desk a cooler of ice to put their soft drinks in and now he has locked all fire doors. The [incarcerated people] here…[are] begging ya'll to let someone know what is going on here. THANK YOU”

August 10, 2020

Angola:

• “Just read your last email. Guess what? What of the guys earlier mentioned contacting covid-19 has died. And today two units on Camp D Raven got quarantined. And share with...your group that….died last night as well. He was warehoused on the Main Prison Compound. The reasons behind his death is vague, but he's dead nonetheless. The covid is ona move inside Camp D. Oh yeah,...was rushed to a hospital outside the prison Saturday evening about 5:40pm. I hear it could be a stroke. [He] is in his 70s. I guess between the stress of being incarcerated and the covid pandemic death has become a household name. Be safe: mask, mask, mask and wash and be wise, take nothing for granted, social distance.”

August 9, 2020

DCI:

• “Hey Thanks for the update on the elections. I have taken the liberty of making a copy, word for word, of your email and placing it on the boards in every rec room and dorm so everyone can read what is going on. I also talked with a lot of people and have gotten a lot to contact their families about voting. You would be surprised how many told me that their family or friend was purged from the voting list!! Mostly from the black community. They just said they hadn't voted because they felt like it didn't matter because the ‘electoral college’ would put who they wanted in anyway just like they did Trump. He didn't win the popular vote but won the electoral vote. Also I wanted to ask ya'll if you could find out about the supposed fraud that is going on here at D.C.I.? What I mean is about the vo-tech schools. People graduated from vo-tech B.R.C.C. Carpentry, welding, small engine repair, automotive, and body and fender last Dec. 2019 and NOONE has received their diplomas or transcripts yet. This was well before the coronavirus pandemic. We have written the education dept. but she will NOT respond and the prison just says ‘you'll get them when we get them.’ This is totally unacceptable. Some of us are trying to get our portfolios ready for the parole or clemency boards and the files are lacking all of our certificates. Can ya'll do anything, pass on this info to someone that can help us? There are a lot of things going on here at D.C.I. that can and will come under ‘Misappropriation of funds’ and out right thefts of public funds. The food issue is one of these things. We are fed pure garbage here. Nothing but starches. The gravy is nothing but colored water for the spag. or rice. I've been down since 1997 at Angola and now 3 years here and this is by far the worst prison and the worst food anywhere!! Well that's about all I have for now. Appreciate the updates and any help you can give us on these matters. TTYL.”

August 6, 2020

LCIW/EHCC:

• “I just found out 2day all the mail I was sending out 2 u n others people when I was at jccy wasn't going out I did sent u a JPay video but u said u didn't get I was tilling u i still can't get a medical mask and other stuff about was going on over there ? did u get mail on April 20,2020”

August 5, 2020

David Wade:

• “I have taken the time to inform all those whose names I've submitted to call their people and inform them of the options they have and that their voice can be heard. I know that without Vote, we will lose the President race and we will be faced with oppression. I know that it will take the necessary effort that our people must put forth. I will handle my end and spread the word and pass this information on to all who will listen. We too in this prison face racism and the need for change is now. Thank you for your information about the signs and need for unity. I will inform my family today...I must let them know that help is there for the whole community and where they can get the signs and voices to Vote. Thank you Very very very much for caring. I will spread the word the same way I spread the Gospel. Know That God Is Good All The Time and His Voice Will Be Heard. Amen. Thank you again for Caring about Your Brothers and Sisters in prison throughout the World and This State especially. God Bless Everyone Involved...”

Raymond Laborde:

• “The tier in my dorm is off quarantine. Some more [incarcerated people] have tested positive for Covid-19, I'm not sure how many. Next Monday...is my B-day...I'm starting to feel the aches and pains of old age(lol). I should be eligible for the 20/45 law to go in front of the Parole Board, other than that I'll have to do my full sentence of 30 years. Everything else is going well...I continue diligently in prayer for all of VOTE and all incarcerated people in Louisiana for our rights and the rights of all on parole/probation.”

August 4, 2020

Angola:

• “Good morning...I just left the office. I was told that there is a case of covid-19 in Camp D. From initial notice it's the guy who works the diet line in the kitchen...I know the guy...incarcerated over 30-years. His physical body is compromised. He's a cancer survivor and an aged man of 69/70. I just talked with [him]. Wow! What a difference a day makes. Covid-19 have finally arrived at Camp D...Be wise and wear your mask. And never forget to say I love you. Tomorrow will present plenty of promise and change for us all. Be safe, social distance, and wear your mask. Who knows what the next hour will bring? Not me.”

LCIW/EHCC:

• “It’s so wonderful 2 no Vote care about my well being n what's going on in here I'm so blessed 2 be apart of the Vote family I don't have a voice out there its hard for me to get an any clubs like the lifers i don't have life but I do have 98yrs so they wont let me in I have certificate for substance abuse, prerelease, parenting, anger management there are no records of me indicating I every attended LCIW as a student I start it from literacy all the way up 2 J-SEP I was on my way of getting my GED one day I went 2 court 2get a time cut the judge said ms.George I call saint Gabriel n they said u have been n lock down since u been there...the year of 2006 I was beat by 3guards...I was 2 ashamed 2 tell any one at that time they hurt me really bad...everyone that work for VOTE that was at LCIW knows what happen 2 me. 2 weeks ago Mr.____ was escorted from hunts grounds for abusing a[n incarcerated person] he has abused many more women like I keep telling them he is going 2 kill somebody they keep letting him come back u do the homework on that my special skill is I'm a system fighter I fight for justice for the women here no matter what they do me no matter how many times they beat me I will not stop fighting for justice our wardens is not right all of them is full of shit they see what's going on but they do nothing we are living like animals I stand alone by myself but I believed god will work everything out I been from awheel wheelchair 2a Walker since 2006. I may never walk on my own but I still love what I do. My life has been hard but by the grace of god I hate no one I have been on the radio station live in New Orleans crying for help. I got locked up for that 6months on lock down. I still need help. I'm always on the front line thanks for caring.”

August 2, 2020

Angola:

• “According to the DOC, on July 20, 2020 a prison guard by the name of MSgt. Henry Turner, 65, died in Woodville , MS, on July 18th. 11 Angola Lifers have died of COVID19 since the pandemic began.”

David Wade

• “Although it has not been officially announced by anyone, and probably never will be to the [incarcerated] population, it would seem that covid-19 has made its way into the facility. I say this because the dorm I am in has been on total lockdown (absolutely no one leaves the dorm for any reason and only certain staff are allowed to enter) since 7/18/20. Within the last 5 to 7 days I believe that 4 or 5 [people] have been removed from the dorm. Two of them within the last hour of this writing. I have to admit that I am extremely concerned since I am a diabetic and have other lesser conditions that could potentially lead to my death were I to contract the virus.”

July 31, 2020

EHCC:

• “Was I hearing things yesterday, or did John Bel actually say, during the COVID briefing, that DOC was testing EVERY [incarcerated person] for Corona Virus? He said that they had just finished testing ALC, and something about Angola, but what messed me up is when he said (I could have sworn he said) that they had already tested EVERYONE IN HUNT!!! This testing, according to John Bel, happened back in April and May. I'm sure that would be news to everyone here at Hunt, because no one I know has been tested unless they already show major symptoms of the disease. It kind of has to be dripping from your pores before they will test for it. But if I'm not mistaken, that is NOT what John Bel said. He said ALL offenders are being tested, and this facility had already been tested in April and May. Please tell me that I did not hear our honorable gov'na tell an outright lie, and if I did, who is going to call him on it? Just wondering.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “I don't want you think I'm asking this because of what you asked me to do,but when you write me could you let me know what E-Mails you have received from me,so i'll know what info you have and I'll also know if you are receiving all my E-Mails. The facility is having Jpay alert them to certain E-Mails and their content. I would also hate for them to send an E-Mail with false info under my name as a way to send a false positive situation as a guise to mislead you into believing that everything is okay when it's not,so they cannot be held accountable for the thing they are doing wrong with the way they are handling this situation dealing with the virus. Any help in this matter is very much appreciated.”

• “The guards are continually not wearing their masks properly(either hanging around their necks or on their chins).2 [incarcerated people] have died from the Corona Virus.and several more are quarantined in the cell block. The warden's office is having the guards make our bed space smaller so they can fit more beds on the tiers.Two beds are using the same emergency exit area as a bed space and two beds are using one aisle as a bed space(approx. 3 ft. of space). When I came to this facility in Jan. 2007,there was only 44 beds per tier.Then they made it 60 beds per tier(30 bunk beds).The Fire Marshall told them to lessen it ;so they made it 52 beds,but then they ended up making it 54 beds.If they wasn't greasing the pockets of the Fire Marshall, it would be less than that. The Governor wants everybody to ‘social distance,’ but what about us. If [incarcerated people] are getting the virus too,then why are we still being incarcerated.What happened to releasing some of us to lessen the prison population so that we don't get the virus? More and more people are filing for unemployment but yet 4 people were released on work release on Wednesday;where are they going to get jobs?”

July 30, 2020

Angola:

• “Good Morning, all. First, I apologize for the group email, but it is the easiest and fastest means of getting the same information out to the largest number of people possible. Second, I know I need to apologize, also, for the L-O-N-G time it's been since I wrote. I know for some of you it's been almost 2 months since I wrote. But, no one should feel slighted, because I haven't written to ANYONE during this time. So, it's nothing personal. I have been in kind of a health crisis, I guess you could say -- mental AND physical. I know that the pandemic situation has EVERYONE mentally, physically and emotionally challenged, so I don't want to minimize the situation that ANYONE is in. But, this ‘reverse isolation’ that [we’re] in, and have been in for almost 6 months now, is particularly brutal. Our advancing age and physical ailments (read 'vulnerability' and 'co-morbidity factors') make it very taxing on us. Because of treatment protocols and covid-19 restrictions, regular treatments, therapies, diagnosis, procedures, surgeries, etc, have all been on hold this entire time. THIS only makes all of our existing ailments more problematic, and harder to live with. Add to that the lack of any exercise, and the inability to be 'active' - either physically or mentally - and the prolonged stagnation is very difficult on us. My heart problems and COPD have steadily worsened, and we just don't see an end in sight. Like I told someone the other day, due to budget concerns the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off. Tennessee, who has done an absolutely phenomenal job in my absence of keeping the ship afloat and on course, and I meet every afternoon and discuss problems, concerns, needs, inventory, staffing, operations, etc. Still, even with daily updates and meetings (appropriately socially distant and masked, of course !), I feel a huge disconnect from the core of the community, and it is depressing. I am very grateful to those of you who have written and expressed concern over my welfare, and that of our fellow Veterans. As I told you months ago, this pandemic is a situation that is totally unprecedented in Angola's history, and the administration's responses and reactions are really designed with one goal in mind --- minimizing the evolution of the virus inside the prison. 6,000+ [incarcerated people] in tightly confined areas is a fertile breeding ground for catastrophe once it gets a solid toehold in here. They have been largely successful in that effort. We have lost lives - both staff AND [incarcerated people]- but not nearly as bad as worst-case scenarios could offer. And, like I told you months ago, NO ONE has ANY idea at all what the future holds in terms of meetings, visiting, trips, joint works, etc. This is something that only time will tell. Obviously, we are still unable to visit with our families or lawyers, so where do you think club meetings fall in terms of priority with the administration?

July 29, 2020

DCI:

• “Hey Goodmorning, Look I just wanted to write and see if there is any way that ya'll can help us about the SLOP they are feeding us. This morning we had grits and gravy. BUT the grits as usual was so watery that we had to drink it instead of eating it. When we have something like beef pot roast or pork pot roast or chicken gumbo, you are extremely lucky if you get any meat. We are supposed to get a 1200 calorie diet but it's NOwhere near that. We are NOT getting the dietary meals we are supposed to get. We all were hoping that maybe ya'll could call the attention of this to Channel 9 and Channel 2 Investigation Groups or maybe in New Orleans to one of their News Groups to get them to start investigating as to where the money is going that is supposed to go for our food. I know we are [incarcerated people] BUT we are still Human Beings. You wouldn't feed this slop to an animal. Even the slop for PIGS is better than this!!! Please help us in this matter if you can. Well Thanks for listening to us.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “A-1 went on quarantine this morning;no one tested positive for the virus they just had an elevated temperature. If anyone has an elevated temp they put the entire tier on quarantine for at least one week.Anything other than the virus could be causing someone’s temp to go up,yet they don't try to find out what is causing the elevated temp. Approximately 5 [incarcerated people] have died due to the virus. I'm still having problems getting to see the doctor about my wrist/hand problems. I am still praying continually for everyone at VOTE and appreciate your prayers also.”

July 28, 2020

EHCC:

• “Hey Y'all...I would have written back sooner, but I never seem to have the time to do anything except work for these people. It wouldn't be so bad if they would give me the incentive pay that I rightfully earn, but that would be too much like right...Now about this place. The security personnel here are a joke. It is very seldom that you actually see them wear a mask in its proper place, but yet they want to scream at us for doing the same thing. Well except for me. I rarely get told anything because I have breathing issues from having my cheekbone shattered in a car wreck, and ever since I bucked on them they leave me alone about the mask wearing thing (plus, I seem to be the only person on compound maintenance, so they actually need me right now until they can find me a work partner that actually works). But they are running people out of the kitchen if they don't have a mask on and not allowing them to eat, and the funny thing is that everyone in there at those times are living in the same dorm where no one wears masks. This whole so-called quarantine is one big contradiction in terms. I believe it is because there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians who are coming up with these rules. And they are too short handed to keep stirring up the [incarcerated] population they way they are. All the rules running at cross purposes are causing tensions to run high around here. I've seen, and heard about, more fights than ever before. Heck, they even had a free-woman get raped at knifepoint by an [incarcerated person] across the street...It's crazy here right now. I'm not afraid for my life or anything, but I know a few who are, and that tension is taking a toll on them. Anyway, I'm glad to hear from you again. Hope to hear from you soon, too. Y'all be good and keep up the fight. It doesn't seem like many people I talk to about you are very interested about you because they think you are just another scam, but I have faith in you to do what you say you are trying to do, and I keep spreading the word, so hang in there.”

July 25, 2020

Angola:

• “After switching approximately 130 [people] from West to East yard and vice versa. The administration issued a word of mouth statement that, ‘All yard reassignments are curtailed due to the increase in positive test results.’ I would have thought that moving anyone during this time would be irresponsible. The truth of the matter is that they underhandedly move all the essential Prison Enterprise workers to a concentrated area. The PE folks are making millions on offender labor, but won't purchase COVID -19 tests for the population. The senior warden has repeatedly stated over the radio that there are not enough tests for the free world, so y'all sure won't get one. There is a very strong feeling that the administration is trying to contaminate a large portion of us. There are certain [incarcerated people] who parade up and down the walk without a mask. While spending 90% of their time exposed to free people. Then they are allowed to mingle from dorm to dorm without authorization. The kitchen is out of control, nobody wears a mask or clean gloves. They seem to be unaware of what cross contamination means. Filth is at it's all time worst. The worst I have seen in 40 years. Cleaning supplies such as bleach has been drastically reduced. We never had hand sanitizer issued. So that is where we are. KEEP ANGOLA IN PRAYER.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Good Afternoon my VOTE family!!! I pray all is well with you all during these trying and devastating times. The technical issues that we were experiencing was with the JPAY kiosk and lack of updates that we were told was due to updates that were not performed. The updates have been completed on the kiosk but the [incarcerated people] who purchased tablets are still having various problems. Some [people] housed in the HOPE unit are going to work such as squad 5 who cut the grass around the compound, take care of the dogs, and horses. The guys who serve food are going to work. I have been assisting with this crew the last two week because 4 out of the 8 dorms in this unit are quarantined. Three of the four are supposed to come off this week due to having no positive cases in the last 14 days. However one of the dorms...had two positive cases in the last week and is supposed to stay quarantined through the end of July. It was confirmed that there were positive covid cases on the other side of the compound in Caj 1,2, and 3. An [incarcerated person]...called his family and was informed that a guy who was from his area and housed in Caj 1 had died from covid after being transported to the hospital from Raymond Laborde. On today Saturday July 25 when three other [people]...were going to pick up the food carts and [someone] who was being housed in the sick dorm B-2 of the Cell Block was rushed to the hospital by ambulance while having chest compressions performed on him...we were informed that he died on the way to the hospital. That makes two [incarcerated people] who died from Covid-19 from RLCC. Why is the public not informed of these difficult housing situations and deplorable conditions? Neither of these [people] were given a death sentence but both have died while in Department of Corrections custody. This is unacceptable. I am thankful that health wise I have been feeling well, but my emotional state I can not say the same. There is no way to social distance from individuals when you sleep two to three feet away from the guy next to you or in a top bunk that is less than 3 feet apart. If you want to watch tv you are less than 6 inches away from other [people]. When you shower you are in stalls that allow the individual's water next to you to land on your body while you are trying to get clean. The same goes when you are using the restroom. The dorm holds 54 [people] with 3 showers, toilets, and sinks with one urinal...Well I hope this will serve as an assistance and I look forward to hearing from you all soon and getting on the outside soon and assisting with this great movement...Thank you again my VOTE family!!”

July 23, 2020

DCI:

• “Dear admin...I just wanted to let you know that the virus has hit the compound. we hear that there's 2-3 cases on compound 1 but they're not testing the inmates over there. The officers refuse to wear their masks after they come in the dorms and they're not providing us with PPE such as masks ,sanitizer,etc. The mask that was given was months ago and now there's guys that have come from lockdown back to the dorms without masks and no one cares about that in administration offices or the wardens . hang in there with us cause this is when we need you most…”

July 22, 2020

David Wade:

• “Just checking to let the program take note :On July first I was asked to file a petition of the canteen here about lack of diligence in operation. I filed asserting the condition of the virus and the need to make a store, because at the time the kitchen workers were not using masks since the virus had become affected. The ranking officials used tasks threatening [us] to take our name off the petition or will be locked up. Immediately [people] started taking their names off. So, I told them to release all involved and just lock me up. At the end one Rank official did call the store employer and required about the running of store. After that they took the handcuff off me and allowed me to go back to the dorm. We were just trying to get attention on the inadequate running of the store. However,they said it was a violation of DOC's rules to file a petition exercising the first amendment right and that it was not no harm in kitchen workers not wearing masks, although I inform them according to the news and CDC it's necessary all over the world. Last weekend of July between l6,l7& l8 an employer was supposed to be sick and now the kitchen workers are required to wear masks. I was relying on the store trying not to get the virus,because of the possibility of eating out of the kitchen. I am good though but thought to bring this to your attention for the records. Keep the positive movement going and thanks for thinking of us [incarcerated people].”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Hello VOTE Team, I live in...the unit that was affected by the coronavirus the hardest. As I explained in a previous email, the canteen officer got Covid-19, and since she handled everybody's store items in this unit, she infected every tier in this unit. The way these units are designed once the virus enters the tier it will spread like wildfire, especially when they close the glass doors in front each tier. At least 25 to 30 individuals went to the infirmary to be tested and come back positive. Since the last case in Hope, no one else has been sick. However, recently the maintenance man tested positive, they quarantined the three tiers that were around the maintenance man. The Hope unit is more or less contained to itself, and since the outbreak in Hope has not been allowed to interact with the rest of the compound. Which also has stopped the [people] in Hope from returning to work, some have used this opportunity to claim they are feeling sick, which will get them tested. Most want to get tested in order to have proof they have the antibodies to file a future lawsuit. During the last outbreak, the infected people went to the Education Building, and since it has been extremely hot, some have acted sick in order to stay in the air conditioning for a couple nights. Unfortunately for them, no one is going to the Education Building if you are being tested or have tested positive. Now you are going to the cellblock, almost like you are getting punished if you get sick. It is extremely hot in the cells, and the ventilation system in the blocks are horrible. The virus can easily travel through the vents to each cell in the blocks. When you make a claim that you are sick, the entire tier goes on lockdown until the test result comes back negative. Some people are selfish enough to lockdown the tier, others know that this unit has the antibodies and want to actually help with the fight against Covid-19. There are more than 400 [people] in Hope, if this whole unit gave plasma it could save a lot of people. However, there will never be massive testing done here, because they do not want to know the actual number of infected [incarcerated people]. Without massive testing the virus will continue to fester in this institution. Even though Hope unit is semi-isolated from the rest of the compound, it is not an island. There are sick people down the walk, but they are suppressing their symptoms because nobody wants to be on lock down. Hopefully it gets better before it gets worse. Unfortunately, like I have said before real change will not happen until somebody dies.”

July 20, 2020

Angola:

• “Greetings to all of you. Unbelievably things are going well here. We still have not had the prison wide testing done, but the results of what has been done has shocked the medical staff here. One of the isolation units that was tested, tested all clear. They told them that we were going to redo the testing to be double sure. At this time there is only one West Yard dorm on quarantine. However they did conduct a movement of over 134 [incarcerated people] between the yards. They said it was done because the Prison Enterprise workers needed to be protected. These are the guys that make beds, locker boxes, ect, for private contractors that deal with people. We are not actually full scale with activities be we mingle in large groups. There is no word when we will totally reopen. My current job assignment is...minister and Plumbing School student. As a minister I make unauthorized rounds through the 16 dorms on the East Yard. School is still on hold. I have a skill, Horticulturist. I developed skills I didn't know I had once I arrived in prison. Tutor, protégé, speaker and follower. I participated in almost every club, organization and program offered here. I earned over 300 certificates, my GED and Bachelor's in Christian Ministry. Upon my release I intend to return to my home town of Lake Charles, LA.. I was forgiven by my victim's family years ago...STAY SAFE, WASH HANDS REGULAR AND MASK UP!!!”

July 19, 2020

DCI:

• “Here at DCI... NOW we have covid 19 with a whole lock-down in unit 1. 3 kitchen worker test positive and a so-called case in medical dept.. sorry i haven't got back sooner but a little down in all this mojo smokers...Hope this is helpful....”

July 17, 2020

DCI:

• “Greetings to you... I hope this message reaches in perfect peace, faith and love... I want to help save the world and I wish there was more I could do! I call your attention to Mr. ____ wrote... I am writing in regards to the Coronavirus pandemic. I'm 63 and have a lot of health problems. I've had them for a while. I have C.O.P.D. and battled two types of Cancer. (1.) Sinus Cancer. (2.) 3rd stage Colon Cancer. I've had 4 weeks of radiation and 6 months of chemotherapy with (Xeloda). I've had reconstructive nose surgery which now I'm having a lot of problems with. This facility has stopped making hospital trips. So I haven't seen the doctor since 2019. I have actually died from an allergic reaction to the Platinum Series Chemo. On my last treatment, which they revived me on 02/22/2018. Please help me if possible. Thank you and God bless. Please be advised that Dixon Correctional Institute Administration, Warden _____ admitted that [incarcerated people] are not getting medical attention…[He] claimed, because of the high volume of [incarcerated people] that are intoxicated with mojo need medical attention. Commits: Because top bunks do not have guard rails, [people] are falling out of top bunks causing substantial head injuries. Myself, like other[s], are suffering from a series of both acute and chronic respiratory conditions and/or like symptoms are simply not getting medical care. Dixon Correctional Institute Officials and Healthcare Providers here at DCI are working together in an attempt to cover up and conceal indecents that create a deliberate indifference to [incarcerated people], commit acts which violate inalienable rights of [incarcerated people] and do interfere with the remedy and relief of [incarcerated people]. Just three days ago a man died from being denied medical care. Dixon Correctional Institute officials, Healthcare Providers and Education Personnel are forcing [us] to attend Academic/GED-1 at VoTech building on Unit-1. I am currently enrolled and attending GED-1 classes. Getting my GED is essentially important to me but I refuse to gamble my health or life with COVID-19. Since, I've refused to attend academic classes I have been verbally abused, threatened and written-up for direct violation of Rule #28 (Aggravated work offence). Thank you very very very very very much! May the Lord answer your prayers, bless you with favour, prosperity and wisdom!”

