News: Press Releases

DOC Investigators Arrest Wallens Ridge State Prison Correctional Officers

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) reported today that four (4) Correctional Officers employed at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap were arrested by Special Investigators from the DOC Inspector General’s Office. All four Officers have been suspended from their duties and are facing felony charges related to an inmate’s complaint of abuse.

“Should these allegations prove true, I find it most regrettable. Our policy regarding the proper treatment of inmates is clear. Any employee that violates any of our policies will be dealt with to the full extent of the law. Warden Stan Young initiated this investigation through our Inspector General’s Office. My confidence in Warden Young and his staff at Wallens Ridge State Prison remains high and I commend them on their cooperation during this investigation,” said Director Ron Angelone.

Arrested were Corrections Officer Michael C. Bliley, Corrections Sergeant Matthew R. Hamilton, Corrections Lieutenant Jeffrey S. Compton, and Corrections Captain Issac T. Hockett.

The Wise County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has been involved in this investigation and assisted in the issuing of the arrest warrants.