NDCS News Releases

NDCS News Releases

Chemical fire quickly extinguished at TSCI​

October 2, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-27)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

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

October 2, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – Today, A fire resulting from a chemical spill was quickly extinguished this morning at Tecumseh State Correctional Institute (TSCI). There were no injuries to staff members or inmates.

The fire started inside a chemical closet in the wood shop. A chemical liquid spilled on the floor and rags were used to absorb it. Due to the fumes, those inside the shop evacuated. The rags spontaneously combusted.

Damage from the fire was limited...Read more

Director Frakes appoints deputy director for programs division

September 21, 2018

September 21, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes announced the appointment of Dawn-Renee Smith as the deputy director for programs at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS).

Smith’s role will include oversight of the community corrections facilities, classification and transportation, volunteers, non-clinical programming, reentry services, and quality assurance.

“Our emphasis on programming cannot be overstated,” added Director Frakes. “We have built several goals around boosting programming into the agency’s new strategic plan. We know that giving people the tools that they...Read more

NDCS submits biennial budget request and strategic plan to reduce agency turnover, improve parole eligibility

September 17, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-24)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

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

September 17, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes submitted the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services’ (NDCS) budget request for fiscal years 2019-2020 (FY20) and 2020-2021 (FY21). Included in the budget submission is the agency’s 2019-2023 strategic plan.

“The work of NDCS is wide-ranging and identifying our customers is central to our strategic plan,” Director Frakes said. “The safety of our team members and the people we incarcerate is...Read more

Inmate Dies at Nebraska State Penitentiary

September 10, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-23)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Chief of Staff

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

September 10, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Elijah Jones, #35083, died today at 4:09 p.m. at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP). Mr. Jones was serving a life sentence for first degree murder. He was sentenced to a life sentence in Douglas County.

While cause of death has not been determined, Mr. Jones was being treated for a long-term medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, a grand jury will...Read more

Incident resolved after inmates refuse to return to cells, one inmate assaulted

September 7, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-22)

CONTACT Dawn-Renee Smith, Chief of Staff

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

September 7, 2018 (Tecumseh, Neb.) – Today, shortly before 10 a.m., the cell doors on a 16-cell single-person restrictive housing gallery at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) were opened in error. The doors are operated by a computerized system. The cause of the error is under investigation.

The inmates were in their cells and were directed to remain in inside. The inmates came out into the gallery and refused to return to their cells. No staff members were on...Read more

Inmate escapes from Work Ethic Camp

August 23, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-22)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

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

August 23, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – At approximately 8:18 p.m. tonight, Christian Reinke (#87265) escaped from the Work Ethic Camp in McCook.

The Nebraska State Patrol and local law enforcement have been notified. The facility has been secured and an emergency count conducted. All other inmates have been accounted for.

Reinke is described as a 20-year old white male, 5’10”, 140 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing khaki pants, a gray shirt...Read more

Staff member assaulted at NSP

August 20, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-21)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

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

August 20, 2018 (Lincoln, Neb.) – An inmate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) assaulted a staff member on Sunday, August 19, 2018.

The incident happened shortly after 7:00 p.m. The inmate struck the staff member in the face multiple times, after refusing to obey the staff member’s request to return to a secure area. The staff member went to the hospital and received several stitches to the lip.

The incident will be investigated with findings provided to...Read more

NDCS carries out execution of Carey Dean Moore

August 14, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-20)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

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

August 14, 2018 (Lincoln Neb.) – Today at 11:05 a.m., Director Scott R. Frakes made the following statement:

“The execution of Carey Dean Moore (60) #32947, scheduled for 10 a.m. today, was carried out pursuant to the order issued by the Nebraska Supreme Court on July 5, 2018. The first of four substances was administered at 10:24 a.m. The Lancaster County coroner pronounced Moore’s time of death at 10:47 a.m.

“As the director of the Nebraska Department of...Read more

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