EHCC:

• “Greetings VOTE, I've an update...Today they've released him from the quarantine dorm. Here's the problems with prison officials with him. First and foremost he is willing to sign a release of his medical records. Well, When he went to the University of/in N.O. . His doctor noticed that his medical records were changed because it listed on his prison medical records that he received the last treatment for cancer. But he told the doctor he didn't receive it. The Doctor checked the hospital records and noticed that he didn't receive it. They both come to see someone at the prison who changed his medical records. To say he received treatment but he actually didn't. Wherefore the doctor gave him his last treatment but it wasn't according to the schedule for cancer treatments. Furthermore, The Doctor turned him over to the cancer surgeon, because he was supposed to have more surgery. But today they've prison officials have changed that because he is now living in [this dorm]. Plus he still has the port implanted in his chest. Look up the term port medically and you'll see what we're talking about. [He] did have...cancer but with treatment it changed to stage 2. Your continued support has been working which we gratefully appreciated. Thank you so much for not giving up on us. P.S. [someone else] we don't really know if he has COVID19 or not but they've him in the quarantine dorm with the one other (only) [incarcerated person] who is positive of COVID19. But he isn't being treated fairly.”

July 16, 2020

Angola:

• “...to the best of my knowledge only Ash two and Cypress two have been tested Not any other unit has been tested not at the main prison . We also have a West yard side Hicky, Walnut, Oak, and Pine To my knowledge I don't know of any of them being tested either. Now if you have to go to the Hospital for anything you must have a Guard call for a doctor. You do not go on your own to the Hospital that here is a no, no. Even now that we are under a State of an Emergency we as [incarcerated people] still pay a co-fee of $3.00 or $6.00 to be seen by a Doctor. Which I don't understand since we are a part of the State but we must still pay co-payment to the State how crazy is that.... And you asked me what do I do for a Job? Now being incarcerated in here the State has broken my back down to where I can only be a dorm orderly job now....Remember I'm in prison right.... I do someday want to go home to my Family! And thing's are back running as normally around here Prison Enterprise is back to work on the compound. And men are made to go back to work as told by Rank..... I believe this place here does whatever it wants to do. Even though we are under a State of Emergency by Governor Edwards This place does not care about that we ALL are back to work.. But still NO Churches are allowed and NO Schools are back in session But everything is a go......”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “Good Morning VOTE, I received your email and I am responding back to you. As of yet, the job that I am classified to is the Library (general side). We have not gone back to work as of yet. In August, around the 17th, I am scheduled to begin Seminary with NOBTS (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary). I am excited. Considering that I am multi-talented I am wondering by what do you mean ‘special skills’. I am wonderful with computers and counseling other individuals. I also have a knack for crafts. I make cards, plastic canvas, friendship bracelets and more. I have not been involved in any clubs or organizations; other than VOTE since becoming incarcerated. I am hoping to learn more as I go along and hopefully help all of you on the front lines fight for Prison reform. I do have a few concerns to raise at the moment. Currently they have re-opened the step-down dorm Violet. As of now the people they are housing in the unit are not even for LCIW. The unit is in the middle of the compound. When we are outside, in the medication line etc.; we are directly standing by the unit. They also have utilized our sick call area. We, the [incarcerated women] at LCIW are trying our best not to contract the COVID at all or for those who had the COVID again. This is crazy because the security will work the unit, then work the other dorms. It is also being said that a dorm at HUNT is on quarantine. The security is working both locations and that is a hazard to all of our health because of the transmission. It seems that the institution is more worried about the ACA audit that they are our health and well being. I appreciate you reaching out.”

• “Good Afternoon Vote...I felt the need to give this update. I am still located in the Spring dorm. The Sunshine dorm is on quarantine. Also, yesterday during a medication pill call Sgt.___ who has been working in the COVID positive dorm, walked a COVID positive patient through those people waiting for a pill call to the sick call room. There are a few (Less than 50) who have never had the COVID and are trying not to get the COVID. There are also those who had the COVID and of course do not want it again. This is negligence on the officers.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “There is mayheim at this time in regards to covid-19. So much trial and error resulting in quarantine. Employees are coming in sick with covid. Shifts are real short of workers, as a result of coming and leaving society to work. Some are still not wearing protective gear when around us. Ranking officials are not mandating that lower rank follow through to assure our safety. After testing positive for Covid-19 individuals are being brought back on the same tier with us creating a covid capital in the whole Unit. The whole unit was on lock down with about Twenty positive cases, resulting in those cases returning to the now eight tiers consisting of 55 individuals, each tier having at least two positive cases. Today, three tiers are back on a 14 day quarantine as of July 13th. Also our essential offender workers housed in the gym are quarantined because security contracted the covid. We are lame ducks most likely Asymptomatic. Where are the tests? We need to create spacing that houses us separately if tested positive. Please help with testing. Antibodies may hold up fighting in us for another month or so before our immune systems are ripe for placement on ventilators when fall arrives provided we get sick again. A second strand could develop and very well take us out. How can you help with testing and separation?”

July 15, 2020

DCI:

• “hello again! we have one dead...he made parole on feb.11,2020. dci refused, and parole board refused to release him. the parole board must be investigated. denying [incarcerated people] badly disscrimination, bias, racial injustice in dci and on parole board.protest at doc head quarters.they not releasing no [incarcerated people]. I...was denied badly on feb.11,2020 for incomplete programs, i've completed 14 programs,11 @ dci. some [people] make parole with 3 programs.i was robbed in prison by dci and parole board...thanks again! have a blessed day!

July 14, 2020

Angola:

• “I just want to let you know that they just came to test for the COVID-19...we will find out on Sat. if the test come back Neg. are Pos. if Neg. they will test us again. I will let you know if we have any Pos.”

July 13, 2020

Angola:

• “Angola is still in Limbo. We aren't open, but we aren't fully closed either. Visitation is curtailed and there are no call-outs, but prison enterprises is up and running dorms are going to chow together again. Few dorms are in quarantine at the moment. There's been no new surge in cases or anything like that. All of Camp F was tested as well as the three medical dorms in Main Prison. That's it for mass testing though. Everyone else only gets tested if they show symptoms. I know Cypress-2's first round of tests all came back negative. They were retested last week in an abundance of caution and are still waiting for those results. They've lost four people over the course of this pandemic. It's pretty scary. I didn't know any of these guys personally, but they lived thirty feet from me. I had no idea they were even gone. No announcements on when life will go back to normal. Just a lot of rumors...some people saying august others saying february. The lockdown is only nominally in force. After all these months security is getting lazy. You still have to wear masks outside the dorm but nobody says anything if you pull it down while you walk. People are moving from dorm to dorm like always. They just walk around the orange fences on the yard and nobody says anything. You can walk from Ash to Spruce if you feel like it. Administration is also making a bunch of moves. 15 people from my dorm are being moved...which makes no sense. Guys being shuffled from dorm to dorm within yards as well. It's a pretty stupid idea, but if its a precurssor to some reopening I'm cool with it. At least they're leaving me alone. Jpay is still providing two phone calls a week as well as two stamps on the kiosk. They've started video visits as well. they charge you 2.50 for ten minutes. It took a minute to work out the kinks. Rules only allow for one [person] to be on camera, and people's visits were getting cut off because other [people] were in the background which was unavoidable since the kiosk is in the middle of the dorm. So they built a bunch of plywood barriers, painted them white, and stood them up behind the kiosks...Stay in touch.”

EHCC:

• “Supreme Salutations...writing to inform you that the quarantine for fox 5 dorm ended two days ago, and today the same free person that had us on quarantine is back at work in our dorm. He said that he only had the ‘FLU’... just to keep you updated on the shituation here...other than that! Everything is Everything!!”

July 12, 2020

Angola:

• As-Salaamu-Alaikum Vote Leadership:...my concern is for one of my fellow [incarcerated individual’s] welfare here in the prison. You should know him...he has been granted a favorable recommendation by the Louisiana Pardon Board and has been waiting on Governor Edwards' desk for his signature for quite some time. The COVID pandemic is reason enough to prolong his signing, but like the governor, Mr._____, is a military veteran...with family support who we ask that he be allowed to go home, live with them and get away from this overcrowded death trap. If President Trump can give his friend a reprieve preventing him from being in an overcrowded prison and protecting him from contracting the virus. It would be understood politically on our end for Gov. Edwards to grant Mr. _____ pardon, a [incarcerated person] who has been incarcerated for more than several decades. Especially, one who has put in the very much needed work to reinvent himself as a morally rehabilitated person, who will not be in the 1% recidivism rate but is statistically in the 99% prevalence rate...P.S. "And God said to Moses, tell Pharaoh, "Let My People Go!"

July 9, 2020

Angola:

• “[I] spoke too soon, Hickory-3 just went on quarantine.”

July 8, 2020

DCI:

• ***attn*** on july 02, 2020. time:7:20 am. i...made a declaration of emergency because of difficulty breathing, burning in chest, burning under skin, with hives, rashes and itching. Due to those symptoms, I haven't been able to sleep or rest since the night of june 27, 2020. on july 02, 2020, time: 8:15 upon making a medical emergency, in the dci infirmary i was screened for medical issues by a male in training...was treated with deliberate indifference by Ms. ____. Ms.____ denied me adequate medical treatment by interrupting medical screening, making no attempt to view medical records, to take vital signs, check temperature, or get a pain rating, etc... no testings were conducted in accordance with covid-19 protocol [she]  said these words to me: ‘why are you up here, again? you are not dying, you're not seeing the doctor! I will let him know. don't come up here!’ i was told to leave the infirmary by [her] and dci security. Medical records and reports: would conclude that I have a history of hypertension and a dangerously low heart rate that resulted in me being hospitalised twice. (1.) on october 2018...location: richwood correctional was transported to hospital for cardiac like difficulties. (2.) on february 09, 2019...was transported to our lady of the lake hospital for cardiac like difficulties.comments: dr. ___ ___ has been false in his reports. Ms. ____ stated dr. ____ reported in his notes that he has previously ‘seen you through telemed.’ I replied, that's not true! dr. ____ has not ever seen me on the telemed! if you check the dates and review the camera, you will find the reports to be false. furthermore, medical and health care policies, procedures, and/or safeguards per (covid-19) pandemic are not being implemented, but disregarded and continue to be ignored by healthcare personnel and employees of dixon correctional institute. We are all going through (covid-19) pandemic and medical issues must be taken very seriously to save lives! I have possession of court documentation and records of health care, medical care, diagnoses, and treatment by expert witnesses….i need to get to the hospital for professional help i'm not getting adequate medical treatment from dixon correctional institute! this is a death sentence and the knee is on my neck! Relief: 1. proper medical treatment, 2. monetarily compensation as a person, 3. remove any and all medical dept caused by chronic medical conditions, 4. reimbursement of any and all medical payments received as a result of chronic medical conditions

LCIW/JCCY:

• “Hey Good Morning, As of yesterday LCIW issued out one cloth mask that was donated to us...In fact, Col….took pictures of all of us receiving the mask. She made the comment that she wanted to take pictures and documents to ensure that they were not on the news for not issuing out donations to us. Secondly, yesterday they reopened the makeshift building Violet. They have I believe one individual in the building and they are in quarantine. To my understanding they are still required to do intake and take new commits, however the new commits must be quarantined for 14 days before being released on the HUNT or JCCY compound. And at last, again some of our staff; specifically one of the Education Personnel tested positive for the COVID. As these things change and progress I will keep VOTE updated. Thank You all! All of you are such an inspiration to us.”

July 6, 2020

Angola:

• “Hello...Hasn't been any new developments with the virus here so I guess that's a good thing, oh yeah they did have an incident last week with a correction officer, she tested positive and they sent her home, the next day they sent home the two officers that were working on the unit with her. [The main prison still hasn’t been tested.] They tested camp f and rumors were the positive numbers were high.

DCI:

• “hello there cant thank you enough for contacting my father and son thank you so much i got the chance to talk to him and find out that he's okay i told him that i'm doing fine now feeling a lil better sorry it too so long to get in back in touch with you i was in lock down and it's bad back there its dirty it's hot the food is horrible we don't even get the right medical we shower once a day and go on the yard for 1 hour guys be having diabetic coma seizures passing out not getting there medicine on time i was back there for thirty days…”

July 2, 2020

DCI:

• “***attn***...i...do herby declare myself an emergency because of burning associated with hives, rashes and itching through  my whole body. burning in the following body parts: head, face, shoulders, limbs, hands, chest, back, legs and feet associated with difficulty breathing and chest pains! i haven't been able to sleep for the last three nights. upon making a medical emergency and arriving at the infirmary, health care personnel screening: ____ said ‘if you are not dying, you're not seeing the doctor and you're not dying, don't come up here with your bullshit!’ health care personnels made no attempt to take vitals, temperature, or pain rating, exc... no testing was conducted and show no regards to the good of my health, wealth and peace per health care provider, by policy or procedure. Furthermore, we are all going through (covid-19) pandemic and medical issues need to be taken very seriously to save lives! i need to get to the hospital for professional help! i'm not getting adequate medical treatment! this is a death sentence and the knee is on my neck! i call out to you, the vote administration, channel 9 news and the public for help!...love you always, in solidarity”

Angola:

• “Sorry it took so long to reply.but, I was on quarantine at Camp J with the Carona Virus. They are using the dorms for treatment, and the one man, lockdown cells, to quarantine us from each other.”

• “Dear V.O.T.E. Family, Thanks for the update of your status, coming events, and response. First, I would like to correct some misinformation that I gave you in my last correspondence. I told you that it was 34 or 38 cases that tested positive at Camp F. Well, there were actually TWO testings there. Half the camp the first testing with the above numbers and the second testing with the other half of the camp with MOST of them testing positive! Exactly what half of the camp consists of I don't know. Secondly, there haven't been any mass testing as of yet. The set-up and protocol have been the same. However, many are getting lazy with wearing their masks. That's including C.O.'s as well. Yesterday, three C.O. were escorted from the East Yard because they were positive with the virus. One that I see for sure (young guy) hardly ever has his mask over his face but around his neck. Those three C.O's work closely together. Finally, the good news is that the population overall is doing good dealing with the virus. Currently, there are no dorms on quarantine. Rumor is that maybe Oak-1 may go on today depending on the outcome of someone from yesterday being ill. It may simply be intoxication! :-) All the club concessions were called for a meeting last week allowing them to have 2 fundraisers each (in rotation) to the end of the year. That is to raise funds since no rodeo or visiting. Video Visitations are being held thru J-Pay @ 10 mins for $2.50 ea. That is a good thing for the population. It is just like face timing. Visits are limited to a certain number per week due to staff shortage. There are only two ladies monitoring and scheduling video visits for now. Great news about you all! We saw you all in the newspapers with the protest!:-) :-) And some of us got pix from our supporters who were a part of the protest. The buzz around and among the population has been very positive about you all!:-) :-) Keep up the good work that you all are doing. We truly appreciate it. And I will continue my part with gathering my friends and family and other support to continue to stand in solidarity with V.O.T.E..Together we will overcome and be triumphant! You be safe and be blessed.”

EHCC:

• “Greetings VOTE, At this moment…[we are]...in another round of quarantine. Because the freeman he was sent home early before his shift was over last night. Today while we were on our yard time that's when we learned that the freeman has COVID19. We also just learnt another [incarcerated person]...who was tested for COVID19 over a month just learnt he is asymptomatic. Before they moved him today! But he has been living with us for over a month. I believe he's on your email list. Furthermore they (doc) haven't tested this whole dorm yet. Even though it's a known fact....have had the most COVID19 positive cases coming from here... Wherefore I'm really considering forcing the prison officials to test the whole dorm. But I am going to need outside support ASAP!?”

• “Good morning supporters, I would like to get straight to the point. An officer...was escorted off of these grounds for having covid 19 symptoms. You've guessed it, we're on quarantine again for the 3rd time. I want to raise the issue because I've talked with this officer, and Elayn Hunt Correctional Center is not following the CDC health guidelines that were issued. No one was being tested as they came in for about a month, us [incarcerated people] still have never gotten tested, and I believe before this prison is reformed, they'll have hundreds of deaths inside these walls. I am speaking to you as a leader, an observer of this pandemic from the inside, and a humanitarian. What we need is a firmer and sterner voice to impact those who are in a position of power to do so, get us from out of this place, or we'll all die.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “If you did not get the email from June 17th, then details of what is going on in this institution is not being allowed outside these walls. If you can verify that email then our mail is not being censored based on this institution's response to Covid-19., regardless if there is censorship or not, the plain truth is massive testing needs to be conducted. But as I stated on the 17th, leading is not an option but an obligation.”

July 1, 2020

LCIW/JCCY:

• “Dear Vote, I apologize for not replying to your email sooner. So much has happened in the past few weeks here. Every [incarcerated person] here who was moved due to C-19 virus has moved back to our original dorms. LCIW has gone back to a partial sense of normal. We are allowed to rec together but we have to have a masked on. If one person is seen without a masked on, everyone has to go inside. We are also allowed to go back to work. You asked a question pertaining to the women who were hospitalized. Both are doing well however, both women are now on breathing machines for the rest of their lives. I am elated that we did not lose them. Thank you for your support and prayers. I pray for your cause. Thank you for standing up and speaking out for us. God bless.”

June 30, 2020

Angola:

• “Just read your message. Of course I'm looking toward the future. And yes, yes, yes, most interested in innovation that sure up our corporate future. Count me in. However, it seems my fingers portrayed me. No...is alive and well. Forgive me. It was my intent to inform them that...father had transitioned. I think, nonetheless, the message did reach its destination. This texting or email (I've known little about both) will take some getting used to for me. Bear with me. Yes, I was made aware of the mile march you guys awarded us with. Thank you. The buzzed with talk, inspiration for days basking in the march at the front gate of this gated community. Yes, although I have no knowledge who you are (no offense intended), I am aware of Norris, Check, and Calvin and the possibilities that lie before VOTE. So, yes. Whatever I can do to assist I'll do my best...Yes there are old men here like me, but youthful inclination is shockingly laborious. This prison is fast reminding me of the 1980 prison I landed in: violence, drug, gambling, and far too much child play. We've been closed down since January, February and contraband is all the more available. Where is this deadly stuff: mojo, meth, heroin coming. Just yesterday four men in the dorm I'm caged in were whisk off to the dungeons. Such can provide an event daily. For the most part, I think prison is most an enabler than an obstacle to the drug trade, to crime and punishment. There are HIV/AIDS dens infecting what was once healthy men when they entered the prison. We have been readying ourselves for years to battle covid-9's pandemic. Here we are undergoing the epidemic of imprisonment in Louisiana, the epidemic of hepatitis A, B, and C in this gated community. There is an epidemic of cancer, diabetes, and hypertension killing prisoners here faster than covid-19. I'm currently warehoused among, beside, like sardines with open wounds that won't heal. And it's so commonplace, it's not even alarming. There's no damn social distancing in prison. The whole place is a cesspool. I mean, let's be real, this is a cotton plantation. The bones of slaves are buried on these grounds. This is a slave plantation and there are 21st century enslavements sanctioned here today. I am convinced prisons are as much a relic, emblem, monument of the Confederacy as the rebel flag. Then and now, it's the economy stupid: the economy. Might I add, Black Lives Matter is a worker movement. As soon as we can slice into the dollars of those 1%-ERS, the 99% justice will find peace. We are on the right path, the pandemic is an opportunity for audacious faith of inclusiveness. Yes, Black Lives Matter who we are trying to convince. Look at the labor market and we can all shout in one big chorus: Where's My Portion of the American Pie. "I need my money and I need it now." Like Nelson Mandela, we too have no need to settle for less than we're worth. Yeah, hit me back and we'll walk the road less travelled together.”

EHCC:

• “...Covid-19-Complaint Continues: Here @EHCC...even after we have completed our ‘14-day’ quarantine-period, we're still being held for an extra 40 to 60-days, and this is illegal. Now to make matters worse, everytime an [incarcerated person] goes on a medical-trip or appointment, and return he's placed in [the same dorm], we the [people] already on [this dorm] loses our time, and have to start all over again, even though some of us have 11, 12, or 13-days counted toward the 14-day mandate. This goes on daily, because [incarcerated people] go on medical-trips everyday! Also, the tiers [here] are not ‘exceed’ 15-[people] per tier because of ‘social-distancing’...we've already reached a capacity of 26-[people] and counting... this an ‘urgent’ situation that needs to be addressed @ once because quarantine means ‘nothing in and nothing out’....Much,Much Luv.”

June 29, 2020

Angola:

• “Greetings, The entire prison was aware of the march because the administration gave [incarcerated people] who work the gate the day off. However it was referred to as a protest and possible threat to the prison. I did read the follow up article the Advocate published the next day. I would love to rally the legislature while they are in session on the whole penal reform package(s). The timing is right, all we need is some real men. I am aware of the creation of ASCP and Vote. I have confidence in Norris, and Checo. Norris' leadership was on full exhibition here for a couple of decades. Anytime you can organize and lead 45 men to accomplish a goal for 5 consecutive years. Never let anyone tell you leading [incarcerated people] in a correctional setting is easy. I lead smaller groups to successful ventures. I have not been active over the last 8 years because I have been serving as a Christian Missionary. I served 41 months at Avoyelles Correctional (now Raymond P. Laborde). Then 30 months at David Wade, in Homer La. That place ran like a TV show of a 1950's prison. So, yes count me in now and when I am released in November. As of right now my sentence has been vacated. My attorney has led me to understand that in November when the pre trial conference takes place . I will be allowed to plea out and be released. COVID 19 update. As of right now the entire prison is off quarantine. None of the leisure programs, church, clubs, school or recreational programs are opened. The testing has been sporadic at the most. There is no stop work being done on the Rodeo arena, a clear indication that the show will go on. If they impose mandatory wearing of masks for [incarcerated people] it could go. I won't go, but it might. I will send you the name and number of guys that are serious and hopefully my outside contacts can respond now.”

EHCC:

• “Hey...I have been on quarantine for 10 days and I have been requesting to see a ranking officer about our inhumane treatment. Administration does not give us cleaning supplies at all. No scrubbing brush, toilet brush, or anything to clean. They do not have a ice scoop for ice chest to get ice. There is a person that has a bag on him that keeps his hand in ice chest. Also, his waste on the toilet seat from cleaning his bag did nothing to disinfect the toilet seat. They Cook dip in the microwave and create fire to light their dip cigarettes. I can not prepare myself anything to eat in the microwave b/c it's unsanitary. They have drugs all over the unit, it has become an unsafe situation. When will ranking security officers make rounds and check on well-being of [the incarcerated population?] They’re going to wait until someone gets hurt behind drugs or a microwave? We are placed here for medical reasons, not behavior, or rule infarction. You can call up here about everything I mention and give them my name I will be gladly to inform them about things I spoken above. Send me DOC HeadQuarters INFORMATION this has to be brought to light it is MORALLY WRONG! I AM [A} MENTOR OF TRANSITION PROGRAM NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO LIVE LIKE THIS, NO ONE. I have been incarcerated over 26 years and I have never been so stressed, frustrated, or mentally overwhelmed over living condition. No one cares, NO ONE!!!!”

