The News from Unit 32. . .

There has been another setback for the Mississippi State Penitentiary's tentatively scheduled closing of its maximum security unit. Out of 5 buildings in Unit 32, only B-building remains open. After moving the rest of the prisoners out of E-building in Unit 32 and closing the building on Thursday, July 1st, more prisoners were moved into the unit the following day. Approximately 13 to 17 prisoners were transferred to the Mississippi State Penitentiary from the Greenwood facility after rival gangs there fought eachother. I'll report more on this as I find out. A freeze was also placed on the reassignment and transfer of guards working at Unit 32.

Timothy Morris, head warden of the maximum security unit, has been out on "major medical" leave since June 24th following knee surgery. Deputy Warden George Davenport is the acting warden until Mr. Morris returns.

From all sources I've spoken to, I have been told that the Death Row prisoners, the prisoners on the High Risk Incentive Program and others still in Unit 32 lockdown are to be moved to J-building of Unit 29. However, J-building will have to undergo some serious modifications before it is suitable to house Death Row or the other members of the Presley class. No work has begun on J-building as of yet.

The previous unit that housed Death Row, Unit 17 (also known as MSU), has been undergoing some work. So far there is only speculation as to the reasons for the renovations. Right now there are 57 prisoners on Death Row at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. The scheduled execution of Joseph D. Burns, MDOC #42963, is July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. More executions are possibly forthcoming in Mississippi this year. Unit 17 holds 56 prisoners. Do the math.

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Former MDOC Officer Sentenced For Smuggling

On June 21, former investigator Chandrina Perry, began to learn firsthand what serving time is like. After cutting a deal with the prosecutors, Chandrina Perry was sentenced to 60 days in the Sunflower County jail by Judge Margaret Carey-McCray.

Perry was an investigator for the Correctional Investigation Division at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. The Bolivar Commercial had initially interviewed Sheriff James Haywood about the circumstances after Perry's arrest.

Earlier in June, Chandrina Perry had resigned her position as an alderman in Shaw. She had served on the board for less than a year. Although no reason was cited for Perry's resignation, the cause became apparent later that month with her subsequent plea and sentence.

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