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VADOC “Uniquely Virginian”
David Annarelli
Hello. My name is David Annarelli, contributing writer to Prison Journalism Project. Today is June 9. It is Monday, 2025. This is Uniquely Virginian, Virginia DOC. On June 5, 2025, Lawrenceville Administration put out an… Full Transcript
From People Against Prisoner Abuse (PAPA) To Families United Against Prison Abuse (FUAPA): A Change Of Name But The Same Mission
Kevin “Rashid” Johnson
During latter 2024 I put out a call to create a prisoner support network and organization called PAPA or People Against Prison Abuse. The purpose of PAPA was to create a broad base of public… Full Transcript
Shutting Down Red Onion and Wallens Ridge State Prisons
Kevin “Rashid” Johnson
In a random survey, Virginia prisoners call for shutting down Red Onion/Wallens Ridge State Prisons. On January 17, 2025, I spoke with Phil Wilayto, the editor of The Virginia Defender newspaper. As many know, Phil… Full Transcript
Who Is Running The Virginia Prison System?
Kevin “Rashid” Johnson
The Virginia legislature enacted a set of laws governing the state’s prison system. Under those laws, it designated a director as the system’s head of operations. Chadwick Dotson was appointed under the administration of present… Full Transcript
Best Case Scenario
Kevin “Rashid” Johnson
Let me share with you what a “best case scenario” investigation and outcome into abuses at Red Onion would look like. I’ve seen it before, and it not only goes nowhere, but more deeply entrenches… Full Transcript
State Legislature Describes Red Onion As Inhumane
Kevin “Rashid” Johnson
During October 2024 I was able to pierce the veil of secrecy that surrounds Virginia’s remote super max prison, Red Onion State Prison, and the extreme abuses and racism that have plagued the prison since… Full Transcript
Gang Wars to Race Wars
Kevin “Rashid” Johnson
From gang wars to race wars, officials continue to manufacture gang violence in Virginia prisons. In a 2023 article, I outlined how officials manufactured gangs in Virginia’s remote supermax prisons, Red Onion and Wallens Ridge,… Full Transcript
Hello. This is the “Virginia Model Enabling Abuse.” Today is August 18. It’s a Monday. The Virginia Department of Corrections cannot hide or avoid what it has become, a bastion for state employees whose behavior… Full Transcript