June 27, 2020

David Wade:

• “Just some more potentially relevant information: chronic clinics consist of taking vitals ( blood pressure, temp., oxy, wgt ) there is absolutely no discussion in regards to any physical problems the [incarcerated person] may be having. no questions about the effectiveness of meds no examination of any potential problems for diabetics ( foot numbness, leg swelling, eye problems, nerve issues, etc.) no questions about changes in existing conditions. Just a brief check of the vitals, and done. I have eczema every time I need a refill of hydrocortisone. I have to submit a sick call and inevitably get charged five dollars for one oz. tube while other inmates are prescribed the cream and only have to submit a K.O.P. (keep on person ) form and are not charged except when the prescription expires and needs to be renewed (usually once every six months). Why they do me differently, I have no idea. On 6/20/20 while outside for a yard call I came upon a nurse...slowly walking near the chapel. I greeted him and asked him how his day was going. He responded that he was just on his way to the south compound in response to an emergency. It's extremely strange though because he was taking the LONGEST possible route and moving as if he were out for a Sunday stroll. This is characteristic of the overall attitude of the medical staff's professionalism in regards to the wellbeing of the [incarcerated] population. In the past two years I have observed on several occasions [people] literally DENIED their medications simply because they were not at the infirmary when they were supposed to be ( sometimes only as late as 30 minutes ). When I first arrived at this facility I experienced that for myself on one occasion. I was not informed as to when I was supposed to be at the infirmary to take an insulin injection and when I arrived late I was denied any medication, insulin or otherwise ( that has not happened to me since but I have seen it happen to other inmates). There is a possibility that someone in the medical dept. or elsewhere is misappropriating funds via medical charges. About two months ago I received a sick call receipt for five dollars. However, I never filled out that particular sick call nor did I sign it . Actually. the form was in someone else's handwriting and had no signature whatsoever on it ( mine or that of medical staff. I believe I still have a copy of that sick call ). When I investigated through my records I found that I was not charged for that particular sick call. ( when I received it I immediately took it to the infirmary and inquired about it. The head nurse...stated that I should watch my monthly bank statement and if I were charged for it she would see to it that it was refunded). Upon receiving my bank statement I examined it, my sick call receipts, a list of sick call charges supplied by Mrs...and my personal records. The five dollar fee was not on there but I did discover a discrepancy in my records, those provided by Mrs...and [incarcerated peoples’] banking. My records and those of the infirmary matched, but those from banking showed an excessive charge amount ( only about three dollars but little amounts can and do add up to large amounts if repeated numerous times). Anyway I sent all the relevant paperwork I had to Mrs...(which turned out to be a mistake) and asked her about it. As I said that was about two months ago, I never received a response and when I wrote and requested the return of my paperwork there was no response and no paperwork returned. To me, that is VERY suspicious, as if there was something to hide. This next bit of information has nothing to do with medical treatment but was, in my opinion an immoral and unethical act on the part of the warden at this facility. At my last parole hearing (Feb. of 2018) this man enters the room while my hearing is in progress and sits down next to me. I had been at this facility no longer than six months, had never spoken to the man, and to my knowledge he knew VERY little or nothing about me.When the conversation turned to potential employment after my release he interrupts the conversation and basically states that because I am on the handicapped work crew that he did not believe that I could hold a job if I were released. There are literally hundreds of jobs that an individual such as myself could do efficiently and productively. It is my opinion that for some unknown reason his interjection was solely for the purpose of being a detriment to my potential release. However, he was not, and still is not, qualified to make such an assessment. Such actions should not be permissible at parole hearings unless the individual making the assessment has a full knowledge of what is true. That's all for now,”

June 26, 2020

DCI:

• “Hi I'm writing from Dixon correction institution from extended lockdown as of now they are really treating us unfair and its a lot of racial discrimination going on we are not getting proper cleaning supplies to clean our cells as well as not being able to use the phone but once a week for 15 minutes if they let us most of the guards don't even wanna bring the phone so we can use it which I think is not right cause we all have family and kids we have concerns for during this pandemic anything can happen in a few days when we can't call than theirs the guards they don't even wear mask here they have their mask around their neck their not letting ARPs go out I have wrote about 4 of them and haven't got a receipt or a response from any of them and their holding mail and not giving people their mail this is a corrupted environment they are spraying people with chemical agents all the time for no reason and when u write the ARP about it it doesn't get out I am really scared for my life being here the virus is not bad here that we know of but the way they are treating us is very bad I have a bad hip and haven't received pain medicine in a month I was suppose to get a hip replacement but have never received it and I've been dealing with this since Oct. 2018 the medical staff here is all about taking money and not really trying to help the person that's in need of medical attention I just got in lockdown do to a rule violation but that doesn't mean I should be treated unfair than the racial discrimination is very bad me and this white guy got the same amount of days and his conduct record is worst than mine but they let him out after 10 days and I'm still sitting back here but even when I was in general population I was getting treated unfair from them not providing proper cleaning supplies on the dorm or not having soap or hand sanitizer in the bathroom area or getting cussed out but the COs that work the dorms and that's not even including not being able to social distance the beds are really less than 2 ft apart its just a whole lot of unnecessary unfairness that's going on and someone needs to shed the light on this place or they will continue to treat us worst than they are doing already I know I didn't punctuate this right and it's just a run along paragraph but I'm writing from my tablet and just wanted to let the world know that we are not getting treated right.”

June 25, 2020

Angola:

• “They came to test us today. It was a swab test that was oral. They said it will take 5 days for results to come back.”

June 23, 2020

DCI:

• “Hi, I just wanted to write about these protests and how the police are responding. All the police and security personnel are a ‘Paramilitary Group.’ They are nothing but ‘Legal Milita.’ Have you ever seen the military equipment that all police and prison security groups have? The prisons buy military items at auctions. So the thing to do is STOP police and prisons from being allowed to buy these things. I watch some of the things that happen around here, the gassing of [incarcerated people]. They do this for fun!!! They all stand around and laugh about how guys look after they are gassed. This needs to be brought to light also. Anyway about the Corona19 crap. I just got tested because I have to go on the street to have surgery on my hand. The Doctor says that is the only way any [incarcerated person] here will be tested! And they DON'T know what they are doing. The nurse, (if that's what you want to call her), shoved the long q tip up my nose till it wouldn't go any further then twisted around a few times. My nose bleed for about 2 hours later and it's still sore a full 24 hours later. I feel like someone hit me square in the nose. Have ya'll heard anything new so I can tell others? I saw on the news about the march at Angola. I even saw some ‘VOTE’ people out there with their signs. I'm glad to hear and see that. Well keep in touch. TTYL.”

David Wade:

• “...Sorry for the delay have been working twice as hard to return to my family well we are still on lockdown and to my knowledge no one has come down with the corona19 although we have not been doing no testing on compound at all since the start also there are 74 people in the dorm wit a very poor ventilation system i can reach over and touch both [people] on each side of me in my bed a lot of people here are afraid to speak on any thing at david due to the known retaliation here on [incarcerated people] by the staff( lockdown and beatings)my main focus is still my freedom thank for your support may god bless.”

June 22, 2020

Morehouse:

• “I need the PREA (Prison Rape) organization address ASAP... ***** don't trust the postal service at MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER delivering a hand written complaint under Prison Rape Elimination Act…[We] were violated on June 3rd, 2020 and everyday during MOREHOUSE PARISH'S SHERIFF...and his security employees shook down [incarcerated people] entering the facility from DG FOODS,LLC. On June 19, 2020, coming in from work @ DG, FOODS, LLC., the shift Sergeant and Corporal Parker forced us to strip naked and officers demanded verbatim by both officers telling us, ‘Bend over and spread our ASS checks to make sure no contraband was stored inside our ASS department’... WE FELT VIOLATED AND HARASSED DUE TO THAT FACT THAT…[we]...ARE FATHERS AND SOME HAVE BEEN MARRIED TO FEMALE WIVES FOR YEARS...MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER DEPUTY SHERIFFS SECURITY TEAM HAVE BEEN PERFORMING ON THE ENTIRE PRISON...WE ARE NOT SAFE HERE...THANK YOU.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “I didn't get back to you right away because there was nothing to report. Out of the [people] who tested positive,I'm not sure how many got better and how many died;they aren't releasing that information. There are no more [people] on quarantine at this time,but I'm not sure when they will be opening the facility up for visits or anything else;maybe on the 4th of July.The only one to get tested were the trustees and anyone who had a high fever. A couple of weeks ago,I woke up one morning with a headache and was throwing up.I was sent to medical,but my temp was only 97.7 degrees so I was sent back to the dorm;the next morning I woke up and was fine. I'm not sure what caused this. There are several cats running around here,which is a good way to relieve stress.Most have been fixed,but there are a couple who are allowed to get pregnant and when the kittens are old enough the staff usually take them home. Nevertheless,some of the cats are getting sick and dying,so they are being checked for the virus. Other than that there isn't much else happening. I continue diligently in my prayers for everyone at VOTE,to remain in excellent health.I thank you personally for your work on the behalf of myself and all other [incarcerated people] to get us the thing we deserve and our rights within the system.THANK YOU!!!!!! GODSPEED”

June 20, 2020

Angola:

• “Hello There VOTE!...the other day I was able to get out more and I saw that they are holding doctor's appointments. In a makeshift clinic they were holding appointments; therefore, as I was saying before that I don't know if they are having them. Now I know that they are having a doctor's appointment. The doctor just isn't coming down the walk to the dorms. Guys are going to him in that makeshift clinic. In fact, the building where the appointments are was built for that exact purpose, but then they changed it. Now about the testing, there haven't been anymore testing happening since Camp F was tested. Word around here is that there won't be anymore testing. Many of us believe that the entire prison should be tested. If not the entire prison, then those dorms who have had men who tested positive for the virus. There could be men who are asymptomatic. If this administration doesn't want another spread, then testing should be done. Well let me go now. Take good care and thanks for all of the assistance.”

Morehouse:

• “***THE LIVING CONDITIONS FOR D.O.C. WORK-RELEASED HOUSED [incarcerated people] ARE NOT SAFE & CLEAN BECAUSE EVER SINCE [we’ve been here]...THERE HAS BEEN OLD SPIDER WEBS, MOLD, AND DARK DUST ON THE approximately 20 FEET WALLS AND CEILINGS. Today is June 20, 2020, and the facility staff has no one contracted to keep the dormitories and facility clean enough to prevent the spread of COVID -19 and any other disease that can harm [incarcerated peoples’] health presently and in the future.*** THE MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER STAFF DON'T ALLOW D.O.C. WORK-RELEASE [incarcerated people] TO CLEAN THE DORMITORY WITH BLEACH AND ANTIBACTERIAL SUBSTANCES...*****WHEN [we] GOT OFF WORK FM DG FOODS,LLC.,WE WERE FORCED TO SHOWER IN A COLD WATER SHOWER BECAUSE THE MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER HAS NO HOT WATER HEATERS CONNECTED TO THE SHOWER SINCE SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2020, WHEN THE SHOWERS HOT WATER HEATERS BROKE WHILE DURING MY SHOWER.. IT'S BEEN OVER 7 DAYS WE HAD TO HEAT WATER IN A BOWL IN THE MICROWAVE, AND PUT HOT WATER IN A TRASH BAG INSIDE A MOP BUCKET, AND LET THE SHOWER'S COLD WATER RUN IN ORDER NOT TO GET PNEUMONIA FROM A COLD SHOWER....WHEN WE ASKED ABOUT HOT WATER TO HEAD WARDEN…[and] ASSISTANT WARDEN...DURING THEIR MON.-FRI. 8 A.M. INSPECTION OF THE DORMITORY, THEY JUST GAVE A LIE IN VERBATIM ‘WE GO CHECK ON THE PROBLEM.’ The administration at MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER don't know their responsibilities and [people in] D.O.C. [custody’s] right to decent conditions of housing and [our] civil rights protection for housing LA D.O.C. at MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER..*****THE UNSANITARY DORMITORIES CONDITIONS [put our] LIVES IN DANGER FOR MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES EVERYDAY WE ARE HOUSED AT MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER in COLLINSTON, LA...***”

Rayburn:

• “Hello...on June 15, 2020 At 3:30 We were advised that one of the correctional officers here tested positive for the virus. The same correctional officer worked in the kitchen around [incarcerated people] for two days on a Wednesday and Thursday two weeks ago and at the same time that officer worked on another shift around other [incarcerated people] in the kitchen...on the 15th of June. The Lt. came in our dome which...randomly picking over thirty people who was on a list to be quarantine for 8 days in administrative segregation to be quarantine when we watch a video on how to be safe during the spread of the which every person MUST be quarantine for 14 days instead of eight when a couple of [incarcerated people] including myself ask to speak with the warden he refuse to talk with the dorm and begin locking up [incarcerated people] taking us to court and blocking us for 90 days…”

• “Greetings VOTE TEAM! I'm writing to you because I'm in great need of your help and your advice. I've been keeping you informed on the Covid 19 pandemic here at this institution for some time now. On 6-15-20 Lt...came into...the dorm that houses most of the kitchen workers. He informed us that...30 of us are about to move to...administrative segregation (Lock Down) because a correctional officer who worked in the kitchen tested positive for the coronavirus. This officer was allowed to work on both shifts...meaning our entire dorm while at work came in contact with her. There are 79 [incarcerated people] on our unit and only 30...were placed on a list to be quarantined in the cell blocks where we are to be treated as if we are not in compliance. We peacefully asked to see the Warden to gain Understanding on why wasn't the entire unit being quarantined? 12...out of the thirty were written up for aggravated disobedience and causing a disturbance and given an additional 90 days on lock down. Our request to talk to the Warden was not to cause a Disturbance or become a threat to security, or disrupt the integrity of this institution. We only requested Warden’s...presence to clearly receive an understanding on the safety of everyone's health and why proper guidelines ordered by the State were not being followed.”

June 19, 2020

DCI:

• “Good morning. As always it's a pleasure as well as an honor to hear from you. Thank you for all your concerns. To date I still haven't seen a doctor. I keep having to fill out sick calls and am being assessed by a medical co-pay without seeing a doctor. No, there still haven't been any COVID19 tests administered, no hand sanitizer provided and no temperature tests are being administered to the staff. The nursing staff comes down...without wearing a mask. The regular security staff doesn't wear masks and we are still eating in a room that was deemed inadequate for eating in due to not having running water nor sufficient cleanliness. What is it that I can do in so far as getting my health needs taken care of? I've written numerous correspondences to the medical dept. to no avail. Once again thank you for all that you are doing during these trials and tribulations.”

June 18, 2020

Morehouse:

• “Bad Living Conditions: 1. Completely rusty 4 dorm day room tables in A-dorm 2. Never got toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant handed out since I been here... 3. No hot water in...since June 13th, 2020..Today is June 18th, 2020.. 4. My personal property is locked up in the facility's allegedly ‘Wal-Mart’ property room. 5. No request form has ever been answered since I’ve been here.. 6. We never were offered a chance to take ‘good-time’ classes 7. We don't have any combination locks to secure our in dorm property. 8. Our mattresses are mildewed and 1/2 inch thick. 9. The property bags that we were are mildewed and tore up. 10. Canteen don't sell toilet paper 11. Today we were told that we are under no tolerance rules as D.O.C. CLASS A TRUSTEES NOW AS WORK-RELEASE because MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER is a ‘disciplinary facility like DAVID WADE CORRECTIONAL CENTER’ DG Foods Chicken plant issues: 1. The salary per/hour is only paying $7.25 per/hr for 40 hours per week 2. The men's bathroom has paper, urine, and brown paper towels all over the floor. The bathroom doesn't have bacterial soap or hand sanitizer to combat COVID-19 PANDEMIC. UNSANITARY PRACTICES.. 3. The prison facility and DG Foods Chicken plant don't allow safety glasses at all or other proper P.P.E. [We were forced to] accept MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER for work release and threatened us saying if we didn't accept MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER that we would be removed from the WORK-RELEASE transfer list… [They are holding our] account funds..We were TRANSFERRED TO MOREHOUSE PARISH DETENTION CENTER [more than two weeks ago] without our money on our accounts following us...TODAY IS JUNE 18th, 2020.”

June 17, 2020

Angola:

• “Hello, I am sorry for my long awaited response, but I had to deal with some family issues that could not be ignored. However, I have not forgotten that we must help you all help us, especially with everything that is going on in America. Well, a lot of the men who were quarantined at camp J are now back in population. I talked to some of the men and they all came back with some disturbing news about their stay at camp J. What stood out as really disturbing were the men who told me that they did not test positive for covid-19 and were still sent to camp j...both of them had a strong case of the flu. Even if those guys had a serious case of the flu they should have not been placed in an area with guys who tested positive for covid-19. Other guys who went to camp j says the conditions are horrible. One guy told me that there is still mold and mildew on some of the walls. He also told me that after first being placed in a dorm for the beginning of their quarantine phase, and then they were transferred to the cell and spent the remainder of their time in solitary confinement. Not too much has changed for the guys in population. There are still guys who are able to move throughout the main prison, regardless of guys still testing positive for the virus and dorms going on quarantine…[one] dormitory has been quarantined at least 5 times. This past Monday security afforded [us] with some more masks, however, it was our choice if we wanted one. Besides that, we are still on lockdown except for those who are working at certain jobs for Prison Enterprise. Thank you all for helping us. We appreciate all the support vote has given us.”

• “There's an old saying, ‘I did it once and got away, so I'll do it again.’ And that is what we have here. On Tuesday, 16th a call was announced that if anyone wants a dorm change from big stripe to trusty. Pack up and move now. The acceptance rate was very low. Then on Tuesday night several [incarcerated people] were notified that they were being given non-refusal dorm changes. Today several [others] were moved from dorm to dorm. Nobody is comfortable with that taking place. Most [people incarcerated at Angola] feel that the administration is setting us up for a possible catastrophic virus exposure. The switch a round will be their defense excuse I gotta get out of here. Just wanted to update you on the crazies.”

Morehouse:

• “I was housed at...until June 3rd, 2020 when I was transferred to Morehouse Parish Detention Center for work release during COVID-19 world pandemic..This place is a low tolerance work release located in Collinston, LA..This place took our D.O.C. issued property without giving us an inventory checklist for the storage of our property....Basically, this place is nowhere ran like any other LA WORK FORCE FACILITIES…[we were] forced to accept this place as work release to work at a DG chicken plant..We are just sitting in the dorm for 14 days under quarantine until we are allowed to work on June 18, 2020...I CAN WRITE YOU A HAND WRITTEN LETTER BUT NO ONE CAN SEND MAIL TO THIS FACILITY... FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO USE THIS SYSTEM TO STAY IN EMAIL CONTACT...I CANT BUY STAMPS TO EMAIL, THIS SYSTEM ONLY ALLOW FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO PURCHASE $0.50 STAMPS TO SEND UNLIMITED EMAILS AND $1.00 TO SEND UNLIMITED PHOTOS.... Have a good day...Please stay in contact?”

June 16, 2020

EHCC:

• “Sorry for the delay, but we're being scrutinized, falsely accused, and targeted by the prison. A couple of days ago, a young man died. I knew my whole life because this prison, Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, the wardens, medical staff and even ranking officers failed to have a trip officer for [incarcerated people] who have an emergency that requires immediate outside medical help. It was rumored how most deaths occur in this prison, that he was using drugs. However, that may be true, but us [incarcerated people] didn't bring these drugs in the prison! A low level cadet, or another official is checked by scanners, only majors, colonels, and wardens are not searched when they enter the prison. We [incarcerated people] have drug addictions, family problems and mental health situations, and one of the ways we cope is with the drugs ‘they’ provide. We're being extorted, exploited, and targeted only so the higher ups could make it look as though they're ridding their prison of corruption, when they're supplying the [prison population]. Making hundreds of thousands of dollars by charging outrageous prices, then locking us up to go through their state funded programs. I myself do not use drugs anymore, however, I may get locked up for this message for exposure of their scheme, and I don't care! I may even be beaten to death, drugged, or worse! Please help me, us, your brothers who are being violated....If we protest, they will kill us......”

June 15, 2020

Angola:

• “Vote Admin, just this morning we witnessed total ignorance of a [incarcerated person] who time and time again asked for help. The emergency response came in the dorm @ 5 am and left the man here. He could not walk himself to the bathroom and two other [people] had to help him to the bathroom. Yesterday, he went to hospital, they gave him a wheelchair and sent him right back to the dorm. Anyway this man looked very sick and not aware of where he was at the time. Well, not much of anything else going on that I am aware of, but other dorms came off quarantine. So things may appear to be going back to the normal routine in some areas. We know that this coronavirus isn't over by a longshot. Many of us are taking this situation very seriously, we still have a few that don't want to keep their mask on. Time after time the free people have to run some of them back to the dorm to get their mask. As for myself, I am staying safe and wearing that mask continuously. Yes, the hand washing too. Nevertheless,we heard about testing and [one camp] has already been tested.”

June 14, 2020

Angola:

• “I don't know what is going on but I need to get away from Angola prison. I am short to go home and I'm around all these people with life and time in that range. I'm [incarcerated on] a non violent [charge] and I need to be at a medium security prison. There's still a lot of people sick with covid19 in here and it's just bouncing around like a tennis ball.can you please get me an immediate transfer away from here? I have medical conditions and barely get assistance. Need your help...Thanks.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Hello VOTE...I apologize for my delayed response to the previous email. Here's an update on the coronavirus situation...The number of individuals getting sick appears to be on the decline. There have been no new confirmed cases in almost two weeks. As I detailed in a previous email, there was a significant increase in people contracting the virus a little more than two weeks ago....I would say without any exaggeration that over 90% of the people living on the tier with me contracted the virus, including me. Luckily most of us only experienced mild symptoms. I never had a fever or any noticeable symptom other than a loss of my sense of taste. Others had a dry cough, loss of appetite and energy, etc. A troubling event arose during the height of the spread here: individuals who were sick began having trouble obtaining medical attention. Several people on my tier (and other tiers as well) were experiencing chills, aching bones, loss of appetite etc. and sought medical attention as a result. Many of them suspected that they had contracted the virus and wanted to be removed from the tier so as to not infect others. However, when they sought medical attention they were told that nothing could be done for them if they didn't have a fever. They were subsequently sent back to the tier. One individual filed an Administrative Remedy Procedure (ARP) after he sought medical attention on several occasions but was sent back to the tier each time. He persisted in seeking medical help as his condition deteriorated and eventually found success. He was found to be positive for covid 19 once he was quarantined and tested. A similar scenario happened for others. Another individual was denied help after he sought routine medical attention on several occasions. He complained to the medical staff of chills, aching bones, etc., all symptoms consistent with those of covid-19. However, he didn't have a fever so medical staff refused to remove him from the tier so that he could be tested. After 2 or 3 days of being denied medical help, he began to have trouble breathing. He then declared himself a medical emergency, at which time an EMT came to address his emergency declaration. The EMT checked his breathing with a stethoscope then immediately placed him in quarantine after finding that he was indeed having trouble breathing. This [person] also tested positive for covid-19. I suspect, although I don't have any evidence to support my suspicion other than the observations detailed above, that there was an effort to keep the actual number of cases of covid-19 here off any official tally. When the increase in people getting sick first began, there was no fever criteria. An [incarcerated person] simply informed medical staff of the symptoms that he was experiencing and he was placed in quarantine and tested for covid. Once the situation got really bad and it became obvious that the virus was spreading rapidly...sick [people] were required to have a fever in order to be placed in quarantine and tested. Coincidentally, only one [person from my tier] had a fever prior to being placed in quarantine. I hear that the same is true...on other tiers as well. On the bright side, many of the people placed in quarantine are doing well. Some have returned to their tier. All in all, we are weathering this storm with strength and perseverance and unity. We all realize that we have to look out for each other. . .and we're doing just that. We very much appreciate the love and support that we get from VOTE.”

