Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, is a medium-security federal prison located in Welch, West Virginia. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and houses male inmates. McDowell Federal Correctional Institution was opened in 1996 and has a capacity of 1,536 inmates.
As a medium-security federal prison, McDowell Federal Correctional Institution houses inmates who have been convicted of crimes that carry a sentence of more than one year, but less than 20 years. The prison also has a satellite camp that houses minimum-security inmates.
Like all federal prisons, McDowell Federal Correctional Institution has strict rules and regulations that inmates must follow. Visitors must also follow specific guidelines when visiting inmates. These guidelines include being placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list, providing proper identification, and following a dress code.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,536 |
| Physical Address | 101 Federal Drive Welch, WV 24801 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1009 Welch, WV 24801 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and federal holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. SHU: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and federal holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 304-436-7300 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History and Location
Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, is a medium-security federal prison located in Welch, West Virginia. It is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is responsible for the management and regulation of all federal penal and correctional institutions. The prison is located in McDowell County, which is in the Southern District of West Virginia.
The Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, was opened in 1994, and it has a capacity of 1,536 male inmates. The prison is situated on a 108-acre site and has a staff of approximately 300 employees. The facility is surrounded by a double perimeter fence, which is equipped with electronic detection systems, and it also has a patrol road that circles the prison.
The prison is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates, staff, and the public. It has various programs and services that are aimed at helping inmates to prepare for their release and to lead productive lives after their release. These programs include education, vocational training, drug treatment, and mental health counseling.
The Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, is located in Welch, West Virginia, which is a small town with a population of approximately 2,400 people. Welch is the county seat of McDowell County and is located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The town has a rich history and is known for its coal mining heritage.
In summary, the Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, is a medium-security federal prison located in Welch, West Virginia. It was opened in 1994 and has a capacity of 1,536 male inmates. The prison is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates, staff, and the public, and it has various programs and services aimed at helping inmates prepare for their release. The prison is located in McDowell County, which is in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Facility Description
FCI McDowell is a medium-security federal prison located in Welch, West Virginia. The facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and has a capacity of 1,536 male inmates. The prison is designed to house inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes and have a sentence of more than one year.
Housing Units
The housing units at FCI McDowell consist of two-person cells and dormitories. The cells are designed to hold two inmates and are equipped with a toilet, sink, and bunk beds for each inmate. The dormitories are designed to hold multiple inmates and are equipped with multiple bunk beds, toilets, and sinks. Inmates in the dormitories have more freedom of movement than those in the cells.
Special Housing Unit
The Special Housing Unit (SHU) at FCI McDowell is designed to hold inmates who have violated prison rules or pose a threat to other inmates or staff. Inmates in the SHU are housed in single cells and have limited access to the outside world. They are allowed out of their cells for one hour per day for exercise and showering.
Minimum-Security Prison Camp
FCI McDowell also has a minimum-security prison camp that houses up to 128 inmates. The prison camp is designed for non-violent offenders who have a low risk of escape. Inmates in the prison camp live in dormitory-style housing and have more freedom of movement than those in the main prison.
Overall, FCI McDowell is a well-maintained facility that provides a safe and secure environment for inmates. The housing units, SHU, and prison camps are designed to meet the needs of different types of inmates, and the staff is dedicated to maintaining a positive and productive environment.
Inmate Information
Inmate Population
As of July 14, 2023, the Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell houses a total of 1,541 inmates. The facility has a capacity of 1,536.
Notable Inmates
FCI McDowell has housed several notable inmates throughout its history. Some of the most well-known inmates include former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry, who was convicted of federal charges related to wire fraud, mail fraud, and making false statements; and former Massey Energy CEO, Don Blankenship, who was convicted of conspiring to violate federal mine safety standards.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at FCI McDowell are allowed to receive mail from family, friends, and other approved sources. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by staff to ensure that it does not contain any prohibited items or materials. Inmates are also allowed to send mail to approved recipients, although outgoing mail is also subject to inspection.
To send mail to an inmate at FCI McDowell, use the following address format:
- Inmate Name & Register Number
- FCI Mcdowell
- Federal Correctional Institution
- P.C. Box 1009
- Welch, WV 24801
It’s important to note that inmates are not allowed to receive packages, so all mail must be in the form of letters or cards. Additionally, all mail must be sent via the United States Postal Service, as other delivery methods are not accepted.
Overall, FCI McDowell provides inmates with access to various resources and services, including educational programs, vocational training, and religious services. While inmates are subject to strict rules and regulations, the facility aims to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
Operations and Programs
The Federal Correctional Institution McDowell operates under the Federal Bureau of Prisons and provides a range of programs and services to inmates. These programs aim to help inmates acquire skills and knowledge that can help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Jobs
One of the main programs at FCI McDowell is the inmate work program. Inmates are assigned to various jobs within the institution, including food service, maintenance, and landscaping. This program not only provides inmates with valuable job skills, but it also helps them earn money to pay for personal expenses and restitution.
