Federal Correctional Complex, Butner is a correctional institution located in Butner, North Carolina, operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The complex comprises four different facilities, including two medium-security federal correctional institutions, a low-security federal correctional institution, and a medical center for federal prisoners.
One of the medium-security institutions is known as FCI Butner Medium I, which has been audited by an outside contractor to ensure compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The audit report was posted on February 7, 2023, and details the findings of the contractor’s investigation. The report is available on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website for public access.
Federal Correctional Complex, Butner has been the subject of remote inspections by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. The most recent report was issued on January 28, 2021, and is available on the OIG’s website. The report provides information on the complex’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, among other topics.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 3,764 |
| Physical Address | Old NC Hwy 75 Butner, NC 27509 |
| Mailing Address | Depends on the Unit |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | Depends on the Unit |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Overview of Federal Correctional Complex, Butner
Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Butner is a correctional facility located in Butner, North Carolina. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a division of the United States Department of Justice. FCC Butner is a multi-security level complex that houses male inmates of various security levels, from minimum to maximum security. The facility is also home to a medical center that provides specialized medical and mental health care to inmates.
FCC Butner is composed of four separate institutions: FCI Butner Low, FCI Butner Medium I, FCI Butner Medium II, and FMC Butner. FCI Butner Low is a low-security facility that houses male inmates. FCI Butner Medium I and Medium II are medium-security facilities that also house male inmates. FMC Butner is a high-security facility that houses male inmates with the most serious offenses.
The facility has a total capacity of 3,764 inmates. In addition to housing inmates, FCC Butner also provides vocational training, educational programs, and drug treatment programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
FCC Butner has been in operation since 1995 and has a staff of approximately 1,200 employees. The facility is located on a 4,600-acre site in Butner, NC, which is about 25 miles northwest of Raleigh. The site was previously used as a military training facility before it was converted into a correctional complex.
Overall, FCC Butner is a significant correctional facility that serves an important role in the federal prison system. With its multiple institutions and its medical center, it provides a range of services and programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
Facilities and Security Levels
The Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina, consists of five facilities: FCI Butner Medium I, FCI Butner Medium II, FCI Butner Low, Federal Medical Center, Butner, and Satellite Camp. Each facility has its own security level and operational requirements.
FCI Butner Medium I
FCI Butner Medium I is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. It has a capacity of 492 inmates and is designed to house inmates who have committed non-violent crimes or who have a low risk of violence. The facility offers a wide variety of programs, including education and vocational training, to help inmates prepare for their release.
The mailing address is:
- FCI
- P. O. Box 1000
- Butner, NC 27509
The phone number for FCI Butner Medium I is 919-575-4541.
FCI Butner Medium II
FCI Butner Medium II is also a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. It has a capacity of 1,116 inmates and is designed to house inmates who have committed non-violent crimes or who have a low risk of violence. The facility offers a variety of programs, including education and vocational training, to help inmates prepare for their release.
The mailing address is:
- FCI II
- P. O. Box 1500
- Butner, NC 27509
The phone number for FCI Butner Medium II is 919-575-8000.
FCI Butner Low
FCI Butner Low is a low-security facility that houses male inmates. It has a capacity of 992 inmates and is designed to house inmates who have committed non-violent crimes or who have a low risk of violence. The facility offers a variety of programs, including education and vocational training, to help inmates prepare for their release.
The mailing address is:
- LSCI
- P. O. Box 999
- Butner, NC 27509
The phone number for FCI Butner Low is 919-575-5000.
Federal Medical Center, Butner
The Federal Medical Center in Butner is a medical facility that provides care to male inmates who require medical attention. It has a capacity of 868 inmates and offers a variety of medical services, including mental health care, dental care, and substance abuse treatment.
The mailing address is:
- Federal Medical Center
- P.O. Box 1500
- Butner, NC 27509
The phone number for Federal Medical Center, Butner is 919-575-3900.