EHCC:

• “Good evening. I am writing in respect regarding the dire need of leadership here at Elayn Hunt Correctional Facility. My deepest concern is for my well-being and the safety of others. Not in a manner of fear, but in the moral value system and principles I adhere to. A young man just died in another unit this morning. I do not know of any details in relation to the cause of death, but he suffered from underlying health issues. In my opinion, I knew the individual's character, and I can suppose he was on some type of drugs at the time. Primarily, this incident is one of the reasons I am reaching out to you today. Not only are we subjected to inhumane living conditions, but the lack of leadership roles exist at the top levels of management, down to the least experienced cadet. What this means, is the present organizational structure subject people like myself and others, who have committed themselves to progressing forward- might one day revert backwards. Due to our current living conditions, we strive daily to put up with over half of the population on some form of mind altering substance, which result in what we call ‘flashing out.’ Thus, a person ingesting these chemically imbalanced substances tend to become violent and behave erratically. Then, a fight might occur causing the innocent victim to abandon all the positive activities he participated in, simply because administrative officials lack the competent skills to effectively operate a prison. In request, can you provide me with a reference to write concerning this matter?”

June 13, 2020

Angola:

• “We keep hearing that they're going to test...the medical dorm we live in but they haven't done it yet...It’s kind of too late now. Over twenty people in this dorm alone showed signs and tested positive. I think the rest of us are asymptomatic.”

EHCC:

• “Good Morning!...The Spirit of the Lord always helps in crisis such as this. Knowing we are not able to see family is some-what stressful, but the Spirit of God brings comfort and peace to the heart of those who are in Him, amen...We now have three new cases of corona. Those who contracted the virus went on trips and are placed in a segregated area under quarantine. Anyone who takes a trip must go into a segregated dorm under quarantine for a minimum of fourteen days. They have temperature checked twice a day while there. Otherwise, no known cases on the compound and that is a blessing! My brother...emailed [vote]. I am not sure where he is located in your system, but that is the address I gave him to connect with y'all. He is waiting on someone to send him a message. Once you locate him, please forward my email and establish a bond with him. He desires to strongly be a part of the work we are doing inside and outside the prison system. Please continue to pray for us as we do the same...Every dorm is still segregated and cannot interact with one another. Hopefully this will all be over with soon and things will go back to normal. Y'all stay safe and remember to wear your mask every time you leave home. God bless and I love you brothers and sisters.”

Rayburn:

• “...48 tested positive as of today (first case was March 28) and 8 current positive cases. June 1, sick call, doctor and dentist visits resumed. Operating smoothly. June 15, education, vo-tech and re-entry classes begin on a limited basis. Each unit will have its own day in the buildings subject to change if the unit is placed on quarantine. Release dates detemine which students will be enrolled in these classes. June 16, video visiting begins. Quarantine is the new prison norm...Dorm quarantine is for 14 days. Temperture taken twice a day. Food, medication and canteen delivered to dorms. Two, one hour periods on the yard. All counselors are on quarantine, I'm the last man standing. I'm working all discipinary courts, cellblock rounds, and consulting those in the dorms. Our warden has done a great job in listening to issues raised during weekly meetings and re-opening the programs. Thank ya'll for the things you'll be doing for us.”

June 12, 2020

Angola:

• “Greetings, things are getting crazier by the day. The decision here for testing had been formulated. The format will focus on dorms that have yielded the most cases thus far. Those testing positive will be ‘clustered’ together in isolated dorms to ride it out. However, on the other hand dorms not being tested will be considered virus free, unless someone gets sick. Then the sick person will be moved to treatment and that dorm will be quarantined for 14 - days without any testing. The idea of waiting fourteen days could be disastrous if the Carrier is asymptomatic. I have no idea which medical director is making the calls, but he needs to realize that backwood guessing and not following medical protocol can cost more lives. As a matter of fact the administration has started reopening the prison. Jobs like Prison Enterprise, Sheet Metal, Tag plant, Garment Factory and Mattress Factory are up and running. The Main Prison has only two dorms on quarantine out of 32…’WE WILL NEVER FIND FAIRNESS WALKING WITH JUSTICE.’ PEACE, GRACE AND MERCY.”

June 11, 2020

Angola:

• “Your care, concern, and commitment to fighting for us that have been forgotten and are voiceless is very much appreciated. There have been many dorms that were quarantined due to [incarcerated people]...testing positive for covid-19, however, we have yet to see the administration here test random people without them having serious symptoms of covid-19. The guys that are being tested obviously have it because they either are unconscious or in very bad shape. Fortunately for my dorm, nobody in here got sick yet. It's always been the tradition of Louisiana and many other southern states in history to be the last to set the captives free. The governor campaigned on the platform to reconstruct the prison industrial complex, but we have yet to see the effects of us not leading the world in mass incarceration. So, while some people have been granted freedom under this administration, we still have hundreds of years of fixing to do. This is a long drawn out battle that may last a few lifetimes, but I humbly thank VOTE and whoever else for being so selfless. Together, in the pursuit of making tomorrow better than yesterday, I stand as one with you guys. May you remain healthy and continue to practice social distancing.”

June 7, 2020

Angola:

• “Dear Vote, I am so sorry for the delay in taken so long to respond to you message,and I ask that you please accept my apology for my delay. From your last letter that you wrote to me,you ask me a few question concerning the matter of the conditions back here,to whichI truly feel that things haven't gotten better (that's my opinion)...at this point I haven't gotten sick.Thank you for your concern...I know ‘A lot’ of people that has tested positive...How have I been staying safe?To be honest with you-staying my distance from others,washing my hands frequently, and wiping everything down that I come into contact with rapidly with bleach.Wearing my mask and being extremely careful about things and others...Have any of the safety measures seemed effective? To be truthful with you at this moment.I really can't say. Why?  You have people...that is trying everything in their will power to go to work knowing that this ‘Pandemic’ isn't over nor nothing to play with. Not saying that they can't catch it from someone in the dormitory that they live in.The truth of the matter is this.The main prison complex is way ‘Over’ the capacity of people in a living quarters per dorm (86),and were only allowed three feet of living space (and they're talking social distance)...Things here are really like crazy if you ask me. Until next time.Stay safe out there and please let everyone know that they're deep inside my prayers.”

EHCC:

• “So far, I haven't seen any testing on unit two. one of the [incarcerated people]...passed away the other day, friday or saturday from the coronavirus. Well,I want to thank you for all the good work that you all are doing with the legislature...We may be moving back to our regular dorms soon,gonna miss the air condition. but,it is to my understanding that all the dorms will be getting air conditioning some time in the near future. so, that's going to be a blessing in and of itself. thanks for writing back to me. keep up the good work with the legislature.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Dear vote: thanks for emailing and keeping me posted on what is going on and what you guys are doing to help all of us. we are at the moment still on lockdown /quarantine , every other day one [of] these guys on...unit temperatures get too high and they remove them from the unit to quarantine away from us, we still haven't been tested yet, i hear angola is being tested...our asst. warden tested positive again , and some of the same staff and security as well.... It seems like we are going to be on lockdown /quarantine for a long time til these people test everybody to see who is infected, the security and staff all need to be tested too !!!!! until that happens they will continue coming to work keeping us sick here. These people need to be investigated, I'm sure they are not reporting all these staff /[incarcerated people] who are testing positive for this virus. This is a very sad situation, keeping us locked down in this tier with this glass door cutting off our air circulation is not good at all, these tiers are not designed for this, there are windows on one side, no exhaust fans, this is crazy. we really need y'all report these people. well, until next time you guys stay safe.”

June 6, 2020

Angola:

• “Good morning, all! So, it's Saturday morning, and I wanted to give you an update on the situation..You are correct. Mass testing has begun at Camp F, and is pretty much complete. It seems to me that the infection rate is actually a little lower than I would have expected, and maybe just a tad higher than 'on the streets'. Camp F is home to about 415 [people]. Thus far, to my knowledge, there have been roughly 40 positives...All of those positives were moved to the Camp J medical facility. The rest of Camp F is now mostly under quarantine. From what we hear, there is a possibility that the Camp will partially open up at the end of next week. We discussed the stress and tension levels the other day, and if it hadn't been so disgusting I would have laughed. Thursday, 2 employees of the Mental Health department came to our dorm, and FLEW through the dorm, hollering, ‘Mental health! Mental health.....anybody want to see mental health?’ and then hurriedly left out of the dorm. It couldn't have been more obvious that they DID NOT want to be there, and DID NOT CARE if anyone really DID need to see them. It was obviously just a routine step that they had been ordered to perform. It made me very angry, and I had to struggle to contain my temper. I think the wardens DO understand that they need to hurry and try to get the prison at least somewhat open. Morale is a serious problem, but, honestly, a lot of it is the [incarcerated peoples’] own fault. MANY, MANY, MANY of them do not follow basic safety sites such as social distancing to the extent possible, they're not strict about face mask protocol, and not fastidious about personal hygiene. Some of us do the best we can to encourage adherence and to set a good example, but that is not always very effective either. PLUS, with all of the outside civil unrest going on, that doesn't help either. You asked about activities to fight boredom, stress, etc. Many of us have the JP5S tablets, and we spend a lot of time playing games on them. I am a voracious reader, and usually read an average of a book a day, plus I get a newspaper every day. That's about all there is. So, that's it for today. If anything major occurs in the next few days, statistically speaking, I'd be surprised.”

DCI:

• “Hi, I just recieved your e-mail...I seen in the paper today that they are going to cut D.O.C.'s budget by $7 million. That's just a drop in the budget for D.O.C. isn't it? I guess we were all hoping on a much larger cut, :). About testing here, I talked with a nurse, personally, and she said that they are NOT going to waste money on testing anyone here. Since we only had 1 case they don't think it's important enough to test everyone. That's more money that they can steal and get away with it! Back in Jan., and Feb. they did give every inmate a blood test for Hep. 1, 2, 3, and Aids and every other kind of transmitted diseases. They took about 4 vials of blood from everyone, :(. But that was before the Corona19 outbreak. Of course no one has heard anything about that test. I did ask the Dr. the other day about it and he said, ‘IF you had anything you would have been notified’. So I guess I'm good on that. :). Also it looks like things are about to open up around here soon. They started shipping and receiving [incarcerated people] again. Last Mon. we received 15 [people] from Hunt's and shipped 18 out of here. And they are moving [people] to Units 3 & 4, for trustee dorms. Well that's about all I have for now. If I come across anything new I'll be sure to write ya'll.”

June 4, 2020

Angola:

• “Dear V.O.T.E. family, greetings! thank you for your response. I am pleased to relay good news to you in this missive. The day AFTER I emailed you last time, changes came about. Both...were returned back to their dorms along with seven others that I know. And the older...came back to the dorm as well. The following week...returned to our dorm too...has returned also. What I noticed about all of those that I saw were glowing faces!:-) :-) All of them were beaming and looked healthier than before this pandemic. :-) Odd. I talked to...about the conditions at Camp J. He is very critical against the system! And he told me that theory were doing a Great job and they treated you like humans. he told me that he was LOOKING for faults and couldn't find any. :-) :-) he mentioned how they were medically treated and how often. 3 times a day their vital signs were check and any underlying conditions were treated first and foremost. He told me that he had been trying to get his kidney problem treated before this and at camp j, that was the FIRST thing that they treated. I asked why don't the medical staff do the same over at the treatment center. he replied that this entire staff was from OLOL in B. R. it wasn't Angola staffed. Most of the guys that I talked to gave the camp j medical staff praise. a couple said different but I had to look at their characters and what they were into. We tend to be our own worst enemy because...said that the staff's pleasant demeanor was beginning to change when they were leaving because a certain group (from other jails) that came were committing 21violations , fighting, and intoxication. Fortunately, the staff recognizes the distinction between [people incarcerated at] Angola and [those from other facilities]. The young...that was due to go home came back to the dorm today! And he is going home in the morning at 9 am.! That is a blessing! The mass covid testing was supposed to have taken place at Camp F. That is the only camp so far and the only camp that was mentioned to be given tests. ...was on tv21 last night sharing his experience was the virus and the great treatment at camp j too. twelve more guys came back to the east yard from camp j yesterday...well, my V.O.T.E. family that is all that I have for now. I'm elated to give you this good news. you all be safe amid this pandemic and the protests. be blessed!”

• “Once again. Because the response is so poor, they just took another [incarcerated person]...out of the dorm, sweat dripping off of him to the floor. As I explained in a previous email, the only way to get my dormitory ahead of this thing is to test the entire dorm, otherwise, just as I forewarned, the spread will continue. There's the contracting of the virus, the period when it becomes active and spreadable by that person, then there's the onset of the symptoms with the lag time lingering behind which enables the 2nd person's incubation period to move to actively spreading the virus to reflecting symptoms and still spreading the virus further. If necessary, can someone obtain a court order commanding these people to test everyone since we obviously do not have the necessary personal space for social distancing?!? Couldn't the Department of Health and Infectious Diseases be of assistance? What happens when all these diplomatic efforts fail and one or two of these guys don't make it. Then it's, Oh, we should have done more, but it does not bring these guys back. My cage is a little rattled right now because this could have been prevented. We have some filthy people living amongst us, some of the elderly refuse to shower but touch everything, you mention it to them (the need for them to shower and wash their hands, they tell security we are threatening or harassing them. Security only sees young [people] versus old and the young [people] should know better. Now, here we are with more people being brought back after the fourteen days, and some are nursing a serious and repetitive cough. Still they refuse to put their mask on. They brought a steam table to the dorm again, for us to serve one another meals. My issue is this, until we can get everyone tested at once to see exactly where we stand with infections and carriers, we will continue on this cycle. Writing to VOTE does not seem to really be making a difference beyond making information gathering easier. WE NEED POLICY CHANGE WITH RESPECT TO TESTING. WHEN MORE THAN ONE PERSON FROM ANY ONE DORM TESTS POSITIVE, TEST THE ENTIRE DORM IN ORDER TO POSITIVELY IDENTIFY WHO HAS IT, TREAT THEM AND GIVE THE OTHERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY A SEMBLANCE OF PEACE. Right now, tensions are high because if a guy coughs or sneezes, no one knows if he does or does not have it. I am just praying that we can get testing for the hotspots (such as my dorm).”

• “Hello! Thanks for checking in. I experienced headaches but they've subsided and a few others have, too. We'll know what's up once mass testing arrives to Camp-C in about a week. Maybe sooner. Camp-F completed their mass testing with 23 confirmed asymptomatic cases. Our dorm comes off quarantine Sunday. We are continuously cleaning three times a day by utilizing work crews but there is also individual cleaning, as most clean behind themselves. My greatest concern is why we haven't received any N95 masks? This is a question that we on the inside will never get a straight answer to...it has to be pushed on the outside. Injustice is a human rights violation. I really don't believe that people are taking seriously the condition that we, the incarcerated people are in. It's like any other normal day. God willing, my time is limited here. There is much to be done on the outside and without the right pressure points, people in prison suffer and media coverage has a way of enforcing change. I think about the struggles, obstacles many have faced to gain attention to an ongoing problem or injustice. It is a fine line between fighting for justice as [an incarcerated person] and having to worry about being retaliated against by prison officials for doing so and sweep off to [another facility to be] hidden from the masses. The fear of this becoming their reality hinders many and therefore, less advocacy and more disassociation with the world is exercised. In the meantime, I will continue praying, moving forward and playing my part. Without advocates/advocate groups we would be doomed behind bars! So thank you for all your hard work, dedication and undying support. We need it. In solidarity…”

• “Dear Vote Team Security here at Angola are rotating [incarcerated people] from other camps to this camp when here...we have had only one [person] test positive for Covid19 three weeks ago.That positive test was the result of classification and security officers sending the [person to another camp] as a tier-walker [that camp has] over 17 [people] who tested positive for the virus. What i don't understand is you guys all know that masks will not help us under these conditions. If the nursing homes became super clusters for the virus in spite of having masks then people forcing us to ware the mask is actually deliberate disregard for our health and safety. I have ask you guys before does the CDC or the federal recommendations issued in response to combat this pandemic legally apply to Louisiana prisoners.My family members have already contacted LSP officials concerning my body not being touched subsequent to my death. I have breathing issues LSP doctors refuse to address 'COPD' at this current moment. My hypertension is a cause for action also. Pleas you guys expose the facts that matter and tell the truth to those of us who really need to hear them .THANK YOU!!!”

June 3, 2020

David Wade:

• "Hello, I apologize if I am sending too much, and with too much personal opinion. It's just that after your initial contact I have constantly had my mind fixated on what I perceive to be wrong with the treatment of the handicapped, the elderly and the infirm at David Wade. I'm pretty sure that I have mentioned that I am a diabetic, but I do not recall if I have mentioned the following. Diabetics are fed the same diet as other [incarcerated people] with the only difference being that the diabetics are given fruit for dessert( often in a sugary syrup) rather than cookies or cake. The biggest problem with that scenario is that corn, rice, bread, pasta, flour based gravies ( all contain starch ), are all still given to diabetics to eat. The fact is that the starch in these foods turns into sugar in the blood causing a diabetics bloodsugar levels to rise, and often quite high. When that occurs the medical department must raise the amount of insulin given to compensate. So what you have is one department of the D.O.C. constantly working against another with the diabetic in the center with no say-so whatsoever, even though it is ultimately that individual's current and future health that is at risk. Another problem with this is that the members of the medical department know this, or should know it if I , a lowly inmate knows it, and do or say absolutely nothing to anyone about it. I am no medical professional but I understand that constant high bloodsugar levels are detrimental to LITERALLY every part of a diabetics body. Heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, eyes, etc. , virtually every part of the body is negatively affected. Even to the point of ultimately and significantly shortening that person's lifespan. This may be taking it a little far in the opinion of some, but being the one who has to worry considerably more about it I believe that my following assessment of the situation is perfectly accurate allowing this controversy between departments to continue unhindered is tantamount to slow murder! The inevitable end result is the loss of at least a portion of a person's life, and when you shoot someone in the head the result is exactly the same----a premature funeral. This is how I personally view the situation if an individual has AIDS or some other contagious virus or disease, and intentionally spits in another persons face with the intent of negatively affecting their future health and thereby shortening their lifespan ( which I believe is actually a felony in the state of Louisiana ) then the medical staff, the dietitian in the kitchen, and the administration at this facility are no less guilty for virtually doing the exact same thing to the diabetics here. They are spitting in our face knowing what the overall effects will be, but still going about it as though it is an inconsequential matter, and of no significant concern to anyone. That really is a callous and repugnant disregard for health. and wellbeing of the diabetics under their care and certainly needs to be corrected. On a lighter note I would like to point out that when the handicapped, elderly or infirm go to the canteen ( but not recently. canteen is delivered currently due to social distancing restrictions) they are often required to stand in line, sometimes LITERALLY for several hours. That is except for one day a week when those with walking aids ( wheelchairs, walkers or canes) are allowed to go to the head of the line. But that technique does not always work for various reasons. Hope this information is useful.”

June 2, 2020

Angola:

• “V.O.T.E. I can't breathe...ya knee on my neck. I can't breathe...ya knee in my back. I can't breathe...ya arm round my throat. I can't breathe...you let too many drugs on my block. I can't breathe...I'm drowning in the liquor store on the corner. I can't breathe...po' education never taught me to inhale. I can't breathe...low work and pay never taught me to exhale. I can't breathe...my race is not a people-we're individuals. I can't breathe cuz I'm alone in my race. I can't breathe when I see those who protect and serve. I can't breathe when those who serve feel they need to be protected from me. The nationwide protests have been a beautiful thing. It was tearful to see so many whites show how sick and tired they are of injustice by walking side by side with blacks. Nobody wants to see another white man kill another black man or woman. Police officer, retired, neighborhood watch, whateva. Black Lives Matter. If that's true-if black lives really matter, when are we gonna get sick and tired-fed up and frustrated with black men killing black men in the hood every single day? When will we have a nationwide protest and rally against the stupidity of black on black violence? Outside of black music, what other race glorifies the murder of their own kind and call it beefin'? Outside of black music what other races consistently refer to their own women as bitches and hoes? Embracing a sect of Islam and absurdly referring to ourselves as ‘gods’ ignoring we were 1st honored as kings and and forgetting how to respect and treat our women as queens. Wanting our voice to be heard without paying attention to the words coming out of our mouths daily!! We march to keep white folks from killing us-anticipating change. But look the other way when we murder each other-saying it is what it is. The sad thing is it IS true. We want everyone else to respect us though we don't respect ourselves. Maybe we're just cursed with being bent on destruction. Can't even go back to Africa. It's genocide over there. Remember the movie Hotel Rowanda? If we want the respect of the powers that be we 1st gotta respect each other. Truly become a race of people. Not a race of individuals. Invest in each other. Take one guy in the hood with a nice whip on 28's and put him in jail or the graveyard. That image will be forgotten. Now take one neighborhood of people who operate as each other's crutches. Uplifting one another. Caring for the welfare of each others kids. UNITED. That image will stand for all time. If black and white coming together against racial injustice is historic. Blacks finally coming together across America as a people will be historical. I can't breathe....cuz I don't know how to live.”

May 31, 2020

DCI:

• “I'm currently being housed at Dixon Correctional Institute...Yes they're cases, not sure how many now. We're not being informed of nothing going on. Masks are the only thing given for precautions. 80 people being housed on a 46 man dormitory of course the world knows state prisons are overcrowded. They haven't been testing [anyone]  for Covid 19, no temperature checks being performed. Everything medical has been shut down if it is not life-threatening, no routine sick call, only emergency for 6$. We can practice social distance when the next man sleep 2 an a half feet away from you. I have high blood pressure and diabetes they're not testing no one with underlying medical conditions.” 

• “I've been in the cell blocks since you last wrote to me. But I'm responding to your email. I'm currently being housed at Dixon Correctional Institute, Cell Block...a 2 man cell 6 by 8. Yes they're cases, not sure how many now. We're not being informed of nothing going on. Masks are the only thing given for precautions. 80 people being housed in a 46 man dormitory of course the world knows state prisons are overcrowded. There haven't been any tests on [incarcerated people] for Covid 19, no temperature checks being performed. Everything medical has been shut down if it not life threatened no routine sick call only emergency for 6$. We can practice social distance when the next man sleep 2 and a half feet away from you. I have high blood pressure and diabetes they're not testing no one with underlying medical conditions. We greatly appreciate everything you guys are doing for [incarcerated people]. I had my wife trying to get in touch with you concerning more prison issues. She will explain to you and send you the evidence...Thanks for your time and consideration and have a great day.”

