Rappahannock Regional Jail Accountability
We sow seeds today to bear healthy fruit for our communities' futures. Transforming the Rappahannock Regional Jail into the Rappahannock Regional Restoration Center.
The Problem
Multiple lawsuits document denied medications, ignored medical requests, and preventable deaths due to staff indifference.
Inmates with documented psychiatric conditions placed in isolation without medication. Treatment plans ignored.
Regional jails are run by appointed officials, not elected ones. Accountability to the community is virtually nonexistent.
State board clears jails of responsibility in deaths but refuses to release investigation details to the public.
Documented Cases
Jemika Johnson, who had documented schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, went into labor at 2 AM while alone in an isolation cell.
Despite having an intercom and screaming throughout the night, she received no medical assistance.
Five hours later, a guard found her and her newborn in a pool of blood. The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital.
An autopsy found the infant had conditions that could have been treated with simple antibiotics.
Georgetown Law's Civil Rights Clinic filed suit in December 2023. The jail denies all allegations.
44-year-old Christopher Innocenti was discovered in distress around 2 AM. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office investigated the death. Details remain limited due to lack of transparency.
Following the suicide of an inmate, family members and community advocates protested outside the jail, sharing stories of improper medical care, mental health neglect, inadequate nutrition, and chronic short-staffing.
Brenda Cochran died less than 24 hours after arriving at RRJ on drug charges her family claims were mistaken identity. Family alleges staff ignored pleas for her prescribed medications. Officials claimed it was a sudden heart attack from pre-existing conditions.
23-year-old Damon Kissam's death was one of three at the jail in a 44-day period. According to the lawsuit, Kissam yelled about hallucinations while other inmates called for help on his behalf. Officers told him to be quiet. He died of acute seizures from alcohol withdrawal - a treatable condition.
Reginald Latson, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual disability as a child, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against RRJ officials after his time at the facility. A federal judge allowed his abuse claims to proceed.
Our Demands
Convert Rappahannock Regional Jail into the Rappahannock Regional Restoration Center (3RC) — a facility focused on healing and rehabilitation, not punishment.
Push for evidence-based policy changes in Virginia's local and regional jail systems. End practices that prioritize incarceration over restoration.
Educate the public about jail conditions, budgets, and systemic issues. Transparency and accountability save lives.
Monitor and document jail operations, deaths, audits, and inspections. Full public disclosure of all death investigation reports — no more buried findings.
Challenge current incarceration practices and promote alternatives — pretrial services, drug courts, electronic monitoring, and community-based solutions.
Secure & Anonymous
We understand the fear of retaliation. By default, all reports are completely anonymous. No name, no email, no way to trace back to you. Your story is what matters.
If you choose to share contact information, it will only be used by civil rights attorneys and advocacy organizations who may be able to help your case directly.