Inmate Fears for Safety Following Transfer to Angola

- Inmate Derrick Woodberry fears for his life after transfer to Angola.
- Woodberry’s transfer raises questions of retaliation and safety.
- Judge Bourgeois comments on suspicious timing of Woodberry’s transfer.
- DOC cites safety concerns in response to the transfer of Woodberry.
- Alicia Pellegrin voices concern over Woodberry’s unjust treatment.
Inmate’s Safety Concerns After Transfer to Angola
Concerns over inmate safety are escalating as Derrick Woodberry, a self-identified whistleblower, claims he is being subjected to retaliation by the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Woodberry recently leaked records regarding unsafe conditions at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center and now fears for his life following his unexpected transfer back to Angola. A friend of Woodberry, Alicia Pellegrin, has expressed deep concern, stating that he fundamentally believes that his life is at risk, suggesting an urgent need for intervention.
Transfer Sparks Questions from Investigative Unit
In 2019, Woodberry endured a violent attack while incarcerated at Angola, leading to his transfer to Hunt for what was deemed necessary safety precautions. Now, however, he finds himself back at the very facility that posed a severe threat to him, and astonishingly, the officials seem to classify this drastic move as appropriate. When questioned about the rationale behind such a dangerous assignment, the Department of Corrections maintained their stance on ‘safety and security’ without addressing the apparent disconnect regarding his known enemies.
Ongoing Concerns About Judicial Oversight
This situation further complicates as the current version of Woodberry’s enemy list excludes Kendall Davis, the inmate who previously assaulted him. Attempts to obtain a definitive explanation from the DOC yielded no information due to ongoing litigation tied to Woodberry’s allegations concerning systemic corruption. Judge Richard Bourgeois has taken note of these alarming developments, stating that the abrupt timing of Woodberry’s transfer—just as depositions are set to commence—raises significant concerns and has prompted the state police to investigate the matter further.
Derrick Woodberry’s plight raises serious issues regarding inmate safety and the potential for retaliatory actions by the Department of Corrections. His transfer back to Angola, home to known adversaries, not only places him in harm’s way but invites scrutiny on the DOC’s practices and procedures. As the situation unfolds, the involvement of the state police and federal oversight could be crucial in addressing these allegations of retaliation and misconduct.