May 30, 2020

Angola:

• “NICE HEARING FROM YOU ALL. I'M FINE TODAY WE WERE LET OFF QUARANTINE. LIKE THE SITUATION ON THE OUTSIDE DUDES ARE HESITANT TO GO TO THE DOCTOR BECAUSE OF LACK OF TRUST. MANY [incarcerated people] ON MY DORM HAVE CONSTANT COUGHS OR MUCUS BUILD UP COUGH SYRUP IS NOT SOLD ON THE CANTEEN. OFTEN TIME AFTER SEEING THE NURSE NOTHING IS GIVEN TO HANDLE THE COUGH. THREE MONTHS AGO I HAD A COUGH AND MUCUS BUILD UP. I GOT MEDS NO COUGH SYRUP. THREE MONTHS LATER DURING THIS PANDEMIC I WAS CALLED IN FOR A FOLLOW UP. I INFORMED THE NURSE THAT I NEEDED SINUS MEDS, COUGH SYRUP AND GENERIC MUCINEX. HE LIED AND SAID I WOULD GET IT IT'S BEEN OVER A MONTH AND I HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING. CURRENTLY I HAVE MUCUS IN MY THROAT IT HURTS TO BREATHE DEEP MAKING ME COUGH SOMETIMES SOMETHING COMING UP. TODAY I HAVE BEEN DRINKING ORANGE JUICE AND WARM WATER. CONTINUE TO EXERCISE BUT I HAVE BEEN FATIGUE. THAT'S HOW IT IS IN HERE RIGHT WE GOT A OVER THREE HUNDRED POUND MAN WITH HIS LEG SWOLLEN TO TWICE ITS SIZE AND HE'S SITTING BY HIS BED MISERABLE THAT'S AFTER GOING SEE THE NURSE. TAKE CARE FAM THEY STILL TEMP CHECKING BUT THAT DOES LIL TO HELP GUYS WITH OTHER SYMPTOMS OR THAT ARE ASYMPTOMATIC.”

Rayburn:

• “38 tested positive, 19 currently positives, 22 recovered. Off all dorm quarantines are: Sleet 1&2, Snow 3&4, Wind 3&4, and all of Rain unit. Snow 1&2 been on dorm quarantine since April 25 and that's expected to end June 1. Wind 1&2 was placed on dorm quarantine May 21. Minutes after returning from the warden's meeting (May 29), 31 kitchen workers were placed in cellblock quarantine after the test results of a kitchen employee came back positive. This is a perfect example that shows the true diligence of the administration's actions to contain the spread of the virus. Like the warden said, there is no manual on this stuff. We gonna take baby steps. Opening up anything requires a plan to be submitted and approved by DOC. Academic school, vo-tech, and re-entry programs reopening must be submitted to DOC. Programs like Living-in-Balance, Parenting, etc. to be held in the chapel and the warden would like those classes to begin around June 8. June 1, sick call, doctor visits, and lab begins. Each unit will have its own day. Only one dorm at a time will be allowed in the infirmary. Of course, anyone can declare themselves an emergency at anytime. Some prisons we were told have begun video visiting. Don't know when those types of visits or regular visits will start at Rayburn. I noticed in the Advocate that VOTE distributed 10,000 mask to state prison, and Orleans Parish jail. Did anyone donate any mask to Rayburn?”

May 29, 2020

Angola:

• Hello to you guys as well. Just a short response to update the latest from here...We just came off of quarantine after 30 days. There were eight guys that went down with the virus out of this dorm. Thus far we are glad to be of quarantine and seem like things are a little better. However, we discovered some disturbing news from a reliable source. The state is getting $300,000 per every 20 [incarcerated people] tested positive for covid-19. Anyway that is something to be looked into, because for that reason they are not testing everyone. So then, they can separate those that are positive, but if not they will allow us to stay in harm's way and not know who has been infected. Other than that we are all well and staying positive in spite of all the confusion. Stay up and blessed.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Needless to say, whoever brought the virus into the facility, that wrote to you about a couple of days ago, that person(s) has spread it to another dorm. They want us to wear our masks everywhere yet some of the correctional officers don't always wear theirs around us.As I said before the only way we can contract the virus is through one of them.This is probably how it is spreading. Will the summer heat actually kill the virus or will it make it mutate or something. It seems like it starting to go active again.I wear my as much as I can but with the heat and no AC I sweat behind the mask and that is uncomfortable, but I guess it's better than having the virus. As far as my wrist is concerned; D.O.C. called my mom on a follow-up.The facility sent them my last x-ray and said that everything was healed just fine.When the x-ray was taken,there was nothing with the to identify that it was mine when it was taken,so how can D.O.C. verify that the x-ray they received was mine.I may need to see or talk with D.O.C. myself to verify my medical problems. Thank you for your help in my matters and your concern for our welfare.”

May 28, 2020

Angola:

• “Today, Warden...was on the radio he said there was twelve people, that have died from the covid-19, and one thousand on quarantine, there was fifteen hundred, some men have recovered (Thank GOD) I, don't remember the other numbers he threw out and I, don't want to misquote what was said.”

• “Warden...just gave an update on the radio. --Starting Monday, June the first, they'll be doing mass testing. Camp F will go first. They're going to test every inmate and free person. There's no date for reopening. they want to see how things go. Things are getting better. At the height of everything Angola had 1500 quarantined and 220 at camp J. Now we have less than 1000 quarantined and less than 160 at camp J. We did lose another two guys over the weekend. Church services are over the TV for the foreseeable future. Parole boards are being held by Zoom, and your family can attend. They are working on video visits, no idea when they will happen though.--I don't know how many deaths total that makes, he didn't say. It sounds like they won't make any decisions until they're done testing the whole prison. This was also the first I heard about video visits. Jpay did not cancel the free services after all. The stamps and phone calls are still being issued once a week. No word on for how long though”

• “Hey Guys. How have you all been holding up? Good to hear that all staff & family members are making it through without incident. It's All God! Tbh, Warden...was on the airways explaining what the next step for the facility will be. Mass testing, starting at Camp-F. Other than that, all things will remain the same until the Governor reveals phase two of the reopening of The State. Your prayers & concerns are priceless. Being acknowledged, even thought of is a great help mentally. Being a former Veteran, I can detect PTSD. PTSD happens the same way in the penitentiary. Making a choice to join the Service or commit a criminal act. next, one goes through whatever is set before him or her without question. Never showing or admitting mental stress or disruption for fear of being seen as weak or unable. There are many more factors. The similarities are uniquely scary. The Penitentiary will frazzle the mind, even damage it permanently. PRISON, TRAUMATIC, STRESS, DISORDER IS VERY REAL. I am going to continue to research this disorder, well after I am released. Bye for now. ‘Now may The Lord watch, between, me & thee, while we are absent, one from another.’ (Gen. 31:49) Good night. Thank you for such a rapid response.”

• “No real improvements. Some of the first wave of COVID victims returned from Camp J. I have not heard anything from the petition. I believe that they have no intention of testing. I believe they know they can and will be held civilly liable for their actions. But if we don't even know if we were sick or not, then only the ones who knew for sure have evidence. Check this out. They have six or eight [incarcerated] counsels sleeping in the law library. Basically, it is shut down. they are not letting the rest of us work. However, Prison enterprises are working all week. Especially the tag plant and metal fan. They for sure intend to keep their money maker in production. As far as people's freedom, unconcerned. These other men go to their jobs and return to the dorms everyday. Yet they isolate a handful of counsels and leave a whole lot of men stuck out. Two litigators isn't enough . The rest are all disciplinary board counsels. They hold court for the men that get into trouble. That is basically a security interest. There is still no testing and we are up to at least ten deaths related to COVID 19. We are merely contained and sectioned off. About Two percent may have seen a doctor. I think they have reserved such privilege for fresh patients who have just recovered from chance for things of that nature. But the Hospital is a ghost town. They have patients in the chapel and in a bullpen. There is not much these people know how to do. And they really can't call the shots that need to be called. Very few are willing to fight. Others play and wait on someone else to fight for them. I can't do the sideline thing. I'm a front line pusher. I have no idea of the full extent of your work but there is room for more proactive work. Social media and the media itself is a tool at our disposal. Find the surrogate and filter the necessary information to the public for our cause. I don't know, I'm a fighter with ideas and a pack of resources to execute. During this pandemic I made a couple of connections so hopefully I can help press the line. I am active here so you have at least one on the inside. Peace and keep on fighting.

• “Hello, I have some bad news about a friend of mine...he went to the Hospital (4) days ago and the Hospital tested him for Cov-19. Well the test was positive. I'm writing to whoever gets this. ‘NO ONE’ has been tested here UNLESS you're sick of something. I need someone to understand that when someone is taken out of the Dorm we are put on quarantine. They lock us down for 14 day's to make sure that NO ONE comes in or out of the dorm(86 men in this dorm). Now I'm not too sure how this is supposed to work but I do know that How does a man get well if you lock us down in a dorm that's infected with the virus? Look I'm very concerned for my safety and others in my Dorm. I want to ask this of you or someone to come and test us ALL!! Even though we are [incarcerated people] of something don't we have the right to be tested... I have not for a while been watching the news but I do know that we ALL still have rights for what I'm NOT sure. But I know this was NOT in my Sentence to Die of this Sickness. I know that we ALL here are Human and we should be treated as so. I want everyone to know and understand that I, like many others, are still in court. And have Good shot of going home. What a pity if I got sick in prison and then died here because we were NOT TESTED! What I'm asking is a simple request that ALL get Tested for the virus. And someone to come and get the virus removed from this prison please as of again I DO NOT WANT to lose any more friends to this sickness... We need your help Media news however you can get it out of this place. We need this.. The news said the other day that the worse in Nursing homes and Prison. So If this is a Bad place to be WHY we have NOT been tested as of YET?? Out of my Dorm two men now Positive of this deadly virus How many more before we are tested?? The news is always looking for a GOOD story what's up where are at right now, OH i forgot i'm in prison we are NOT News... I have loved one just as much as the next man I believe that our thoughts count too.. Thank you for your time.... Reaching out to someone that will HELP, that all...... Be Blessed and stay healthy…”

EHCC:

• “Hello:) To answer your questions regarding my health situation, I won't say that it was "scary," per say, because I am a man that trusts in the healing and keeping power of the Almighty God, but it was frustrating to experience such a high level of incompetence from the administrators here regarding such a serious set of circumstances! I believe that it was only by the grace of God, literally, that I was able to recover to full health again after experiencing the Coronavirus. As we have seen, the initial category of high-risk persons--the elderly and those with pre-existing health complications--has widely broadened, and now we know that no one is exempt from experiencing even the worst of symptoms, including death! I feel like I'm blessed to be alive. Regarding the symptoms I experienced, the initial bout I had was composed mainly of fever, slight shortness of breath, and a persistent cough. The cough lingered for about a month straight. It was exactly a week later that I experienced another bout that consisted of coughing, fever, a very volatile moment of shortness of breath (which was ultimately the symptom that led me to seek medical attention), and cold chills (which at the time, had not even been designated as a symptom of the virus by the medical authorities). The incident occured on a Friday night, early saturday morning, and I alerted the medical staff of the situation later that saturday morning at about 8-ish while they were making their rounds conducting temperature checks--the dormitory I was (and still am) housed in was already on quarantine because two other [incarcerated people] had tested positive for the virus! It was several hours later that I was escorted to the ‘A.T.U.’ (i.e., the emergency medical unit). My vitals were checked--temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate--and I was scheduled for a follow-up appointment next week. I was told by a Nurse...who conducted the medical exam that surely I couldn't have the virus, because if I did, I'd still be running a fever during the check-up! I was like, ‘Okay! What medical journal did you get that from?’ I was sent back to my same dorm, and since that time, I've not received ANY medical treatment or testing regarding my experience. It's sad, because I know that others could've contracted the virus from me and it could've been fatal for them....but God! I hope that I can be of help to you in any way possible. Thank you again, and stay safe out there! We need you in here....”

• “Greetings, As of today, no one has been tested and yes they were taking our temperature at one time, they have stopped. I have not seen a social worker, doctor, or any classification officer. Whenever someone is sent, they're in and out. I have conditions that will kill me if I'm infected, yet they're not practicing social distancing, nor is this facility helping us. I've watched nurses alter the temperature gun and give false readings, even when I told the nurse when I felt fever, she told me please stop lying, we're not going to continue coming over here everyday. I'm afraid I may die as well as others in here, please continue to fight for us, we need you all. Thank you.”

May 26, 2020

Angola:

• “...Everything is still the same over here. Like I told you the only thing they've given us is mask.The only way anything else is done if you show symptoms. Dorms...are on quarantine, because they had 5 guys in...and 1 in...that had contacted the virus.You know how it is in here everybody wants to be chief and no indians.And the lack of communication is ridiculous.They act like they trying to give it to us.As for as ReEntry that's just a name right now.We aren't doing anything actively that involves ReEntry.As a matter of fact we're working the grounds of the prison.”

EHCC:

• "’SELF-DETERMINATION’ Supreme Peace Comrades Just a few lines to inform you that I'm still alive :-) well we are off of our second quarantine' and no we have not received nor have ever received any hand sanitizer, we're still living on top of each other. beside that, everything is pretty much the same. This is an update on the shituation here. Bytheway! could you introduce me to a good civil lawyer? For I may need to be compensated if I live through this. :-) ONE LOVE and SOLIDARITY”

DCI:

• “Good morning. Thank you for your concern regarding our health and well being during this pandemic. Yes, I am currently helping others as I am a Disabled Asst. While caring for others I make sure to wear my mask and try to use disposable gloves. There still have been no COVID19 tests administered to the general population, no hand sanitizer is being provided nor is soap being provided. There are a few individuals here who have medical issues who need to be considered for medical release. One...has COPD,asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes...Another is...77 years old, diabetic and has a host of other ailments to numerous to list. Recently he was bitten by a spider and has a large hole in his leg. The medical department here isn't doing anything as far as being assertive in regards to COVID19. Case in point being I have a hole in my tonsil and can't see a doctor. I've been here since 01/27/20 and haven't seen a doctor,dentist or eye doctor. I"M in dire need of eyeglasses. I take 3 different blood pressure meds to keep my BP under control. I have swelling in both of my legs. I am very concerned about my health. I am a U.S.Air Force Veteran. I appreciate all that you all are doing to help us. Thank you for your continued love and support. May god continue to bless all of you.”

LCIW/EHCC:

• “Thank you for your response. Yes I'm still in...and it is a made up dorm that is to pack to recover from the virus. When the Administration shipped the Hunt [incarcerated people] back to the negative dorm it was only four in the room I am in. As of today the Administration moved 16 others in the room and they were only Quarantine for only one week opposed to our 30 something days of quarantine. I don't know what is next. I took 2-tests and didn't get one result as of yet. I gave my family your information to write and be a part of my struggle.”

May 25, 2020

Raymond Laborde:

• “Hello, Thanks again for your correspondence. Again, I greatly admire and appreciate all the hard work that VOTE does in advocating for fairness and justice for [incarcerated people]...As far as an update on the coronavirus situation here: Yes, it does appear that the virus is spreading. However, the spread seems to be located primarily on the Hope dorm. 5 people on the tier...tested positive within the last week. As I mentioned in a previous message, there's been an uptick in coronavirus cases on other tiers as well. That uptick hasn't diminished since my last message (although, I don't think there were any new cases today--a good sign). Thanks again for the message...I look forward to being of service to this organization!”

DCI:

• “As far as I have been informed we still have no cases,no they are not testing anyone but the ones who go to the infirmary saying they are having flu like symptoms, and from what I gather it ain't many...Me,I'm as good as can be in this place,my health is still holding up,I'm dealing with bad sinus problems but that's about it,it common for me around this part of the season,I've dealt with this all my life....No we are not required to wear mask,but I do when I'm around people I'm normally not around day in and day out,the COs,well lets just say some do wear them all day and some don't,mostly the night shift will be the ones who don't wear them the whole shift....I think they should be testing even though we have no cases,I mean it said on TV that they would start testing all nursing homes and all prisons in LA a few weeks ago,but I still haven't seen any [here]...I just pray I can make it these 7 months I have left with no problems other than just a sinus infection.....Ok I'm running out of time on this machine,so I'll go for now,if you have anymore questions or I didn't answer all of them please write me back soon,and again Thank you from the deepest parts of my heart, you're a light in a VERY dark place and time!!!”

May 24, 2020

Angola:

• “I've just over came the coronavirs after 30 days...What I do want u all to know is that it's not much they do when we get sick. When I made a emergency my Temperature came back 103.6. After that they sent me to the hospital test me and sent me to E-block where I was in the cell for 23/1. Friday I made the emergency that Sunday I came back positive for covid19. Allah I could do was pray, Allah I know this is not the way u want my life to end. The Freeman at my cell telling me leave everything can u please tell me if I have it. Yes now come on before u get me sick wow!!! then I begin to walk down the walk. There the Ems van is there to take me to camp J Bass where the EMT tells me everything will be find. She was sweet made me feel a lil better. I got to J Bass drom for 7 then after I was sent to Gar 1left cell 11#. There I would be put in the cell for 23/1 dam it was like I did something wrong. All they did 2 times a day was take our temperature. I would ask questions but all they would do was talk as they walked away. Like wow!!! I'm like what are u saying I'm trying to talk with u. I would go on to do a 28days test 2 times negative before I would make it back to my camp. There I would get out the van and the free women ask what is the reason for my gloves. I also had on a mask, I told her so I want to get the norovirus again. She said where did u get it from, like did u leave the prison on a trip. I said I never left this camp. She would then say go now before u get me sick. I said I know I'm good. I had to test negative 2 times before they let me out. I did not wish to be that way. Then I made it back to my drom where a lot of my friends were happy to see me. Well lest not forget the word was I had passed these dudes up here in Angola will kill u the first chance they get. I know right.”

EHCC:

• “Hello...Thank you for your concern. The tooth is OK. It needs to be pulled, but that won't happen until this COVID-19 thing passes. Temperature checks only happen when on Quarantine. Masks are required when waiting in line for chow, otherwise nobody wears them. As to staying safe, I'm pretty sure I had it and beat it. All of...got sick during the first Quarantine, just not anyone critically. A few had aches, a few lost their sense of smell or taste. Everyone had a cough. If we did in fact have it, we should have antibodies and be immune now - To that particular strain at any rate. To my knowledge none of the dorms are still on quarantine. I for one am looking forward to a return to normalcy. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer them honestly and without bias. Stay safe yourself.”

May 23, 2020

Angola:

• “In the beginning, the way safety precautions were being handled seemed to be genuine. Not saying administrators [here] weren't. It is the lower rank like captain, sergeant, cadet, lieutenant who creates negligence due to severe laziness which can cost lives in a place like unregulated prison areas.”

David Wade:

• “As for the information as to how this facility is handling the COVID-19 is excellent. That says a lot coming from me because I do not like anything about this prison or its personnel. Their entire staff wear the requisite mask by the government. They keep every dorm constantly equipped w/ hand sanitizer(rubbing alcohol), liquid soap. Interaction between [incarcerated people] are to a bare minimum. Every other feasible prevention method is in operation, in my opinion. And to ensure this is not the C.O.s, but the head Warden, all the Colonels, lt. Colonels, Majors. I am please w/ their handling of the pandemic, even though I know it's not because they care for the [incarcerated] population but, to concede to the orders of their superiors and to impress them... a job well done. THANK YOU ALL for showing your concern. Have a Good Day & a Blessed Life!”

Raymond Laborde:

• “As of today, 8 or 9 people sufered medical emergencies due to the virus on this tier alone. The most recent literally passed out in mid-stride at about 4am Friday morning. After waiting about 5 minutes trying to get someone's attention, rank finally came and revived the guy. That whole experience made me fearful like feel me. A serious reminder of what we're up against. Like I mentioned in my last message, the inmate canteen worker they put back on our tier instead of isolating him, may be an asymptomatic carrier. He had his family call up here to see what's up with the canteen lady he was working around in an attempt to get tested in case she did test positve but they didn't provide any info on her. Said it was confidential. Before that day, all was well so to speak. We survived the first unit quarantine cause it was other tiers that had inmates on them exposed to the free folks outside the gates. Since putting the guy back on this tier with us without immediately isolating him when the lady took leave after having already passed out everyone's canteen that day, inmates on this tier are experiencing some form of sickness. Honestly, I may have had it I dont know though. I have asthma so I probably would've really felt it. Other tiers have guys seeking medical help due to flu-like symptoms. Non-corona medical issues are normally overlooked or not taken serious. The only ones who actually get some type of help are the ones who have outside support to call here and get it handled that way. We did receive two mask each that we have to handwash and reuse which creates another situation due to guys not wearing them. We do get extra bleach and soap if we ask for it. No sanitizer though The guards situation is somewhat 50/50. Some wear masks and gloves. Some wear gloves only. Some wear masks only.”

May 22, 2020

Angola:

• “I am happy to hear from you guys. It's good to know that you all are on our side. You know we feel so alone in these dire circumstances. Yes, our dorm was a hot spot. The lady...never returned, so I don't exactly know what has happened to her. I am assuming that all the guys that tested positive are at camp-J. We have not heard from them since they were sent to the hospital due to the coronavirus. Yes, due to the grace of God, I am still healthy. You can best believe that if I feel a little bit ill, I will declare myself as a medical emergency. We have not had any new cases since those other 8 guys left out. Everyone has been trying their best to stay to themselves, and they have been wearing the cotton masks the prison has provided us with. In addition, we can take it upon ourselves to develop cleaning crews. We wipe everything down three times a day with soap and bleach. So far, it has been helping us out. So far we have not had anyone return to the dorm who tested positive. They may return, but they may just hold them where they are because they may still be able to spread the disease. When we lost my friend...it kind of shook everyone up in our dorm. He was an older guy, but he was not sick before the corona virus hit him. He and I used to work in the shop together and we were planning on making a lot of projects together in the near future. He will be missed. The good thing is that he was a believer, so I know he is in a better place. We appreciate your concern. The guy...that collapsed on my foot is most likely at camp-J with all the other guys that tested positive. The people did not give me anything to clean up with. I had to use cleaning materials that I already had to get everything back in order. Normally, guys will get into contact with someone they know no matter where they are located in the prison, but for some reason, we have not heard from those guys. Yes, they are using some type of scanner to check our temperature. It is not the standard model that is inserted in your mouth to give a proper reading. It is an electronic device that is placed on your forehead and then it gives off a reading. I have been ranging from 97.3-98.1 for all my readings. I know it is not accurate, but so far it has been the only thing they are using...when someone declares themself as a medical emergency, the EMT's may come right away, but we have been told that they have up to three hours to get to us. Normally, they don't take three hours, but that is the time span. Factually, I only know about [my friend] dying because we are isolated right now. I have heard that others have died, but I don't have solid facts. Today, I was watching the news and I saw that 19 people have died in the EBR parish prison, and they have over 200 confirmed cases. That is so so wrong. It's like they can care less about people in prison. Yes, camp-J was condemned, and there was a lot of black mold in that place. A few months ago they sent guys out to clean it up. I am sure they will suffer health problems for going in that area. No, no one in our dorm has been tested since the last time I wrote. You would figure that we would have been tested due to the fact that so many guys have fallen ill in my dorm. However, the process they are using is to let us fall ill, then ship us off. It is beyond scary, and we are all in fear for our lives. My mom gets so worried if I don't call her at least twice a week to let her know that I am okay, so we also have our families going through this also. It is horrible all around the board. Right now, prayers are the only thing that can make things better. We serve an awesome God and He always has a plan for His people. I appreciate you guys, and I wish that I could help out more. I know you guys receive so much info on a daily basis, and I wish I could help out with that. Well be blessed. I hope to hear from you guys again soon.”

LCIW/EHCC:

• “Hey, received your email and just wanted to reply to your questions. Yes, I was tested here on May 4th and again on May 5th when I went to the hospital. When I arrived back here after being released from the hospital, I was sent to a dorm they set up as a dorm for [incarcerated people] who tested positive for the virus. So, now instead of being sent to Hunt those who test positive are sent to this dorm for approximately seven days or until they no longer show symptoms. Once we have no symptoms then we are sent to a step down building and have to stay there for two or three weeks. After three weeks or twenty-one days we are tested and if we test negative, we are tested again in three to seven days. If two negative results come back then we are sent to a dorm that houses those who are negative. They have tested everyone here and the women housed at Hunt. Those who test positive are placed together in a positive dorm and those who test negative are placed together in a negative dorm. They are doing all they can here to control the transmission from staff to [incarcerated person] and [incarcerated person] to staff. From what I can tell, this virus is being taken seriously and all necessary precautions are being taken at both institutions (JCCY and Hunt). Please keep us updated on what is happening and what plans are being made to help combat this situation or what changes may be forthcoming.”

