Report: Complaints of abuse, unfit conditions at Red Onion supermax unfounded

An 18-month investigation into inmate treatment and officer performance at Red Onion State Prison concluded claims of abuse, racism, unfit meals and months of continuous solitary confinement were unfounded.

The study was prompted by demands from the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus who had heard from prisoners there with stories of K9 dog attacks, not providing inmates with adequate medical care and inedible food covered in maggots. Some inmates set themselves on fire and staged hunger strikes to raise awareness of alleged Red Onion mistreatment.

The report obtained by Nexstar-owned and Richmond ABC affiliate WRIC in Richmond from the Office of the Inspector General of Virginia said Red Onion met United Nations’ standards for environmental conditions, hygiene, offender treatment and safety.

(IMAGE: Property of Virginia Department of Corrections / Official YouTube)