In an exclusive interview, we delve into the troubling situation surrounding the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, Tennessee’s largest privately-operated prison, which is currently under intense scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice. CoreCivic, the contractor managing the facility, is facing numerous lawsuits for allegations of inmate abuse and medical negligence. Since 2016, the company has reportedly spent over $4.4 million settling nearly 80 lawsuits out of court. Despite these serious issues, the Tennessee government appears to downplay the situation while continuing to sign contracts with CoreCivic.
According to a recent Associated Press report, the Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Trousdale Center, highlighting a troubling history of violent incidents since the facility opened. Prosecutor Henry Leventis noted that numerous reports of “assaults, sexual violence, homicides, the trafficking of contraband, and severe staffing shortages” have surfaced over the years.
Since 2016, there have been over 300 deaths across four CoreCivic facilities in Tennessee, but only 22 cases have resulted in settlements. The highest settlement stemmed from the tragic suicide of an inmate at the South Central Correctional Facility, where staff falsified records, resulting in a payout of $900,000. Conversely, about half of the settlements were for less than $12,500, with some cases involving no monetary compensation at all.
Leventis emphasized that state officials have been aware of the problems at CoreCivic facilities. Since 2016, Tennessee’s Department of Corrections has imposed a staggering $37.7 million in fines across the four prisons managed by CoreCivic, with the Trousdale Center alone accounting for $11.1 million. The state’s oversight agency has issued scathing reports in 2017, 2020, and 2023.
Nevertheless, high-ranking officials in Tennessee appear to minimize these issues while renewing contracts with CoreCivic. Company documents reveal that Tennessee is CoreCivic’s largest state client, responsible for 10% of the company’s total revenue in 2023. CEO Damon Hininger has even expressed ambitions to run for governor in 2026. Current Republican Governor Bill Lee remarked, following the DOJ’s announcement of the investigation, that “CoreCivic has always been a very important partner for the state.”