May 21, 2020

Angola:

• "For instance, the last few emails I sent...contained information, times and dates of when security came into the dorm without a mask of gloves that could be seen on video. We have 13 cameras in the dorm, maybe more...Two elderly patients who could barely walk, see, or commit a crime in their condition, who lived in...a medical dorm died from the coronavirus. [That dorm] has been hit extremely hard. Out of the 86 beds in our dorm, only 60 of us are still in the dorm. And how will Angola meet the fire Marshall's coronavirus regulations? We can't Social Distance in this place. We have to use the restroom one foot away from each other, pretty much the same with showering, with no dividers in between us. We just want to know that our info isn't going to waste. And we want results. When we break the rules, we are punished severely. But they get away with damm near murder. And we feel like they don't care about us. Were just criminals to security. If we die, they'll have more beds to put people in.They just care about money. I don't know. It's frustrating to contemplate their motives."

LCIW/JCCY:

• "Well the results are in. Well half of them anyway for this dorm. I am positive along with 22 others. The other results are not back yet but will be later today. I expect much of the same positive results. As I figured, we will most likely exceed EHCC.'s results. I guess we will be moved sometime today."

May 20, 2020

Angola:

• "Hey Vote Team! Five days ago on 05-14-20 an [incarcerated person] went to work as a tier walker...where people have already tested positive for the Covid19 virus. On the above date the [person] arrived at work...and he had a fever, he was later tested and the result was positive for Covid19. He is now somewhere under isolation...Why would they expose [someone] here...knowing he could infect us all where there has not been any reported cases? Why would they give us masks to wear in over crowded dormitories, when entire dormitories have already tested positive for the virus?...So please forgive me and I hope it makes you guys feel better because I grill my own family members even harder. Covid19 is God sent because of all the institutions in the world that only caters to itself and not his people. Social distancing measures can not be applied here in prison because we are slaves. The main prison is closed down due to the virus. Nothing meaningful has been done to keep us safe here...It’s sad how animals are being treated better than us. THANKS!"

EHCC:

• “To make matters worse, I still go to work everywhere in every building where I'm exposed to people who could possibly be contagious, and some in the Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) that I know for a fact have it, and then I go back to my dorm. Call me Mr. Super-spreader, please, because the possibility is out there. There is no way to tell for the rest of us, because they haven't tested anyone unless they're already showing major symptoms. The medical staff claims they care, and I'm pretty sure that that's what they are telling the public, but from what I have observed it is just the opposite.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “5 out the eight tiers had [people] testing positive for the virus, the tier i live on never had a case as of yet, but it doesn't mean we are clear of the virus because we are not showing symptoms, and we are not getting tested unless you show some type of symptoms. Why is no one coming out here to investigate these people about this ? you would think they would come take our temperatures or something, it's ridiculous. the head warden died and the head doctor too, it's just a matter of time this entire prison will be infected.”

May 18, 2020

Angola:

• “How are you and the family doing through all of this? I pray that all is well. I wrote to you on the 26 of April...Since then, there are no testing for the covid-19 in here, and people are dying much more then what is reported. I am trying to get medical attention for a check up concerning the Leukemia that I have to deal with and I have yet to see any Dr...We need more help in here, if not this will be a slaughter house and here are those of us that did not sign up for this. Just communicating with you on the things that I know. God bless, and be safe.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “Hello Vote team members. Thanks for your response to my message. Since I wrote you last another person in this dorm has tested positive. I will answer your questions to the best of my ability. I am housed at RLCC in Cottonport La...They have given everyone 2 masks a piece that we must wash and re-use, but the only [incarcerated people] who get gloves, work as either feed up crew or key orderlies. We do get cleaning supplies when requested, but some of the guards here follow protocol by wearing masks and gloves, however, others don't. Some non-covid medical issues are being handled but not all. Some [people] are showing symptoms related [to] covid, coughing repeatedly for days, but since they do not have a high temp or say that ‘they think they might have covid’ then the staff refuses to check them out. I feel like we all need to be tested since 2 guys out of a dorm of 52 have already tested positive. It is very likely that there are more sick people in this dorm alone. Thank you vote team. My time is running out.”

May 16, 2020

EHCC:

• “Hello:) Thank you for responding to my last email. I understand the delay...surely, you guys have your hands full trying to continue your work and manage your family affairs during this time of crisis! It's people like yourselves that give men and women like myself the encouragement to keep going, keep fighting, despite the challenges. You all are heros in my book, and I'm appreciative for your support! Now, concerning EHCC. I'm feeling much better now regarding, what I believe, was a bout of the Coronavirus! ‘No,’ I was never tested (and still haven't been tested as of the date of this email), and ‘Yes,’ I was placed back in my dormitory after seeing medical! Regarding my ‘face mask,’ due to recent press releases pertaining to the N-95 face masks and the fact that those masks only filter 30% of the airborne bacteria, I believe my mask is only for looks at this point! My health and well-being has always been in the hands of the LORD, and the Coronavirus pandemic is no exception to the rule--my GOD is STILL a Healer!! Hello:) But yes, they passed out face masks made of the material used to make the jumpsuits you see so often when [incarcerated people] are transported from here to there! They're just for looks! No hand sanitizer whatsoever, no gloves....we're just in here, and for those who have faith, pleading on the Mercies of almighty GOD! It's truly said....If you have any other questions, please feel free to let me know! Thank you once again for your support....”

May 15, 2020

DCI:

• “Dear VOTE Team, and Friends I'm perplexed and highly stressed-out! Apparently, no matter what I report to anyone, nothing is being done. Is it not enough, I was injured in a chemical spill and have respiratory issues that have long gone unrecognized, by many... I had "THE NATIONS LAW FIRM" who claimed me as a ‘client’ for (six) years prior to my conviction. In regards to my complaint: There is a burning in my throat and lungs. [Incarcerated people] are being threatened by a different Pandemic here at DCI. DCI Security personnel are smuggling in poisonous chemicals called "Paper Mojo '' and "Green Mojo.” [People] are heavily smoking dried-up Kayak "DIP" tobacco with Mojo. Making it more difficult to breathe in dorms. Administration here at DCI are not testing for (COVID19), and NO Temperature Testings are being implemented. DCI security and offenders who leave from the dorm and the gate access moveables, personal property and/or like material throughout the day without implementing safety precautions or testing per (COVID19). Sooner or Later, The Press will be Notified! When it's all said and done, I have an account of all parties that were notified... Hope to hear from you soon :-) May God Bless You in Your Mission For Justice O:-) Also in Solidarity…”

• “Hi! I'm at D.C.I Dixon Correctional Institution, and sent my last email we have gotten 2home made mask that's it.No soap put in bath room nor check ups.The haven't did any check ups at all on none of us.They also don't checking there staffs when coming. to work. We just in here man really don't know who got what or nothing. This is crazy for real I just don't understand. When it first kicked off the only thing they did was move people old and young from one side to another, separating us from around the people who they thank might be fast to get it. Really age don't matter and covid-19 will hit anybody.I just thank God that my family and others family's still alive because some [incarcerated people] up here lost family to covid-19. Me and others will feel better just getting checked because knowing people around u good will make u feel good. Right now don't nobody know what's wrong with who......I just want to make it home to my family safe. I only have 3 years left 2023 as of now the first time crime of violence, been down 14 [years].”

May 14, 2020

Angola:

• “My dorm has become a hotspot. A few weeks ago they placed a female security guard…in our dorm. She said that she was sick, but she remained at work. After that, guys started getting sick in my dorm. So far, seven guys have declared themselves as medical emergencies, and they were taken out by the medical personnel. All of those guys tested positive for the coronavirus. I am sure that there are others that have the virus in my dorm, but they are not saying they are sick. They prefer to just lie in their bed until the last minute. Two nights ago a guy finally confessed that he was sick, but that was only because he felt as though he was having a heart attack. Once the medical people came in to check on , he had a temperature of 101.4. They took him to the hospital, and he tested positive also. One of my close friends died Saturday. He was in my dorm also...Now, everyone in my dorm is living in fear. We are in a death trap with no way out. They are not testing people unless they show symptoms, so in the meanwhile we are living amongst each other not knowing who is infected. We only know once the person goes down. About five days ago a guy...collapsed on my foot. He was on his way to the restroom, but he could not make it. The guy dedicated all over the floor. We have not heard anything from those guys yet. They have been checking our temperature twice a day with digital readers. I am sure they are not giving accurate readings because they put it on your forehead and it gives a reading. I have been having a reading of 97.6, 97.9. Those are readings that I have never had with a regular temperature device. The guys have been getting their regular meds, but outside of that medical care is moot. In addition, when someone says that they need medical assistance, the medical personnel are telling us that they have three hours to reply to us. One older guy declared himself an emergency four times, but to no avail. The only reason they came got him is because he contacted his family and told them he was being denied medical care. After that they rushed him off. Being that so many people have tested positive in my dorm, they should test everyone in here to see who is sick, and who is not so that everyone does not get infected. Until then, guys will just continue to drop one at a time. There are other people that passed also, but they were in other dorms.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “...they are playing games with our lives, why are we not being tested??? they give us these homemade masks that the [incarcerated people] made in the garment factory, and they never once came around to wash these masks, we still don't get sanitizer, nothing to help us at all, nothing is being done around here to help us stay safe , the same tiers [incarcerated people] are getting infected, and all other tiers are on lockdown because of this everytime.... i'm sick of this, we don't know who is carrying this virus around, none of these security officers are being tested either for this virus, we don't know which of them may have it until they show up sick one day then we start catching after.... I don't know how much longer this is going to go on before this entire prison be totally infected with this virus. we don't know if they are reporting everytime someone gets tested positive to the public or not, but these people need to be exposed about the way they are handling this so unprofessionally, its as if our lives do not matter to them, actually we are waiting to die .... if we test positive and have some type of weak immune system this will be their excuse why the inmate died, we need help serious help because this virus is starting to spread in this place, somebody needs to come out here and see investigate what is going on here !!!”

May 6, 2020

DCI:

• “I thought I might write and give you some insight in this prison's actions, concerning the virus. Anyway in this prison you would have to be dying to get proper medical attention. We have long wait's to see a doctor and the nurses here don't want to be bothered. Serious illnesses are treated with only ibuprofen, this miracle drug is given for any kind of treatment, from a back injury to a toothache. When you're in prison you do have a B-I-G lack of proper basic medical treatment. Their philosophy is that as [incarcerated people] we are to get the barest and I mean the barest, of medical treatment allowed. And if you don't want to be retaliated against or get abusive treatment from security or medical personnel, you have to file any reports anonymously. I know you that have been in prison, know how bad medical attention is. If anything happens to an [incarcerated person] here we...have to put the sick [person] on a stretcher and take him to the infirmary because the medical team we have here won't, and I mean won't, come to a dorm to check on an [an incarcerated person]. Even if the [individual] is having a seizure or a stroke it is up to another [incarcerated person] to get him to the infirmary. At angola I was part of the Main Prison C.P.R. team and I am now a C.P.R. Instructor. At Angola the medics always came out with an ambulance to get the inmate. Yes we on the C.P.R. team took care of the inmate until medics arrived but here we have to take an [incarcerated person] to the infirmary ourselves if they need medical attention. Well I know I will probably get some backlash over my writing you about all this, but I believe you should really know how it is here. This place really sucks when it comes to proper medical attention.”

May 4, 2020

EHCC:

•  “...these people just locked down two other people in our dorm cause they work in nursing around all those sick people and one of those sick people tested positive. I think its kinda messed up that people who show signs of the virus, and then put the same inmates that are working around those who might have it, back in the dorm with all those who don’t, putting us all at risk of catching it. Now they are locking down just those two who were working around the guy who tested positive. But what about this whole dorm, who is now possibly infected due to those same two guys living with and around us after working with the infected and possibly infected everyday? Kinda stupid don’t you think? Just shows you how little these people care about [incarcerated people].”

• Greetings VOTE. I know it has been a few days since I've written. I was just waiting on the next course that COVID19 was going to take us. Here @EHCC Unit….went on quarantine last night, which they just got off of quarantine a few days ago. And just a few minutes ago….has been placed on quarantine. Its kind of sad how this case reported, everyone knew the guy was sick. Ain't no one wanted to tell (Wow, no one wanted to tell/rat/snitch, because no one wants to be on quarantine again). I guess when the guys get the real test we're know in the next few days if those guys really have COVID19. I'm gone, but I was finding it very strange that Women Prison that's on the other side has all those cases. And we don't have that many COVID19 cases.

May 2, 2020

DCI:

• "Dear Vote Team, Thank y'all so very much for your hard work on our behalf, and for your overwhelming concern. Y'all are truly a bless-ing!! I am trying to stay as safe as I can under the circumstances. However, we are still packed up like sardines. We all have been given two masks, no gloves. The living conditions are poor. The bath area has mold on the ceiling, there's rust all around the crown molding in the toilet area. Employees are not wearing their masks--and cameras at DCI will show this. We are not being fed properly, everyday the food shortage happens more often. We who are locked up are going through the worst, but some are even scared to speak up because threats of being placed in the cellblocks for writing or verbally complaining about the situation at hand.... You have to give these men the belief that change will come even if its not in their time of living."

April 24, 2020

Angola:

• “At approximately 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. security and medical staffers descended on Ash - 1 unit and began to remove the property of several [incarcerated people]. And conducting temperature checks. That is how they test for the virus. Considering the amount of [people] involved, I think the medical term would be, "cluster". Ash - 1 unit is a trusty dorm of old timers averaging 40 - years served or longer. They are not going to make this public news unless the hospitalization is required and the hospital releases the information. The warden said they can't test us or provide ventilators because there is not enough to go around for the free world citizens. Every positive word that starts with "re" just went out.”

April 22, 2020

EHCC:

• “Good morning, we've been in quarantine for 2 weeks, today is the beginning of the third week, today we are supposed to be off of quarantine. If you do research on the handling of the proper procedures according to the CDC, you'll find that the officials of this prison is in total disarray in handling this situation. It's 7:07 am Wednesday, April 22, 2020. We haven't had a meal since 3 or 4 p.m. yesterday, L thru Z medication hasn't come yet and we're still quarantined without any notice. Whenever the meals on wheels does come, they're cold, which is a health risk according to the serve safe procedures on hot foods. We're still at risk of our health by constant contact with prison officials, including those who were sent home, who are now back to work around us. We are being treated with great deal of disrespect, inhumane treatment, and I fear of my mental healthcare. There has been no one to help the 85% mental health patients on this dorm since the pandemic. This may be my last email, I am losing the battle with my sanity, I can't get any professional help, my anxiety and depression is at an all time high, I've been sleepwalking, sleep deprived and hallucinating. Please, if I don't regain sanity, please use my email as evidence in the cruel and unusual punishment that's being delivered to us at this time. Thank you.”

• “I had another awful bout of sickness last Friday--the same persistent cough I've been dealing with for about a month now, coupled with fever, cold chills and shortness of breath. It was the shortness of breath that concerned me the most! It's something about struggling to breathe that scares the heck out of you!!! I alerted the medical personnel the next morning about what had happened, and AFTER LUNCH they finally came and brought me to the infirmary. They checked my vitals--blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate--called the doctor and told him the situation, and he said to set me an appointment for NEXT WEEK for another assessment! Yes, NEXT WEEK!!!...I was told that unless I was running a fever at the time that I was being checked, they would not administer the COVID-19 test because they're so short handed on them! I told the nurse, Ms. ___, "So, you mean to tell me that regardless of me telling you that I've been experiencing ALL of the symptoms related to this virus, because I'm not running a fever right at this moment you're willing to take the risk of me spreading this thing...to others for the next week?" Her response was that she couldn't override the doctor, and was only doing what she had been told! So, here I am, praying to GOD that I'm not infected with this virus. I make my own face mask Sunday night out of a new T-shirt that I wear to curve the spread just in case, you know...this is a sorry set of circumstances, to say the least! But I believe and trust that GOD is still on the throne and that he has all of this worked out "for the good of those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose!"...it's always a blessing to hear from you guys and to provide you with the information that you need to help us in our fight for what's right! Thank you, on behalf of all the men here, and please take care of yourselves on your end...I believe that the worst of this is yet to come!”

April 21, 2020

Angola:

• “As for the situation here, the misinformation provided to society continues just as you may recall. The promise of providing mask and sanitizer proved to only be a promise. There is sanitizer marked ‘security only.’ Most of us are using t-shirts to fashion makeshift masks. In other words, we are improvising. Last week, they started taking guys from areas around the farm and sending them to Camp J to facilitate its operation. The stigma that attaches to that move is somewhat overwhelming. Its one that alot of us don't recognize. I've heard some reason that, ‘there's medical over there taking care of the sick,’ and truly believe they will be safe. They don't realize, these are the same ones that lost in a suit for inadequate care, before the virus.”

April 17,2020

Angola:

• “Yesterday we were taken off quarantine only to be placed on quarantine again. There was a guy who has been feeling I'll for some days now. He was thinking that he had food poisoning. On several occasions he made a request to see the EMTs in which they came to see him. They took him out of here, but a few days later he came back in here. He told us that he didn't have anything, but we could see that something wasn't right. We didn't think it was the coronavirus, because everyday they checked his pressure and it was good. That made all of us think that he was good, but this morning they came to tell us that we are back on quarantine. We are assuming that he is the one that has it, because he is the only one that was taken out of here. He was taken out of here this past Tuesday. Nonetheless, that has to be the new case of the coronavirus in here.”

April 16, 2020

EHCC:

•  “No sense of urgency about the severity of what’s going on.”

DCI:

• “The situation here hasn't improved. the individuals who weren't issued masks still haven't received one. There are certain offenders who have been quarantined. Yes, we are still working around offenders from other dorms as well as sharing the small dining hall with the higher risk older offender population. There has been several staff members who tested positive for COVID19 and the offender population still hasn't been provided with testing.”

April 15, 2020

Angola:

• “We have only been locked down going on three weeks, we been going to the kitchen and yard only since two dorms at a time on one shift and a whole unit on the other. we're not being given the proper cleaning supplies, they're putting certain [people] that do their paperwork in church to sleep and eat out the re- entry club for free... And I say that to say.... A kitchen worker tested positive for the virus. His dorm was quarantined, but it's a kitchen dorm and all the or most guys work on either shift.Rumor is that DOC made a policy that we are support to be getting a new face mask once a week, but we don't get them well certain [people] do....Now about the cases I've heard about,They have 9 dorms on quarantine...And my opinion is that there is at least one-two cases on every unit just in main prison, we not even talking what's going on in the outta camps...Ohh! Let's not forget about the death of not 1,2,BUT 3 officers! Some guy wanted me to tell y'all about how they can't get their money out their saving account, cause it's under $150.... But most of us are employed but prison enterprise, (well we are rented out by the state for $10 a head to prison enterprise, but we only get .08¢ that's slip in half .04¢ to your savings "FOR TIMES LIKE THIS" and the other. 04¢ to your regular account..... And like I was saying some guys are having problems getting their funds, cause it's not over $150 but it our money and if you think about it we out of work too! sole of our family's are out of works and can't send us nothing and we need help for real.... cause everything cost in Angola and if you would see how there handling us in the kitchen you wouldn't even go real talk. well let me not make this to long, but just know that that we need all the help that y'all can provide being that y'all are going through it out there too.But while we going through these troubled times let's not forget to stay prayed up! Thank you for all that you do for us....” 

• “A PLEA FOR THE VIOLENT,ELDERLY,SICK.HANDICUP AND REHABILITATED PEOPLES IN PRISONS TO GO HOME! BECAUSE OF REASONS BELOW AND MORE ! (OVER CROWNING) There is no or very little room at the hospital for any more patients.So this is why they started this thing about HEALTH CARE DORMS.There is one on the WEST YARD at hickory 4 & there is two on the EAST YARD CYPRESS 2 & ASh 2.ALL of these dorms suppose to be HEALTH CARE DORMS has over 80 something peoples in them with double bunks just like all the regular dorms do,no different at all.None of these dorms should have no more than about 58 peoples in them.They should not even be call health care dorms.They should be call health care BARNS.Not a one of these barns are even close to being properly equip for sick,handicap,elderly & wheel chairs peoples.No proper space between toilets & urinals for wheels & walkers.These Barns are totally insufficient for health cares .No special or proper place for us to eat ,there may be space for two guys to get to a table,the rest eat off their laps,boxs or where ever.The fire lanes are not properly space for the wheel chairs to travel freely.There is also a really big problem, there is no respect for the patients at all.There is so many BAD SITUATIONS in these BARNS until u would not believe it.It is so crown in this place until there is no room for violates to be locked up. Let me just stop on this for right now.There is so many peoples in these barns that are 60_70_ 77 years old also in the rest of these barns.We are no threat to our selfs or anyone on the streets.Most of these peoples are blind, handicap in wheel chairs & all kinds of sickness. Some can not go to the restroom own their own or shower.None of us are a threat,risk,or gamble to anyone.Keeping us in these over crowned condemn barns is Inhumane & Cruel Punish.Come on man!These Barns Are Not The Answer At All !Lots of us are being use for examples of being hard on crime by the D.A. & Judges which is a from of retaliations also revenge for the victims.Not that the victims do not deserve justice also ,but to a just & fair limit.Not control over a persons lives as long as they live.Justice is supposed to be fair all !Justice has a starting point & it also has a stoping point just like everything else do. If they had to pay for housing & keeping all of us in prison beside just their taxes, but come out of their own pocks.They would not feel that way about peoples.But would have some mercy & forgiveness for peoples !Think about how much money is being spent on all of us that are being keep in these barns & lots of other stuff.Think about this ,there is about 45% of the peoples in society that are more a threat, risk & a gamble & problems than the peoples we are asking for mercy & a second chance.At a time like it is now with the over crowning & the Coronavirus in the prisons like it is now.There is no room for us to get the proper space for 6_ feets no were.”

EHCC:

• “...Things are fairly the same. We are still under quarantine (Fox 6 and Fox 5). The nurses come down twice a day to record our temperature and ask if we have any cough, shortness of breath or fever. On April 12th, we were each given two masks that were made at the facility's Prison Enterprises garment factory. They're made from T-shirt material that is folded multiple times. I'm not certain of their efficacy in controlling transmission, although I have seen private citizens sewing homemade masks for medical staff. The staff in our dorm are now wearing masks, paper gowns, gloves, and face shield/goggles. No one has been able to answer the question about getting masks/gloves sent as a package. I heard the governors/secretarys press release about the "early release" panel that will start meeting. That's encouraging. I pray you're all staying safe.”

• “Good evening, we've recently came into some valuable information that needs to be publicized...a...man was placed on unit 1 compound for suicide watch. At that time, unit 1 was restricted to mix with unit 2. [He] was transferred back to unit 2 After coming into contact with [incarcerated people], or staff that was exposed, or positive for covid-19. [He] returned to the same dorm, and bed he was housed before. Coming into contact with two other [people] that have been placed in isolated quarantine with infected [individuals]. The officials that govern us at this facility knew that they weren't supposed to send...back over to unit 2, They stopped all movement, yet [he] came back. Putting us all at risk! The other two [people] could die because of the decisions that were made. We all could be carrying the virus, and not showing any symptoms! We need freedom! An uprising is brewing, and it could only turn out one way, bad!”