Vocational Training
FCI McDowell offers vocational training programs in various fields, including carpentry, electrical work, and HVAC. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in these industries upon their release. Inmates who complete these programs receive certifications that can help them secure jobs in these fields.
Residential Drug Abuse Program
The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is a comprehensive program that provides treatment to inmates with substance abuse problems. The program includes individual and group counseling, education on the effects of substance abuse, and relapse prevention strategies. Inmates who successfully complete the program may be eligible for early release.
Recreation Programs
In addition to vocational training and drug abuse treatment, FCI McDowell also offers a range of recreation programs. These programs include sports leagues, fitness classes, and hobby groups. These programs not only provide inmates with a way to stay physically active and mentally engaged, but they also help foster a sense of community within the institution.
Overall, FCI McDowell provides a range of programs and services to inmates aimed at helping them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release. These programs include vocational training, drug abuse treatment, and recreation programs.
Visitation Information
Visiting an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell is possible for qualified visitors. Visitors must follow the institution’s specific regulations and procedures to ensure a safe and secure environment for all individuals. This section provides information about visiting hours, visitors, and how to send money to inmates.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at FCI McDowell are determined by the inmate’s housing unit and custody level. For general population in FCI Mcdowell visiting will be offered on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and all federal holidays. Visiting hours on these days will be 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Social visits will not be processed before 8:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. Visiting hours for inmates housed in SHU are Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and all federal holidays from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. or from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visitors must also adhere to the dress code and follow all rules and regulations during the visit. Visiting hours are subject to change without notice, and visitors are encouraged to contact the institution to confirm visiting hours.
Visitors
FCI McDowell allows visitors who are on an inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors must complete a background check and be approved by the institution before visiting an inmate. Visitors must also bring valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to the institution. The institution reserves the right to deny visitation to anyone who poses a threat to the safety and security of the institution.
How To Send Money
Inmates at FCI McDowell can receive money from friends and family members through the Western Union Quick Collect Program. To send money to an inmate, the sender must provide the inmate’s full name, eight-digit register number, and the code city and state, which is “FBOP, DC.” The sender must also provide their name and address, the amount of money being sent, and the fee for the transfer. Money orders and personal checks are not accepted.
Overall, visiting an inmate at FCI McDowell requires visitors to follow specific regulations and procedures. Visitors must adhere to the dress code, bring valid identification, and be approved by the institution before visiting an inmate. Inmates can receive money through the Western Union Quick Collect Program. Visitors are encouraged to contact the institution to confirm visiting hours and procedures before visiting an inmate.
Notable Cases
Tony F. Mack, Trenton
Tony F. Mack, the former Mayor of Trenton, New Jersey, was convicted in 2014 of bribery, mail fraud, and wire fraud charges. He was sentenced to 58 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $119,000. Mack was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, where he served his sentence.
Mack was found guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for his influence in a parking garage development project in Trenton. He was also charged with using his position as mayor to extort payments from a developer seeking to build a downtown hotel.
Bribery, Mail Fraud, and Wire Fraud
The Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, has seen several cases of bribery, mail fraud, and wire fraud in recent years. In 2015, a former Bureau of Prisons employee was charged with accepting bribes from an inmate in exchange for smuggling contraband into the facility. The employee was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
In 2018, a former correctional officer at the facility was charged with accepting bribes in exchange for smuggling drugs and other contraband into the prison. The officer was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
Extortion
The Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, has also seen cases of extortion. In 2016, a former correctional officer at the facility was charged with extorting money from an inmate in exchange for smuggling contraband into the prison. The officer was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $10,000.
In 2019, a former correctional officer at the facility was charged with extorting money from an inmate in exchange for smuggling drugs into the prison. The officer was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $2,000.
Overall, the Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell, has seen its fair share of notable cases involving bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and extortion. The facility continues to work with law enforcement to prevent and prosecute such crimes.
Additional Information
Commissary
The commissary at FCI McDowell provides a range of items for purchase, including food, hygiene products, clothing, and electronics. Inmates can use funds from their trust account to purchase these items. The commissary is open on a regular schedule, which is posted in the housing units.
Federal Holidays
During federal holidays, the visiting schedule may be adjusted. Visitors should check with the institution to confirm the visiting schedule during holiday periods. Federal holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Medical Care
FCI McDowell provides medical care to inmates through a contracted medical provider. Inmates can request medical attention through the sick call process. Inmates with chronic medical conditions may be eligible for chronic care clinics. The institution also has a dental clinic and a mental health unit.
Physical Address
FCI McDowell is located in Welch, West Virginia. The physical address is:
- 101 Federal Drive, Welch, WV 24801
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at FCI McDowell can receive mail from family and friends. All incoming mail must have the inmate’s name and register number on the envelope. The mailing address is:
- Inmate Name & Register Number
- FCI Mcdowell
- Federal Correctional Institution
- P.O. Box 1009
- Welch, WV 24801
Inmates can also send outgoing mail, which will be inspected by staff before being sent out.