Satellite Camp
The Satellite Camp is a minimum-security facility that houses male inmates. It has a capacity of 296 inmates and is designed to house inmates who have committed non-violent crimes or who have a low risk of violence. The facility offers a variety of programs, including education and vocational training, to help inmates prepare for their release.
The mailing address is:
- FPC
- P.O. Box 1000
- Butner, NC 27509
The phone number for Satellite Camp is 919-575-4541.
The security levels of the prison facilities at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner are based on an operational levels matrix that takes into account factors such as the nature of the inmates’ crimes, their history of violence, and their potential for escape. The security levels are designed to ensure the safety of the inmates, staff, and the public.
Inmate Information
Admissions and Orientation
Upon arrival at the Federal Correctional Complex, Butner, inmates are processed through the Admission and Orientation (A&O) Handbook. This handbook outlines the rules and regulations of the facility, as well as the expectations for behavior and conduct. Inmates are required to read and sign the A&O Handbook before being housed in the facility. The handbook covers topics such as visitation, mail, and commissary accounts.
Housing
The Federal Correctional Complex, Butner, houses male inmates who have been sentenced to federal prison. Inmates are housed in one of three facilities: FCI Butner Low, FCI Butner Medium I, or FCI Butner Medium II. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while they serve their sentences. Inmates are assigned to housing units based on their security level and other factors such as medical needs.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at the Federal Correctional Complex, Butner, are allowed to send and receive mail. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and may be read by staff members. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages from outside the facility, but they can order items from the commissary.
Commissary Account
Inmates at the Federal Correctional Complex, Butner, are allowed to have a commissary account. This account allows them to purchase items such as snacks, personal hygiene products, and clothing. Inmates can add money to their commissary account through the facility’s Trust Fund Department or through the mail.
Legal Activities
Inmates at the Federal Correctional Complex, Butner, are allowed to participate in legal activities such as filing lawsuits or attending court hearings. They are also allowed to receive visits from their attorneys. The facility has a law library where inmates can research legal issues and prepare legal documents.
Drug Treatment Program
The Federal Correctional Complex, Butner, offers a drug treatment program for inmates who have substance abuse problems. The program includes counseling, education, and group therapy. Inmates who successfully complete the program may be eligible for early release.
Overall, the Federal Correctional Complex, Butner, provides inmates with a safe and secure environment where they can serve their sentences. The facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and successfully reintegrate into society.
Visiting Procedures
Visiting an inmate at Federal Correctional Complex, Butner is a privilege that must be earned and is subject to strict rules and regulations. Visitors must follow the established guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the inmates, staff, and visitors.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the Butner facility vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit, custody level, and other factors. Visitors are encouraged to check the visiting schedule before arriving at the facility to avoid disappointment. The visiting hours are subject to change without notice, so visitors are advised to contact the facility to confirm the visiting hours before making travel arrangements.
Visitation hours are:
- FMC
- Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all Federal Holidays:
- 2:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
- 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all Federal Holidays:
- FCI and FCI II
- Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all Federal Holidays:
- 2:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
- 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- MXR: Wednesday
- 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all Federal Holidays:
- LSCI
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and all Federal Holidays:
- 2:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
- 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and all Federal Holidays:
- FPC
- Saturday, Sunday, and all Federal Holidays:
- 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- Friday:
- 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m
- Saturday, Sunday, and all Federal Holidays:
Visiting Schedule & Procedures
Visitors must follow the visiting schedule and procedures established by the Butner facility. The visiting schedule is based on the inmate’s last name and is subject to change. The procedures for visiting an inmate include obtaining approval from the inmate, submitting a completed visitation application, and passing a background check. Visitors must also comply with the dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Adult Visitors
Adult visitors must be at least 18 years old and provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors who have been convicted of a felony or have outstanding warrants are not allowed to visit the facility.
In conclusion, visiting an inmate at Federal Correctional Complex, Butner is subject to strict rules and regulations. Visitors must follow the established guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the inmates, staff, and visitors. The visiting hours, schedule, and procedures are subject to change without notice, so visitors are advised to contact the facility before making travel arrangements.