April 14, 2020

Angola:

• “As you probably well know, Angola has opened Camp J for positive covid-19 cases arising in jails and prisons around the state, and that in itself presents its own problems. What I feel should have been done from the start is that security that works here should have been made to stay on the farm if they wished to work during this time. They lied in the media stating that they were testing employees before they were allowed access to the farm but the only testing that was done is they were taking the employees temperatures. It is difficult for us to get accurate and timely information in here from staff and about the condition of the spread of the virus within the prison. We have for sure 2 confirmed cases that came from this camp that I am housed in. Some of the workers that have tested positive have let their financial concerns trump safety concerns for the [incarcerated people] in the prison. Since the virus has been confirmed within the confines of the prison, they have started taking some precautions. Some of those precautions are absolutely absurd, such as us remaining six feet apart in line for chow, then we are stuffed right back in the same dorm together where we live basically on top of each other. But as [incarcerated people] our concerns are keeping distance from the guards because they are the ones that brought the virus within the gates through their negligence and letting their financial concerns trump their better judgement. Last I heard there were 9 confirmed cases of [incarcerated people] on the farm but that was over a week ago. It's all cloak and dagger when it comes to informing of the status of the spread and most of the precautions are for appearance sake. They had reported to the media that we were given hand sanitizer and masks but that is also false. The only persons given masks and hand sanitizer is the staff. They want us to distance from each other living in the dorms together, but they routinely invade and violate our social distancing space.”

DCI:

• “I'm here at Dixon correctional Institution and I would like to let you know that they've stopped letting us make routine sick calls ,now we have to make emergency sick calls if we want to see the doctor. The problem with this is that a routine sick call is $3.00 and emergency sick calls are $8.00 plus any meds they give you are $2.00 additional. this is very awful at a time like this to be very unfair by using the infirmary that way if not unlawful. you have to pay $10.00 to see a doctor regardless of your situation. that's just some of the greediness that's going on here…”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “It's day 11 of the corona lockdown at LCIW. We have 25 positive cases on the ward. They just gave us two cloth masks. Since no one on our dorm his shown symptoms, the nurses do not check our temps twice a day like the other dorms. I think they should, since most of us either now have. cold or hay fever....What are they waiting for? Other than that, nothing has changed except it is now at the other LCIW facility in Baker (JCCY).”

April 12, 2020

Angola:

• “One of the issues of grave concern, which is the concern of many, is our "close-quartered confinement". For the most part, we have only seen COVID in remote cases, but we are cognizant of the third wave that is imminent in correctional facilities where everything is made of steel and hard plastic. How can we observe "safe distancing" when we sleep 18 inches apart? Presently, all dormitories are in some form of quarantine. All non-essential workers are confined to the dorms all day. Some essential workers have been moved to "live on their job". Yet, there are some who are still going to work everyday and coming back to the dorms. These individuals have been around free-people who go in and out everyday, who could possibly be asymptomatic and a carrier of the disease. Case in point: a maintenance man was just recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and sent home, causing his entire work crew to be quarantined for 7 days. The [incarcerated people] were never tested for the virus, but just deemed to not show any symptoms after a certain time, then sent back to the dormitory. We also deal with the psychological trauma of the free-people who work in the dorms that we live in that go home and come back in everyday. We are of no consequence to one another, only unless a cold or virus is brought into the prison by an outside person. It is also of GREAT concern that most, if not all, of the states infected [incarcerated people] are being brought to Angola to be housed at Camp J. Some form of a crew has been deployed to live on site, but the fabrics of Angola are so interwoven that we eventually will be around somebody that was around somebody who just went to Camp J. Then, the food for them is being prepared here at Camp F, as well as the trays are being washed here. Some form of consequential contamination is imminent. They are not issuing any of us any form of PPEs. We either have to "hussle" a mask or use a make-shift one. Regular "sick-call" has been stopped. Only emergency sick-call can be accessed. Surely, it is a time for all of us to be conscious of our health and cleanliness. Overall, we are all susceptible to infection of this terrible virus on a biological level, but it has the potential to affect Black people at a much higher rate than others. There are significant class biases in our health care system dealing with preventive care for people of color. This is the cause for the illumination of the underlying conditions that black people may have. This does not indicate that we are biologically or genetically predisposed to be affected, but more so that we are socially predisposed. I hope that in the end of this global pandemic, that we will receive equality in health care, where black patients would not be dying at a higher rate than any other group…”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “I just wanted to let you guys now that us ladies at JCCY (jetson) in Baker La,we have now been exposed to the covid-19.The dorm i am in (summer) has been quarantined for the next 14 days due to one of our ladies testing positive,the lady that tested positive was shipped to Hunt in St.Gabriel La, and placed on their ward there.Dr….and Nurse...came yesterday and gave us a briefing on the virus,they said that we are to have our temperature checked twice a day and that if we we can not get tested for virus unless we run a fever of at least 100.degrees. The wardens and everyone around us act like we have a disease they will not come near us,we can no longer go outside for recreation even if we sanitize afterward like the other dorms.Also they brought a lady that tested negative for the virus and placed her on our dorm to be quarantined for the next 14 days with us but if she tested negative why put her with us who may be infected wouldn't that be placing her at risk? She is a older lady and she does have chronic illnesses,it took like 4-5 hrs for us to be able to talk to anyone here we are not even allowed to talk to our ranking officers, i feel like we should be treated like equal i understand that we may have the virus but they should have been prepared for this,we also asked if we can get tested and that was a no no! please just keep us updated on what's going on and thank you for being there for us. WE NEED A VOICE THANK YOU....”

April 10, 2020

Angola:

• “To whom this may concern, I am writing this letter concerning the prison conditions during the coronavirus pandemic. I hope that I can provide enough insight to help you. Before the virus began to spread throughout the prison, DOC headquarters sent a notice to take personal protective measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Security supervisors began to hold dorm representative meetings in order to inform the [incarcerated] population of new policies and procedures that will take place during this crisis. Shortly thereafter, security then placed memos of the new policies which were to take effect immediately. However, these new policies are not being met or cannot be fulfilled. For instance, in an effort to practice social distancing, a memo was sent to all dormitories ordering that no more than 200 [people], at a time, were allowed in the education building and no more than 50 [people] per class. We were also told to not gather no more than ten people and try to stay 6 feet apart. However, on the contrary, each unit houses over 300 hundred people, and the dormitory holds over 80 people. Majority of the dormitories are still doubled bunked, against the order of a judge, and the beds are not even 6feet apart. In the few dormitories that are half doubled bunk or not doubled bunk, the beds are positioned not even an arms length from the head of each bunk. This is the result of overcrowding. So if someone contracts the virus it's very easy for someone to spread it. Furthermore, we were also told that extra cleaning supplies would be provided to each dorm everyday. However, the only extra cleaning supplies that we receive is about a quart of germicide, which is not enough to keep the dormitory sanitized. Also, each person is given one bar of soap a week, which is not enough to wash their body or hands daily for an entire week. After cases began to arise in local areas and inside the prison, security personnel ordered for us to be placed on lockdown until further notice. We were told that they did not want [people] from different units to intermingle with each other. However, some [guys] were still ordered to work, forcing [people] from different units to intermingle. For example, Line 15b, a farm line, was sent to clean camp j, a condemned area of the prison. Line 15b were also sent to weed-eat and pick cabbage on numerous occasions. This line consist of [people] who live in different units in the main prison. In matter of fact, [someone] in the Pine unit tested positive for the virus. could have spread the virus to [someone], who lives in the dorm with him, who works on line 15b. In turn, the [person], who works on line 15b could have passed the virus to someone on another unit. Also, Pine unit is where all the kitchen workers live. So the virus can easily spread in the kitchen. We cannot know because no one is being tested and if someone has symptoms security is placing that person on quarantine and placing the dorm under quarantine without checking anyone in that particular dorm.The methods security are using is steady placing all our lives in danger. Security are able to go home and come back, however, many of the security personnel do not wear gloves or masks. Security is not enforcing this issue even though they know we can only catch the virus through the people entering the prison. In matter of fact there has been reports of multiple deaths of security personnel. On the other hand, [people] were not given masks or gloves to help protect themselves. In matter of fact, [people] who do have masks or gloves were forced to either make some out of their clothes or somehow steal some from their trips to the hospital. There are many [people] who are walking around coughing, sneezing, and showing signs of sickness. A lot [people] have requested access to medical, however, certain EMT personnel brushes off any kind of symptom as a common cold or minor fever. One EMT told [an incarcerated person] to "take an Ibuprofen and you will be alright." However, without testing how could they know if a person does or does not have the coronavirus. In conclusion, we are not able to equip ourselves with protective accessories, we are not able to adequately practice good sanitary measures to protect ourselves from this virus, we are still able to intermingle with each other, and medical access is very poor. Security is being careless for not enforcing personnel to wear protective accessories or giving each individual at least some gloves and mask. We are in need of much help and support because we are at a great risk of catching the virus because of security being ill-prepared.”

• “.... As for here at camp D where I am they appear to be trying to isolate us from others,but are still not social distancing because ther(e) are nearly a hundred people to a dorm here. They have allowed people with money in their savings here to withdraw some of their funds to make commissary,but it still doesn't help people like me who are indigent.As far as I know they have not tested any [people] here at Angola. At Least they have not tested anyone here at camp D. I'm thankful that I know that i'm not sick and as far as I know no one around me is either….”

• “I'm [a person] incarcerated in the Louisiana State Prison. My dorm has just been quarantined and will remain quarantined for at least the next 14 days. [Someone] tested positive for the virus. We were issued two masks, one to wear one to wash, and they're going to check our temperature twice a day with the infra-red. Anyone who is running a fever is taken out and isolated. Anyone who shows symptoms gets tested. Supposedly the standard for what constitutes showing symptoms is lower here than on the street so guys will be tested sooner than they would in the free world. The yard has been divided up into sections so dorms won't mix. Food is delivered along with daily medication and insulin etc. Problem is Security is still coming and going. They go home at night. they aren't restricted to the campus. That's might be liveable, but They're also still hitting a time clock every thirty minutes. so they're constantly moving in and out of the dorms and going from unit to unit. Security did no kind of communication with us until we were locked down and they had to talk to us because guys were threatening to buck. We saw two wardens for the first time in weeks. A lot of guys wanted to know why Angola has not acted sooner and all we were told was that the administration hadn't wanted to start a panic. Lots of guys aren't satisfied with that answer. No one has died here yet but i worry that is only a matter of time. There's too many old dudes and sick people in here for us to go through this unbloodied.” 

Raymond Laborde:

• “Since this pandemic has uprooted in louisiana, im had to play nurse and doctor in the doc facility im housed at. No one in the medical field that works here wants to help in any way as if we're the ones leaving in and out of here everyday. There was a selective handful of staff as in officers that gave us a helping hand but all in all me and six other [people] were the ones taking care of all the high fevered or pneumonia having [people[ making sure that didn't have covid 19. When the head warden announced it , it shook the compound. The head staff was in no way knowing how to handle a situation like this and they're still not taking the proper protocols or precautions. Now that [someone] has tested positive at this facility, they've taken upon themselves to lock us down where two feet is the furthest separation we can have. the officials aren't wearing proper gear some of them aren't wearing gear at all and they leave here everyday doing God knows what and come back here like nothings going on. it's not fair to us. Especially me, because I was sentenced to thirty years hard labor. not the death penalty.”

EHCC:

• “So I am incarcerated at Hunt's, it wasn't until the 8th that security started wearing masks and most don't wear gloves and most of the ones wearing masks defeat the whole purpose of them by wearing them below their mouth. I am a trustee and mentor in Hunt's Transition Program, we were housed in fox 7 in a maximum security area because most of the participants in the program are maximum security, well two days ago they moved our whole dorm into golf 3 which is a trustee dorm, all of the men that were in here before they moved us are housed in the call out building or education building for now as essential workers. The move for all of us was stressful although we have made the best of it and all our programming classes are still going on for the participants since we are able to hold them on the tiers. they have two dorms on full quarantine right now fox 5, which has been relocated to our old dorm I know that one has tested positive for covid in 5 hence the full quarantine, and fox 6 is on full quarantine til the tests come back for a few of the men in there. we, as incarcerated men have no PPE so we make do with what we have, some of us have masks and gloves but the majority don't. with us only sleeping 30 inches away from the man next to us social distancing is impossible, it's scary and and almost ironic in my situation…”

April 9, 2020

Angola:

• “...we are here in wal-4 and currently trapped with some that probably infected. Just today we had a person with a 106 body temperature and he has been in this dorm for the past month. Furthermore, he's been in contact continuously with those officers daily and returns to the dorm. This is the number problem, when we still have officers coming into the dorm without a protected mask or gloves. This is putting all of us at risk in contracting the coronavirus and no one seems to care.”

DCI:

• “Our lives are in danger due to how things have been handled. Personally I'm concerned because we have no way of being distanced from other [people] and there's not any good contingency plan in case there's an outbreak within the prison.There has been a few cases but I personally take initiative to prevent myself from getting the virus.We have had the officers coming in and out of the facility without us knowing where they've been and since there's no testing going on we don't know if any of them has been exposed to it.We are within close proximity with at least 150 people at all times.Our beds are about 2 feet apart.They send people to the infirmary on their own volition and the infirmary will send them back only to end up bringing them back later.We don't know who has anything and who doesn't.We don't get tested at all.The officers don't get tested. People are in and out the prison without us really knowing what's going on.The officers were just made to wear the facemask 2 days ago.They separated us from some of the other [people] who are diabetic and have other medical problems but there are certain people who go from where we are to where they are. No one has been tested so who's to say they won't pass it on both sides of the compound.We don't have this place cleaned as we should.Hand sanitizer and bleach along with all other chemicals should be available at all times.It's not.The way this is set up we're in danger if this starts to spread.We have been fake side quarantined with 150 other dudes.How can we really quarantine like that? There are HIV patients and people I know have weakened immune systems still over here with people on this side away from the elderly guys.They have us all mixed together but this place will be a breeding ground for that virus in the event it gets in here to degree we think it will get to.I do not have a life sentence so being that I can't even get help for a regular cold I know I'm in trouble if I get this virus.I am scheduled to get out in 3 years.I'm afraid that I'll die in here if this virus spreads through here. We need help in here. We do not have death sentences so why are we being set up for slow deaths by this virus if they do not at least start to release some of us to house arrest or reduction of the sentences especially if we are short. I been locked up 14years already. I appreciate you all taking the time to help us out.”

April 8, 2020

Angola:

• “The virus was found in Pine-2.This is one of the kitchen dorms. So they still have three more dorms that they are using [incarcerated people] from to serve food. Yes they are still making [people] work and mix amongst those exposed to the virus. The Pine-2 dorm has workers on a weed eating crew called line 15B and they work everyday of the week and their line consists of [people] from other dorms. I approached a colonel about this and other complaints because I am A dorm representative and he said work call won't stop.”

• “Well, the virus has become a reality in Angola. The prison is divided into units and camps. I am in the main prison which consists of the east and west yard. The east yard has four units on it (Ash, Magnolia, Cypress, and Spruce). The west yard also has four units (Walnut, Hickory, Oak, and Pine). Each unit consists of four dorms, and every dorm has 86 people in it. The virus has shown up in Ash unit on the east yard, and on Pine unit on the west yard. So, that is 688 [incarcerated people] that has most likely come into contact with the virus. I don't know if they are testing all those guys or not. It is virtually impossible to isolate yourself from everyone with so many people in the dorm. In addition, the guys that work Pine unit work in the kitchen. God knows how many people came into contact with the guy who is sick. Then there are places within the prison called outer camps. They consist of Camp C, Camp D, Camp F, and there is a place called the Dog Pen where trustees are housed. Each camp houses a large number of [people]. Normally, we have contact with those guys every day. Therefore we would know what's going on with them. However, at this time I don't know if guys back there have tested positive or not. In addition, I don't know what they are doing with the guys that have tested positive. I heard that they were being housed in a condemned area called Camp J. A lot of guys in here are afraid of getting the virus and dying in prison. Our visits are shut down, so they feel as though they will never get a chance to see their loved ones again. The prison has provided everyone with 2 stamps to e-mail our family, and they are giving us two free phone calls a week to call our family, but we can't see them. Talking to someone is good, but they lose that physical touch from their loved ones. The most serious thing is space. There is no way [an incarcerated person] can socially distance himself with so many people surrounding him daily. I can understand that this is a national crisis, but being trapped in a mouse box is so inhumane. Do we deserve to be exposed to such danger? How premeditated is that? [Incarcerated people] have already begun to die. Who is responsible for that? We can not go out so no one came in contact with the killer virus. It is brought amongst us daily. What can be done about that? Are we not human? I would really appreciate any advice you can give me and my fellow brothers at this time. What can we do to preserve our lives under such dangerous conditions. Right now we are just practicing flu precautions. Thanks for your time.”

• “...Yes, they aired on the news this week that Camp J was being opened and used as a medical unit. As of yesterday there were 5 cases from other facilities and 2 from here. The 2 cases here was in the Main Prison and Camp C. Today they moved the guys that take care of the elderly and sick on the hospital wards to a separate location from the general population. From what's being said, these are the most vulnerable people, and a few guys got sick who worked over at the hospital and returned back into the dorm posing a health risk for the rest of the [people] in the general population. I believe it's Pine 2 dorm that's being quarantined because of this, and just now a few guys in my dorm told me that this is true indeed. It's impossible to quarantine or isolate 86 people and give them proper medical treatment here, and Camp J from the news report yesterday, will only be able to hold 300 infected patients at a time. That's one unit, and where I'm at there's over 1,200 people on the West yard and another 1,200 on the East Yard.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “The outcry in here is how could we know if [someone] has been exposed to COVID-19? I'm currently housed in the medical unit of Raymond Laborde Correctional Center where it is 58 man tier inside 8 dorms that makes up a unit. They have guys go in and out the infirmary regularly on a daily basis of their current health issue, and lately it's been no proper treatment on behalf of the head doctor who had tested positive for COVID-19. He was also airlifted off the compound for his illness, but prior to his findings he did multiple check ups with [incarcerated people]. None were tested and it is multiple guys with flu like symptoms, but the medical staff say they haven't tested positive for the virus. We are also dealing with the head of administration staff affected by the virus and if you seen posting then our head warden  tested positive for the COVID-19! None of is Deputy are assistant wardens have been quarantined for 14 days. The system is holding tight to withheld all information of the prison system dealing of the deadly virus.” 

LCIW/EHCC:

• “We have had 15 women already taken out because of running high temps.Most of them have tested positive.They quarantined those dorms that they came off of.Our dorm isn't quarantined.They said they can't even check our temps till someone from our dorm does a sick call and has it.The nurses are wearing masks and gloves and protective gowns.So are the security. They are being cautious and are not even sitting on the dorms.They are sitting outside in the hall.They are checking temps on the quarantined dorms twice a day.They have already done them this morning.”

April 7, 2020

Angola:

• “The virus has spread to the west yard now! The prison has quarantined the entire Pine unit. We heard that the virus is for sure in Pine-2. The problem with this is , these are the kitchen dorms. The prison made the westyard mix with the east yard at work and this is how the virus is spreading! The prison has given everybody a death sentence! With their lack of safety.” 

• “Ash 1,2, and 3 are under quarantine. There was a case of the coronavirus in my dorm. The guy felt ill last Wednesday, so he went to the hospital. They admitted him, ran the test and found out that he had the virus. On this past Saturday they quarantined us. Luckily he left the dorm before he could affect any of us. As of now there are no new cases of the coronavirus in our dorm. They have been giving us extra state soap to make sure that everyone washes their hands. They have also been giving us extra cleaning supplies so that we can keep the dorm clean. You already know that we can't only rely on the dorm orderly to clean the dorm, so we all have been chipping in with cleaning. I don't know if every dorm is doing it, but I know my dorm is helping with cleaning the dorm. Now the big issue is social distancing. That is virtually impossible to maintain six feet from each other when we sleep about three feet from one another. They have given everyone in my dorm two cloth face masks to try to prevent the spread of germs, but we can't get around being so close to one another. The beds must be cut down and some people must leave the prison for good in order to create six feet of distance.” 

• “Today, a guy in my dorm had a fever with temperature of 106°. At this time they are putting him on isolation. He will most likely test positive for the virus. If that is the case, he has been living in the dorm with myself and 85 other people since this thing started. Him being exposed could have been prevented. Had he not been going out to work everyday, he would have been safe in the dorm. That has been the major thing around here since the pandemic started (going to work). What that allowed was for those guys to go out and mix with officers and other [incarcerated people] located in different areas, and then return back to their dorm around guys that were contained. This thing has gotten really scary, and I know all of our lives are at risk. All I can do at this time is pray for God to shield me from the virus.”

• “At 12:25pm afternoon time, it was confirmed that convide-19 case was discovered in Pine dorm #2 on the westyard. that dorm has since been put on isolated status. Security is taken full advantage of this bad situation. they are saying that "don't let anyone in your dorm that does not live in there with you." If any one of you gets that disease, it's going to be your fault, because i told y'all not to let them come in. that is the most craziest shit i have ever heard, and guess what you have some of these guys saying he is right, stop them at the door. guys are standing at the door like security and actually checking guys as they come in. it is getting real crazy. We finally, at least some of us, have gotten mask, this thing is viral, a mask will not stop it. look at the doctors, nurses. if it is knocking them down, what is it for us to do? that's the common thinking in here. the governor keeps talking about flat lining that is a bunch of bull, it has not reached its peak in new york, what is he talking about with louisiana. it has not even started. well, just a heads up. i am taking it one day at a time. lookup, doing my part.” 

EHCC:

•  “I am at Elayn Hunt (EHCC) in St. Gabriel. We have not been able to have religious services since last Wednesday. In terms of the meals: Yes, there are typically 70+ [people] going to the dining hall at one time, and at times they have called for the entire dorm to go eat (140+ [people]). The [incarcerated] workers are still preparing meals, but the quality is decreased and is nearing unsafe. Today, one could taste soap in the pizza that was served for supper. Two days ago a friend told me his roll at lunch smelled as if it had been soaked in bleach. I'm not sure what the problem is there, but it certainly warrants some type of intervention and the staff members here are extremely combative and unapproachable. Furthermore, the workers in the kitchen (staff and [incarcerated people] alike) are not wearing facial masks of any kind and only a few have on hairnets and food service gloves. Recreation call for our dorm did not materialize during the first two days of lockdown but have improved since the weekend. We're allowed to go out on the yard immediately around our dormitory. It's not much space, but not everyone goes out. We have not seen ANY mental health staff since the lockdown began. They were good about being present prior to the lockdown, but I haven't seen them since last week. Classification officers have not been present for two weeks. Medical treatment is also scarce as they are located on a different side of the facility. I spoke with a gentleman today who has had an infected tooth for over a week and has requested numerous times, via an appropriate sick call form, to see a doctor to get antibiotics, yet he has not been seen by medical and is only offered Ibuprofen by the medical staff that picks up the forms. As far as we know, there are still no confirmed cases of the virus within EHCC.” 

DCI:

• “As of this writing there has been no tests for COVID19 here. We are still being exposed to the staff members coming in from the outside and a percentage of the population hasn't been issued masks. We still are co-existing with various [people] with a variety of health issues. For example, we are sharing the dining room which is very small and not properly equipped to accommodate the volume of [incarcerated people] for which flows through there on a daily basis.”

