#GeorgiaDepartmentOfCorrections

September 24, 2026

Former Hays State Prison Officer Faces New Federal Drug And Gun Charges

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A former corrections officer who previously served time in federal prison for smuggling methamphetamine into Hays State Prison in Trion is facing new federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.

September 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GDC Special Agent Arrested In Latest Georgia Flock Camera Misuse Case

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A Georgia Department of Corrections special agent has been arrested for allegedly misusing the state’s license plate reader system, adding another case to the continuing controversy surrounding Flock Safety cameras and other automated license plate readers in Georgia.

August 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Gabriel Illa Named New Warden At Hays State Prison

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The Georgia Department of Corrections has named a longtime Hays State Prison employee as the facility’s new warden, filling the leadership position following the unexpected death of Warden Joshua Jones earlier this summer.

August 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hays State Prison Dog Training Program Giving Shelter Dogs New Skills And Second Chances

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Chattooga County Animal Control Director Charlie Long is thanking Hays State Prison and Acting Warden Gabriel Illa for continuing a dog training program that benefits animals from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

August 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Two Hays State Prison Inmates Indicted In Fatal Stabbing Case

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Nearly six months after a deadly stabbing inside Hays State Prison, a Chattooga County grand jury has indicted two inmates on murder charges in connection with the killing.

July 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Department Of Corrections Recruiting Employees, Including At Hays State Prison

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The Georgia Department of Corrections is continuing to recruit new employees across the state, including at Hays State Prison in Trion, where several positions are currently available.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Berry College Partners With Georgia Department Of Corrections To Bring College Courses To Walker State Prison (Correction)

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Berry College is partnering with the Georgia Department of Corrections to expand access to higher education for incarcerated individuals, with a focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and successful reentry.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Corrections Warns Families About Bond And Prison Release Scams

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The Georgia Department of Corrections is warning families across the state about two scams involving false demands for money following an arrest or before an inmate’s release from prison.

In the first scam, callers claim to represent a sheriff’s office and contact the families of people who were recently arrested and released from a county jail. The callers falsely say that additional bond money, court costs or other fees must be paid.

The second scam targets families of people currently incarcerated. In those cases, callers claim to work for a sheriff’s office, probation or parole and falsely state that payment is required before the inmate can be released from prison.

State corrections officials believe the calls are being made by inmates using contraband cell phones.

The Georgia Department of Corrections says legitimate law enforcement agencies, probation officers and parole officers do not demand payment over the phone to secure someone’s release. They also do not require payment through gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency or other immediate payment methods.

Anyone receiving this type of call should not provide personal or financial information. Hang up and contact the sheriff’s office, probation office, parole office or correctional facility directly using an official phone number.

July 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hays State Prison Warden Joshua Jones Dies at 39

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The Georgia Department of Corrections and communities across Northwest Georgia are mourning the unexpected death of Hays State Prison Warden Joshua Jones, who passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 39.

June 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

More Details Released In Drug Case Involving Hays State Prison Inmate

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Over the weekend, WZQZ News reported about a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate who was charged in connection with a drug case out of North Carolina. Additional information now shows that the inmate, Rudy Cameron Lee, is housed at Hays State Prison in Chattooga County, and investigators say the case involved a larger drug trafficking and contraband operation.