Whistleblower Inmate Fears for His Life After Transfer to Angola

• Inmate Derrick Woodberry fears for his life after being transferred to Angola.
• Woodberry’s whistleblowing on unsafe conditions has raised alarms.
• Concerns grow as Woodberry is housed again with his known enemy.
• Department of Corrections cites safety for the transfer’s reasoning.
• Inconsistencies in Woodberry’s enemies list prompt investigation.

Inmate Alleges Retaliation Following Whistleblowing Incident

In an alarming turn of events, Derrick Woodberry, an inmate at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, fears for his life after being transferred to Angola, a prison notorious for high risks and violence. Woodberry, who shared internal issues regarding the unsafe conditions at the facility with the WBRZ Investigative Unit, claims this transfer might be a retaliatory measure orchestrated by the Department of Corrections. His friend, Alicia Pellegrin, has voiced her concerns stating, “He feels like they are out to kill him essentially,” highlighting the serious repercussions that whistleblowing can entail, especially in such volatile environments.

Worries Increase as Inmate Returns to Known Enemy’s Prison

The circumstances of Woodberry’s transfer are concerning, to say the least. He was unexpectedly moved to Angola last week— a prison he had been removed from after a near-fatal attack by a fellow inmate. In 2019, while housed there, Woodberry fell victim to an assault by Kendall Davis, which forced his transfer for safety reasons. Now, he finds himself back in the same facility alongside Davis, a known enemy, raising questions about the corrections department’s commitment to inmate safety.

Ongoing Investigation into DOC’s Decisions and Safety Protocols

Responses from the Department of Corrections regarding the reasoning behind the transfer were vague at best. When asked, a spokesperson cited “safety and security reasons,” which seems contradictory considering the current housing arrangements. Woodberry’s official enemies list does not currently list Davis, although earlier versions did indicate their rivalry. This inconsistency has led to an investigation by state police into the matter, further adding to the growing concern surrounding Woodberry’s treatment. His ongoing litigation against the DOC for claims of retaliation may also play a role in the sudden transfer, and Judge Richard Bourgeois expressed skepticism about the timing of these developments during a recent status conference.

Derrick Woodberry’s case raises significant concerns regarding inmate safety, the ethical implications of retaliatory measures taken against whistleblowers, and serious questions about the operation and accountability of the Department of Corrections. With investigations underway by state police and further legal proceedings anticipated, the future for Woodberry remains uncertain, as the system he speaks out against continues to affect him profoundly. His fears and experiences reveal the direct consequences facing those who try to expose corruption and advocate for safer prison conditions.