April 6, 2020

EHCC:

• Here's the latest: Obviously, we're still on lockdown...We've just been informed that we have to sleep ""head-to-foot"" meaning if my neighbor is sleeping with his head at the ""head"" of the bed, I have to sleep with my head at the ""foot"" of the bed. Which is pointless because there is a steel wall locker separating me from my neighbor if we both sleep at the head of the bed like normal. A group of [incarcerated people] were playing a board game and told they were too close yet the TV area had ten residents sitting just inches away from each other. And it's ironic that the facility provided the board games in the first place. The STAFF are still not wearing masks or gloves and they are the carriers of the virus. They're putting us in danger. If they would all wear masks and carry extra latex gloves, we would feel a lot safer and staff who are asymptomatic would not unknowingly spread the virus to us.”

DCI:

• “...I'm in a prison where they are lying to Us about the cases of the virus that's in here right now.. They are saying just 1 case, when the C.O's are saying there is at least 5.. It makes me wonder if they are doing it to deny the fact that something needs to be done withholding vital information for the world to see, since this state was built on incarceration and proudly holds the title, that they are simply hoping it does wipe us out so they can just fill the empty beds with more [people], issuing us a death sentence without being held responsible. I have been to the hospital for heart issues, and I have asthma issues also. There is no such thing as social distancing in a dorm where there are over 150 [people], on a side where there are 300 of us interacting daily. There is no safety when they will send a sick [person] to the medical ward, and then send them right back down, to only come back and quarantine them the next day. There is no safety in a place where guards come to work daily, some even refusing to come to work at this prison that is already under staffed.Coming from a man that only wants to do things to make his family proud, himself proud, and put as much effort into making righteous vibes that I've put into making negative vibes throughout my past. I'm scared. I finally seen the light, but I may never get the chance to show it. I have a Parole date coming up in Sept but who is to say that it won't be cancelled, or I will live to see it, or live to see my release date next March??...” 

April 5, 2020

Angola:

• “Well things here is getting bad. We have some cases that they are not talking about because they don't want a uproar, but they had one older man in Ash 1 who went to the hospital and he was tested positive for the virus. All dorms with sicker people are closed to the population and only the nurses, doctors etc can go in and see what the needs and concerns are for them and check their temps twice a day. Another person in Ash 3 dorm was tested positive for the virus as well, so these two dorms that I know of is being isolated for 5 to 14 days to see if anyone else has the virus, and if not we will be allowed to move around a little, but I really don't know if these are you concerns but security is trying as best they could to control this virus from spreading to older [incarcerated people] because they have some serious problems. Everything here is shut down. They have very little movement. We can only go eat with less than 50 people and one(1) unit at a time, but the crazy part about this situation is that we have 86 people in one dorm which I really cannot make sense of that because it is a lot of people in one area and if the virus hit it will destroy everything that is weak, so that is a big concern. Well I hope this information helps you understand our situation a little and we do have masks that some [people] are making and it has been approved by a CDC. They are made from T-Shirts with about 8 padded shirts.”

April 4, 2020

EHCC:

• “As for us here at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, LA, things have taken a turn for the worst, unfortunately! There have been numerous mishandlings of the situation here that have placed the entire [incarcerated] population at risk of being infected by the COVID-19 virus. As an example, just recently (approx. 1 week ago) multiple "free world" employees tested positive for COVID-19 at the "soap factory." That same day, the [people] who work at the factory were returned to the facility, had COVID-19 tests performed on them, and were initially placed on quarantine on the Unit 1 side of the compound, which has been on quarantine for nearly a month due to at least 2 alleged confirmed cases of the virus on that side. Now, as has become common knowledge, there's a minimum 5-day time period before the tests results become available. However, rather than the Administration wait on those results to come in to ascertain who, if anyone, was positive for the virus, they irrationally placed those [individuals] back on the Unit 2 side of the compound where there were no reported cases of the virus! The result of that decision? The test results came back, and it is reported that 2-3 [people] tested positive for COVID-19!! They have since placed the entire compound on quarantine, isolating each dormitory one from the other "until further notice," in an effort to "contain" the virus in the event that someone exhibits visible symptoms. The fallacy of the whole matter is that by the Administration refusing to wait until the results came in initially before allowing those [people] to return to the general population, what they did was allow those [people] who had the virus to potentially infect the entire [incarcerated] population! This is an unprecedented degree of incompetency on the prison officials' part. Because of the closed space and extreme vulnerability of the [incarcerated] population, an outbreak here could prove disastrous! This virus had at least a 3-4 day head start, and the efforts put in place just yesterday in an attempt to pre-emptively contain a possible outbreak are too little, too late, in my opinion!...”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “HI I'M WRITING TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON INSIDE LCIW NORTH. THE RE-ENTRY COURT IS HOUSED IN THE BUILDING CALLED "SUNSHINE" WE HAVE ABOUT 35 [incarcerated] MENTORS AND MENTEES. I'M A MENTOR ,ANYWAY WE ARE BEGINNING MOVED TO THE VOTEC AREA SO THAT SUNSHINE CAN BE A QUARANTINE PLACE FOR COV-19. AS OF A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO WE HAVE BEEN PUT ON 30 DAYS LOCK DORN IN OUR DORMS. WE ARE BEING LET OUT A COUPLE TIMES A DAY FOR RECK. I KNOW OUR ADMINISTRATION IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO KEEP US SAFE, BUT WE SLEEP TWO FEET APART, WE ARE PRAYING DAILY THAT THE VIRUS DOES NOT GET INSIDE THE PRISON. OUR WARDEN HAS INFORMED US HE'S DOING EVERYTHING HE CAN FOR OUR SAFETY WHY IS THE PEOPLE THAT HAS MADE THE PARDON BOARD STILL WAITING FOR THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN THEIR PAPERS? WE DID RECEIVE ONE SIGNATURE SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR BUT SHE'S STILL HEAR AS WELL. THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT CAN BE RELEASED BUT ARE NOT. I KNOW THIS IS NOT BECAUSE OF OUR ADMINISTRATION THEY ONLY RUN THE PRISON DOC HAS THE POWER TO LET PEOPLE GO. WE ARE ALL VERY SCARD IN HERE PLEASE KEEP US IN YOUR PRAYERS. THANKYOU…”

LCIW/EHCC:

• “Well, yesterday two women were quarantined for being under "suspicion" of possible coronavirus. It is claimed we are under separation from dorm to dorm, but it is not effective. Kitchen workers from all dorms serve the food and go dorm to dorm to clean up, ice is delivered by people from the dorm where people were quarantined. The garment factory is still going to work and all of the dorms go out together to the job. Laundry workers still work together from separate dorms. Security travel from dorm to dorm. This is not serious. Trays are still coming from EHCC, where at least two men have tested positive. This response is not effective at all. They claim "they don't think anyone here has it." But why quarantine? Better yet, why take chances? And worse, the same kitchen workers serve food to the people who are quarantined. What are your opinions of this?”

April 3, 2020

Angola:

• “... there's approximately 80 people to a dorm here at Angola, & there's 8 dorms where I am. The security has limited the chow hall to about 160-200 people at a time, The yard call is about 300 people at a time. From my understanding, majority if not all the security have been allowed to leave work & go home everyday. Other than that, we're trapped in the dorm allday...Right now, it seems like everybody is pretty much in survival mode. We're not being afforded with too much information, but I did hear one of the trustee[‘s] say that they was opening up Camp j Unit & housing [people] from another jail there. Unfortunately, finding out whether that's true or not is difficult since our movement has been restricted.”

• “Two days ago the first case of corona was discovered here in Angola. Since then we were placed on lockdown. We have been given a chance to go to the yard twice a day, each unit goes out with its own unit. Meaning walnut unit goes out with walnut unit. There are four dorms per unit. There are 86 people per dorm.”

• “Before the virus was detected all visits were canceled to prevent the chances of the virus being brought in Angola. The governor released a mandate to practice social distance and didn't want a gathering of no more than fifty people. However the prison still made [incarcerated people] go work in the field 160 at a time, and when the [guys] voiced their concerns it fell on deaf ears and then they were forced to go to work and then a work stoppage began, Every available security came to prevent the work stoppage, no one was physically harmed but a lot of them were locked up. The concern now is the virus was found in Ash-2 on the East yard of the main prison and this is a dorm that was first quarantined but the virus found its way there no doubt by security or a nurse, but they still force the [people] to work together heightening the chances of contracting and passing the virus. Also security should not be allowed to go home and come back. They are the one bringing the virus in here.Our lives are at risk all because they want to make prison enterprise money. Also all [incarcerated people] have an savings account we are allowed to use during emergency situations, this being a emergency however [guys] were restricted to only be able to access their account unless they had over $150 ,you had to leave at least that amount, so guys who didn't have that amount were denied access to their funds.Funds that they got from laboring. We haven't heard if anyone was brought here to Camp J yet. Also there can't be social distances practice in the dorms because we have so many people in the dorm to where if one person gets it it will spread like wildfire, like it is starting to.What makes this even worse is the prison doesn't wash the food trays thoroughly or our clothes because there is no hot water in the laundry room, and they don't dry the food trays thoroughly. What I find odd is none of this has hit the news yet, why bring the virus here from other facilities when they have it here already and its spreading, security officers have been getting sick and being sent home.”

• “As of yesterday, here at Camp C they started enforcing the 6 foot rule. When we walk on the main walk going to the kitchen or the store we have to stay 6 feet away from everyone. In the kitchen they have the tables marked as for where they want us to sit. Today we had a confirmed case of Covid-19 here at Camp C. He was a kitchen worker who passed out glasses of juice and coffee and spoons. We aren't allowed to play basketball or lift weights on the weight pile because they don't want us close to each other but in the dorm we aren't even 3 feet away from our neighbor and then we are double bunked with over 90 people in the dorm. and then they are allowing [people] from other dorms to come in and out of this dorm. Some of them are from the other unit(Bear unit). We have found out that the DOC will be bringing in [incarcerated people] that have covid19 here to Angola. They will be housed at Camp J, which was shut down but is now opened up due to the pandemic. They are still letting their employees come and go out the front gates instead of making them stay here. I mean how are we going to get it unless they bring it in? The only measure they take is to take their employees temperatures when they come in the front gate and then again before they come into the Camp…”

Raymond Laborde:

• “On March 13th all visits and activities were shut down and we were quarantined by unit. Meaning we were still allowed to go on the small yards but we were not allowed to interact with the other units. On march 27th our warden...tested positive for COVID 19. Several [incarcerated people] and staff members were consequently placed on quarantine because they had been in close contact with him. Now as of April 2nd our entire unit has been placed on lockdown together and we are not allowed to leave the dormitory which means if somebody on our dorm has covid 19 the rest of the tier is likely to get it. There are 8 tiers of 54 people.”

LCIW/JCCY:

• “...to give you an idea on how we live, make a cross on a sheet of paper. in each space, put twenty people. so it is eighty people per dorm but we actually have seventy one at present living in THE SAME dorm. There are two and a half feet between each bed, meaning when I lay down, I can hold hands with the people sleeping in the next bed.. we are in bunk beds at that…”

David Wade:

• “I had a mask on the other day and was told by security not to wear it. This was,is highly disturbing due the fact (COVID-19) in its post and silence could before recognizing my be spreader. This was confirmed on Eye Opening World News this morning ,were Government Officials and Doctors indicated the necessary of extreme measures of protected material equipment. i.e.,MASK being of crucial. However these highly essentials of mask wearing or mask distributions to [incarcerated people] are not seriously considered at David Wade Correctional Center which is a close living environment of [incarcerated people] thus contrary to the newly demands of (anti-social) activity among individuals subsumed of masks. It is my honest belief, that the reasons security don't want one to wear a man,are based that it would create a panic among housed [incarcerated individuals], although the realest of living conditions in the world now places actual pre requirements of a mask,if its expected one to survive (COVID-19). I hope this gives you some kind of insight of how DOC's measurement of protections according to this PANDEMIC.” 

April 2, 2020

Angola:

• “Here at Angola in the main prison in general population there are 32 open dormitories containing about 80 [people] each. Up until yesterday they were still letting all of us mingle with each other, & limiting the amount of people that could go to places like the library, education building, law library & church due to the order of social distancing. Today, we're being told that we will all have to stay inside the dormitories until further notice. We each have to walk to the kitchen to eat, so we are waiting to see how that's going to play out. We normally walk to get our medicine, but this morning a security guard announced a pill call, which means they brought the medicine to each dorm. So, right now we're trapped inside the dorms waiting to see what kind of restrictions they're going to place on us.”

• “i am concerned with the security shift rotation. they are still coming from the outside and not quarinting them here with us. If they are going to continue to come and go, then someone needs to be stationed at the front gate getting their temperature and possibly testing them there before they enter the prison. so if you can assist with medical at the front gate we need that assistance there first on the front line. Second, they are not checking them at the gate but at the various camps after they have entered the prison then their temperature's are checked. This is a vital mistake in my opinion & experience. we need your assistance to help prevent us from being exposed to this virus. We have outside prisons being housed in camp J who may have been exposed to this virus and they are segregated from the rest of the population, but, due to the human era i am aware that NO ONE is prepared to take on something like this and by the security personnel leaving , coming and going. being able to meet on the outside of the prison. could be a way to spread this virus within the prison. Next, is there any way to start getting extra bleach to use in the event angola stockpile depletes? I am thinking way ahead to get the needed supplies to us in the event there becomes a shortfall? I want to have a sustainable solution in place just in case and not just a complaint. lastly, in closing, as it stands they are doing a good job of keeping us informed here at camp C, there are meetings everyday. whatever concerns we may have they try to meet them within their means. I want to keep everyone, including myself free, safe, and healthy. this is no time to take chances with our lives. i know this thing is not to be played with. Whatever, the type of help you can provide us with, please feel free to do whatever you can within our best interest. tell sabur, "i send my salaam, everyone over where i am at in the camp c transition dormitory is healthy. we are keeping it clean, everyday all day, there are no cases in this dorm. but it will be a matter of time if the right extra precautionary measures are not taken, this thing could spiral out of control here. that is my greatest fear."

Rayburn Correctional:

• “I want to inform you that the men that are testing positive here at Rayburn are not being treated. They are literally being quarantined, placed in a cell and are just sitting. If an employee shows symptoms, they are quarantining their workers, but what about the people they have already exposed themselves to. It is getting out of control, because how can Rayburn have the most positive cases (8) and no employee has tested positive???? They are lying about giving us protective gear to protect us as well. Kitchen workers are given masks, but that is about it.”

Raymond Laborde:

• “As you know, I'm located at Raymond Laborde Correctional Center in Cottonport. I'm housed inside of Hope unit. About two hours ago, a few [people] on this unit were told by a ranking officer that [someone] housed on the unit tested positive for coronavirus. The [person] was taken off B1 tier (one of eight tiers on Hope unit [50 - 52 [people] per tier]) on Sunday or Monday, I believe. His assigned work area is at the infirmary. This is the first time that [someone] here has tested positive for coronavirus--well, it's the first time we've been told that there's a confirmed case among [the incarcerated population]. The head warden of the prison...tested positive about a week ago, and supposedly 7 other staff members have also tested positive since then. The entire prison has been on lockdown for approximately the past two weeks. Excluding the cell block unit, there are four units at this prison: Cajuns 1 - 3 and Hope. The lockdown means that [people] housed on any specific unit are not allowed to interact with [people] on any other unit. Pre-lockdown, [people] from all units were allowed to intermingle at the gym, library, recreation yard, cafeteria, etc. Since the lockdown was implemented only [people] located on the same unit are allowed to go on the yard and cafeteria together. All of that changed today. Every tier is under quarantine now that [someone] here has tested positive. This means that [someone] on any specific tier is not allowed to interact with an[other person] on any tier other than the one where he is housed. For example, I'm located on D1 tier in Hope unit. So I'm only able to interact with other [people] on this tier. Same goes for [people] on the other 7 tiers inside of Hope unit. The bars at the entrance to the tier remain locked at all times unless security is entering or exiting the tier. Our food comes to us. From what I'm hearing this quarantine is supposed to last for two weeks. Hope this information helps.”

• “...here is some updated information from today, we found out that 4 [people] were positive for the virus as of yesterday but they are trying to keep this from all of us, today they quarantined our entire unit all 8 tiers. Everyday they're sending a staff member home because they are either sick or have a wife/husband ,child sick anyways we see oakdale has lost 4 [people] to this virus and 19 others are positive. They have us on quarantine but they are not testing any of us, social distancing is a joke in here, this place /tiers we live in are like a big cell holding 52 beds which are about 1 foot apart from each other, we are packed in here like sardines in a can, these staff workers is the ones who really need to be quarantined from us. All the other units Cajun 1,2,3 are not on quarantine, just hope unit where I live as of today. The staff workers come here and they are not wearing the ppe we don't know who has this virus, we don't know who company they been in, they all need to be self quarantined away from us. Sooner or later they will have nobody to come work here, today they were having [incarcerated people] build more beds for those staff/[incarcerated people] who were sick with the virus to move them in separate locations, why is this not on the news that R.L.c.c. head warden ,and asst. wardens ,and several staff and nurses classification workers etc who all test positive for this virus, why are they hiding this from the world..???? These people are not prepared for this pandemic. if we get sick and some of us die the first thing they will say we all had body complications. that we were already dealing with just like they are saying about those who died in federal prison. we need someone to expose these people because none of us want to die from this when we shouldn't have to .....”

Elayn Hunt Correctional (EHCC):

• “From what we can tell, there have been no official cases here at EHCC. We are currently on lock-down, restricted to the dormitories with one hour of yard per day. This praxis seems a bit strange considering the airborne nature of the virus. We are let out for meals, and then immediately ushered back to our respective dormitories. The population density of our dormitory setting is 136, so you can imagine that the tension is a bit elevated. Additionally, it is impossible to maintain any semblance of safe social distancing in this under these conditions. It is my humble opinion that the danger of contagion is increased exponentially with each day we are under lock-down conditions. Officers working our dorms change shifts as normal. It is unclear to us if they are coming from home or whether they are housed here. I would venture to say that the former presents the greater danger for us here.”

Dixon Correctional (DCI):

• We at DCI are being subjected to the pandemic of (COVID19). As of March 12th, 2020 this facility has been on active quarantine. Visiting has been suspended, we are being separated from different units,and several other policies has been implemented. The thing is all of the policies are counterproductive in containing and stopping the spread of the virus. The staff still comes into contact with all of the separated units and by our beds being in such close proximity to each other, it's almost impossible to duck the virus if an outbreak occurs. The staff is telling us that there are only 2 cases here, (1 staff, 1 incarcerated person) but of course that is not accurate because everybody has not been tested. Yesterday [someone] was rolled to the infirmary in a wheelchair.(he was too weak to walk) In the infirmary he had a fever of over 102 degrees and the nurses still sent him back to the unit. Today they came and got him and placed him in quarantine in the chapel with about 30 other [people]. The chapel has no shower at all in there. It makes me feel the numbers are not accurate or the staff is hiding something by keeping those guys in the chapel. As of the living conditions last week the staff installed soap dispensers in the restrooms. Every last one of them are broken now. There are 150 people in a dorm with 6 shower heads and only 4 of them works. Out of 10 sinks only about 4 of them work also. It's kind of sad too that it took for a pandemic to hit for the people here to give us real bleach and real cleaning supplies around here. We are now not being allowed to eat in the kitchen, they have turned a conference room to a dining hall and they send pans of food down to the unit. Also they have separated people who they feel are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. These are people with a. breathing problems b. heart problems c. on dialysis (this is the only doc facility that houses dialysis patients) these people have been separated and are not being allowed to go outside on the yard at all. People with HIV, hepatitis or anything else that might compromise their immune system are still around us regular people. The separation is really futile because security and other trustee[s] are still going from unit to unit coming into contact with everybody.

LCIW/JCCY:

• We are now on lockdown at Jccy. However, they are still requiring [people] to go out to work with maintenance. This makes no sense if they lock us down and let others out to be exposed only to come back in. Two people are being transferred here for quarantine purposes. They have cleared out Sunshine to accommodate cases. We continue to remain hopeful.”

• “...at the present moment, we are not on strict lockdown although we have been limited for things such as school and church services to have people sit 6 feet apart. the flip side to that is we live only about 2 feet apart with 80 women in one dorm. we also have transporting to the area outside of the dorm areas for infirmary, work areas outside of the dorm area, etc. where we all ride in a van. we are not allowed to visit but the employees are still coming in to work including non essential workers.”

LCIW/EHCC:

• “In regards to this situation we are taking precautions to remain safe. As of today, all classes (academic) were canceled until further notice. Each dorm has to rec separately. However, the garment factory, laundry, and LCIW detail are still working. As for social distance we all live pretty much together, but again we are taking precautions of remaining safe. Hopefully administration is taking this serious. This is scary for us all. There is talk that a few [people] here at Hunt's tested positive, and that the men are quarantined. I'm not sure if that is true or not. Please do all you can to help us. Its time that the government release [incarcerated people]! especially the elderly.” 

April 1, 2020

Angola:

• “An elderly, diabetic man...was taken out of the Medical Dorm at Angola on Monday and tested positive Monday or Tuesday. They sent him to the Lady of the Lake Hospital. The head wardens actually came in and told us...Telling us not to worry. The only thing they changed was going from the regular food trays to the Styrofoam ones. I take back what I said about them doing a GOOD JOB. Early this morning at about 3_4 am, a ranking officer entered the dorm numerous times without a mask. All they have to do is review the cameras for ASH 2."

• “I can tell you of the things that are going on inside the Main Prison complex on the East Yard. There are two dorms that house chronically ill patients on this yard that have been locked in for maybe two weeks now. The stated reason is that they are the most vulnerable and that's true. However, we were placed on lock down as a whole today as a guy in one of those dorms was taken out of there looking awfully bad and is a positive case. The shifts change as they always have even though there have been confirmed cases amongst them. We know that people can carry the virus and not show any symptoms and they are in constant interaction with the population. Our call-outs and religous activities have been restricted to a gathering of 50 or less but we still live in dorms that house 86 [people] per unit. It's impossible to have any type of spacing in here so we basically try and keep as clean as possible and play it by ear.” 

Rayburn Correctional:

• “There are so many things they are doing wrong that is making things worst at Rayburn. The [incarcerated person] is supposed to be the safest person in the word, because we are not in touch with society. At Rayburn, so far, we have four positive cases. It can only come from staff and they are refusing to test the staff. They are only checking for fevers in staff and sending them home, but you have others that may not show symptoms who are coming in and out everyday. The quarantine process is a joke, because they are only doing it if we are found to have a high fever. We currently have 79 people to a dorm. there is no way we can be six feet apart in the dorm or cafeteria. Our beds are 18 inches apart. Administration wants us to sleep alternating where our head is, but who is to stop a person from walking up the aisle and coughing over your head? We are not being given masks or pure bleach to disinfect our areas as well. In the pill call line, all yards use this area and could be a cluster area. In extended lockdown, they are made to turn the ceiling fans and floor fans off to prevent the circulation of the virus supposedly. Some [people] are being allowed to go on the quarantined unit and return to other units. Staff, even sick staff, are continuously trafficking in and out of the prison. Daily things are changing and I will keep you posted.” 

Raymond Laborde:

• “Our head warden, and assistant wardens and other staff members have tested positive. Once one [incarcerated person] feels sick they quarantine the entire dorm for 14 days. They claimed 34 [people] were tested and none were positive for the virus, that was last week, what about this week, everyday one of the security officers or staff members has to be relieved from duty or sent home because they are sick or their loved one is sick. We still have an assistant warden coming to work knowing he could be sick just like the other wardens that were all in the head wardens presence that tested positive.”