NDCS News Releases

NDCS News Releases

Inmate Death at Nebraska State Penitentiary

December 19, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-35)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

December 19, 2018 (Lincoln, NE) – Roger Schmidt (74), #65969, died today at 1:58 a.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP). Schmidt was serving a 38 to 45-year sentence for first degree sexual assault of a child. His sentence began on May 18, 2007.

The cause of death has not been determined. Schmidt was under treatment for long-term medical conditions.

As is the case whenever an inmate...Read more

Fire set in trash can at NSP quickly extinguished

December 17, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-34)

Today, at approximately 3:15 p.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), inmates ignited a fire inside a trash can. The inmates involved blocked staff members from entering the gallery by tying the doors closed.

The NSP corrections emergency response team (CERT) entered the gallery approximately 28 minutes after the incident began and extinguished the fire, securing inmates in their cells or in the dayroom. Use of force was not necessary as the inmates complied with staff directives. No injuries to staff members or inmates have been reported.

“The NSP team responded...Read more

Inmate death at Nebraska State Penitentiary

November 23, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-33)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

November 23, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Daniel Stetter (57), #56838, died today at 4:48 p.m. at Bryan Medical Center-East. Stetter was an interstate transfer from South Dakota, sentenced for manslaughter, two counts of first degree assault and driving while intoxicated. He was received at the Nebraska State Penitentiary on April 29, 2002.

The cause of death has not been determined. Stetter was being treated for long-term medical conditions. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in...Read more

NDCS Director Frakes hires chief of staff

November 2, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-32)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

November 2, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes announced the appointment of Laura Strimple as chief of staff for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS).

Strimple will oversee the areas of research, communications, records, and policy development and accreditation. She has served as communications director since joining NDCS.

“NDCS is an agency of dedicated and hard-working individuals. It is a privilege to continue working with...Read more

NDCS Reentry, Bristol Station eases transition back into community

October 31, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-31)

CONTACT Cara Wilwerding, Communications Manager

cara.wilwerding@nebraska.gov

A variety of grant-funded programs are giving incarcerated individuals in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) the necessary skills to return to their communities.

The latest wave of Vocational and Life Skills (VLS) grants, totaling $7 million dollars, was awarded this summer to eight community organizations. Funding enables those organizations to provide individuals with a variety of education, behavior, life skills and hands-on vocational training.

“When you get...Read more

NDCS facilities offer opportunities, experience through work release, work detail

October 29, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-30)

CONTACT Cara Wilwerding, Communications Manager

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | cara.wilwerding@nebraska.gov

Oct. 29, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – There are many challenges associated with re-entering society following incarceration. Finding employment is one of them. But, opportunities provided through two Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities offer participants the type of training they need to transition back into the community and become successful.

“They’re getting back into the rhythm of working again,” said Lorna Ellinger, unit case worker at the...Read more

Possible excessive force under investigation

October 23, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-29)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | dawnrenee.smith@nebraska.gov

October 22, 2018 (TECUMSEH, Neb.) On Thursday, October 18, 2018, a staff member from the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) was suspended pending an investigation into a suspected excessive use of force.

“Force was necessary in the incident as the inmate was combative and aggressive,” TSCI Warden Brad Hansen said. “We are looking into whether the level of force used was appropriate.”

Upon review of reports and video, it was determined an investigation was necessary. Further...Read more

NSP staff members treated for injuries in separate assaults

October 5, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-28)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

October 5, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) Two separate inmate assaults have resulted in serious* injuries to staff members at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP).

The first occurred on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. Staff members were called to respond to an unruly inmate who was trying to open a secure door. The inmate refused commands to stop and assaulted the officers as they were attempting to restrain him. One staff member was treated at the hospital for a fractured thumb....Read more

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