Inmate Death at Folsom State Prison Under Investigation

Law enforcement officials are investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday in a medium-security Unit at Folsom State Prison. (FSP)

Inmate Richard Allen Leonard died after being assaulted with a slashing-type weapon. Responding staff began life-saving procedures before he was pronounced dead at 8:01 a.m. February 25, 2012, in Folsom State Prison.

Leonard, 44, was received from Orange County on September, 2, 1998, and was serving a 25-years-to-life term for aggravated sexual assault on a child.

His death is being investigated as a homicide by FSP Investigative Services Unit (ISU) and Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office investigators. The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was notified of the incident.

There is no suspect at this time. Folsom State Prison has been placed on a modified program pending further investigation.

Folsom State Prison is a medium-security facility that houses more than 3,100 inmates and employs nearly 1,000 people. FSP opened on July 26, 1880, and is the second-oldest state prison in California.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                CONTACT: Lt. Paul Baker

DATE: February 25, 2012                                                                                      (916) 351-3016 

Mental Health Care Facility for Inmates Unveiled in Vacaville

Sacramento –The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and Department of Mental Health (DMH) today opened the doors to a new facility on the grounds of the California Medical Facility that will provide mental health treatment to inmates.

Operated by the Department of Mental Health, this licensed Intermediate level, in-patient care facility will house up to 64 inmates. The facility is the first construction completed with bond financing authorized by AB 900, the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 (Solorio), intended to relieve prison overcrowding and upgrade facilities to meet court-ordered improvements in medical, dental and mental health treatment for inmates.

Construction of the $33.7 million project, which broke ground in June 2010, was managed by CDCR. The 45,000 sq. ft. facility includes space for housing, treatment and administration, exercise yards, parking, new guard towers and an extension of the lethal electrified security fence that surrounds the California Medical Facility.

The building also incorporates many conservation features to improve energy efficiency, conserve water and reduce sewage flow. Skylights, for example, provide natural light, reducing electrical demand. A vacuum plumbing system is expected to reduce sewage discharges by 70 percent, compared to more traditional designs. The project was designed to achieve Silver certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

“This project is one example of our response to the courts which require us to improve mental health treatment for inmates,” noted Chris Meyer, director of Facility Planning, Construction and Management. “The building also will reduce waste sent to landfills and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the need for grid-based electrical energy,” he added. “All in all, this project will improve the care for inmates and our stewardship of the environment.”

 

More information on CDCR is available at: www.cdcr.ca.gov.

Riot at San Quentin State Prison Quelled Inmates Being Assessed for Injuries

San Quentin-- Initial reports suggest anywhere from 150 to 200 inmates were involved in a large scale riot involving weapons on the Badger Section Reception Center exercise yard at about 11:30 a.m. this morning.  Staff utilized chemical agents, non-lethal and lethal force to quell the incident.

Inmates are currently being assessed for injuries and those with more severe injuries have been and are being transported to local hospitals by ambulances and state vehicles. Several inmates were slashed and/or stabbed multiple times during the incident and four are currently being treated at an outside hospital for non-life threatening injuries.  CDCR does not know the status of their condition at this time. No staff were injured.

The institution has been placed on a modified program pending further investigation into this matter.

San Quentin State Prison, California's oldest correctional institution, was opened July 1852 and includes a reception center, general population units, and a minimum security work crew unit. Male condemned inmates are also housed at San Quentin. The prison currently houses 4113 inmates and employs nearly 1700 people.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2012

Sgt. Gabe Walters

(415) 455-5008