NDCS News Releases

NDCS News Releases

Inmate Death at Nebraska State Penitentiary

April 17, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-11)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

April 17, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Joe Rodriquez (65), inmate #39088 died on April 16, 2017 at approximately 11:55 p.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.

He was serving a life sentence for two counts of 1st degree murder from Hall County. His sentence began on September 12, 1988.

While the cause of death has not been determined, Mr. Rodriquez was being treated for a long-term medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the...Read more

Four Staff Members Assaulted at TSCI

March 15, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-10)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

March 15, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Inmates in housing unit 2B at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) assaulted four staff members today at approximately 1 p.m. Two of the staff members required outside medical attention.

As a result of the incident on March 2nd, housing unit 2AB was on modified operations. Immediately prior to the assaults today, four inmates had been allowed out of their cells; some for the purpose of cleaning after their cells had been...Read more

National Guard Deployment Leads to Strategic Leadership Changes

March 10, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-09)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

March 10, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Director Scott R. Frakes announced today several leadership changes at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities. Rich Cruickshank, warden of the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) and Brigade Command Sergeant Major of the Nebraska Army National Guard has been called back to service and will be on deployment for approximately one year.

As an employer, NDCS is committed to hiring and supporting current and former...Read more

Director Frakes Provides Updates on TSCI

March 3, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-08)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

March 3, 2017 (Lincoln, NE) – Director Scott R. Frakes, joined by Senator Laura Ebke, Director Scott R. Frakes delivered the following statement during a media briefing today.

The events at TSCI yesterday were serious and horrific. I will not minimize the incident. When the word “riot” is used it conjures images of a facility in chaos. TSCI was not in chaos yesterday. A group of inmates in one half of a housing unit refused to follow the lawful orders of staff and then...Read more

Inmate Deaths at TSCI

March 3, 2017

CORRECTED: CRIMES FOR WHICH DAMON FITZGERALD AND MICHAEL GALINDO WERE SENTENCED TO PRISON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-07)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

March 3, 2017 (Tecumseh, Neb.) – Damon Fitzgerald and Michael Galindo died during the disturbance at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) on March 2, 2017.

Damon Fitzgerald (39) # 65776 was serving 310 to 470 years for two counts Sexual Assault 1st degree, Robbery, Burglary, five counts Use of Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony, two counts...Read more

Inmate Deaths at Nebraska State Penitentiary and Diagnostic and Evaluation Center

February 23, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-06)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

February 23, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Harold Nokes (88) inmate #29217 and Gary Pope (68) inmate #33644 died on February 22, 2017.

Harold Nokes died at 9:18 p.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. He was serving a life sentence for 1st degree murder from Red Willow County. His sentence began on March 22, 1974.

Gary Pope died at 9:55 p.m. at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center. He was serving a life sentence for 1st degree murder from Saunders County. His...Read more

Inmate Death at Nebraska State Penitentiary

February 20, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-05)

CONTACT Kimberly McGill, Public Information Officer, Nebraska State Penitentiary

OFFICE 402-479-3227 | kimberly.mcgill@nebraska.gov

February 20, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Wayne Stark (57), inmate #83789, died at 1:58 am on Monday, February 20, 2017, in the skilled nursing facility at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Stark was serving 3 to 6 years for DUI 4th Offense-Aggravated from Douglas County. His sentence began on March 30, 2016, and he had a projected release date of February 24, 2019.

While the cause of his death has not been determined, Stark was being treated...Read more

NDCS Deputy Director Appointed Chair of National Health Care Committee

February 6, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-04)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | CELL 402-580-9495 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

February 6, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes announced that NDCS Deputy Director for Health Services Dr. Harbans Deol has been appointed chairperson of the American Correctional Association (ACA) Health Care Committee. Each of the 50 states is represented on this committee, which sets the standard for health care in American prisons.

“As chairperson, Dr. Deol will have a principal role in guiding the direction and practice of...Read more

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