Medical Services
The Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina, has a comprehensive medical services program that provides care to inmates at all levels of the prison. The medical complex at the FCC Butner includes a Federal Medical Center (FMC), a satellite prison camp, and a medium-security institution. The FMC is the primary referral center for all inmates requiring oncology treatment and is a Care Level III/IV facility that provides all specialty areas of medicine.
Oncology
The oncology department at the FMC provides care to inmates with cancer and other serious medical conditions. The facility has a team of experienced oncologists, nurses, and other medical professionals who work together to provide the best possible care to inmates. The oncology department at the FMC offers a range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Medications
The medical services program at FCC Butner provides inmates with access to a wide range of medications, including those used to treat HIV and other serious medical conditions. The pharmacy at the FMC is staffed by licensed pharmacists who work closely with medical providers to ensure that inmates receive the appropriate medications at the correct dosages. Inmates who require specialized medications can receive them through the FMC’s specialty pharmacy program.
The medical services program at FCC Butner is committed to providing inmates with high-quality healthcare that meets their medical needs. The facility has a team of experienced medical professionals who work together to provide the best possible care to inmates.
Education and Work Programs
Federal Correctional Complex, Butner offers various education and work programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs aim to equip inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to increase their chances of finding employment and reintegrating into society successfully.
Education Programs
The facility provides literacy classes, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, parenting classes, wellness education, adult continuing education, library services, and instruction in leisure-time activities. The education programs offered by the facility are designed to help inmates obtain their GED, which is a high school equivalency diploma recognized in all 50 states of the US.
Work Programs
Federal Correctional Complex, Butner provides various work programs to inmates, including UNICOR, which is a government-owned corporation that provides job training and employment to inmates. The facility also offers vocational training in various trades, such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC.
Inmates who participate in these work programs earn wages that can be used to pay for their expenses in the facility, such as phone calls, email, and commissary items. The work programs also help inmates gain valuable work experience, which can be useful in finding employment after their release.
Union Apprenticeship Program
The facility also offers a Union Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA). The program provides inmates with the opportunity to learn a trade and earn industry-recognized certifications.
Inmates who complete the program can become members of the IBEW or UA and have access to employment opportunities in the respective trades upon their release.
Overall, the education and work programs offered by Federal Correctional Complex, Butner aim to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and increase their chances of successfully reintegrating into society.
Notable Inmates
Bernie Madoff
Bernie Madoff is perhaps the most infamous inmate to have been held at the Federal Correctional Complex, Butner. Madoff was a former stockbroker who was sentenced to 150 years in prison for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of billions of dollars. He was transferred to Butner in 2009 and was housed at the medium-security facility until his death in 2021. While at Butner, Madoff was reportedly involved in a number of altercations with other inmates.
Lee Farkas
Lee Farkas was the former chairman of Colonial Bank, which was one of the largest banks in the United States before it collapsed in 2009. Farkas was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme that led to the bank’s collapse. He was transferred to Butner in 2011 and was housed at the medium-security facility.
Samuel Israel
Samuel Israel was the founder of the Bayou Hedge Fund Group, which was a fraudulent investment scheme that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars. Israel was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the scheme. He was transferred to Butner in 2008 and was housed at the medium-security facility until his release in 2018.
Carmine Persico
Carmine Persico was a former mafia figure who was the head of the Colombo crime family. Persico was convicted of racketeering and murder charges in 1986 and was sentenced to 139 years in prison. He was transferred to Butner in 2004 and was housed at the medical center until his death in 2019.
Other notable inmates who have been held at Butner include Jonathan Pollard, an intelligence analyst who was convicted of espionage under the Espionage Act; John Walker, a former Chief Warrant Officer in the US Navy who was convicted of spying for the Soviet Union; and Jerry Whitworth, a former US Navy radioman who was convicted of spying for the Soviet Union.