Federal Correctional Institution, Oakdale is a federal prison located in Oakdale, Louisiana. It is one of several facilities that make up the Federal Correctional Complex in Oakdale. The complex is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a division of the United States Department of Justice.
Federal Correctional Institution, Oakdale houses male inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes. The facility has a rated capacity of 1,096 inmates. Inmates at the facility have access to a variety of programs, including educational programs, vocational training, and drug treatment programs. The facility also has a commissary where inmates can purchase items such as food, clothing, and personal hygiene products.
| Security | Low |
| Capacity | 1,924 |
| Physical Address | 1507 East Whatley Road Oakdale, LA 71463 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 5000 Oakdale, LA 71463 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Sunday, Saturday, & Federal Holidays: 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 318-335-4070 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History and Location
Federal Correctional Institution, Oakdale is a low-security federal prison located in Oakdale, Louisiana, United States. It is part of the Federal Correctional Complex, Oakdale, which also includes a low-security prison and a detention center. The complex is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Alexandria and 60 miles north of Lake Charles.
The complex was established in 1993, and the low-security prison began operations in 1994. It was built to address the growing need for additional federal correctional facilities in the United States. The prison has a capacity of 1,924 inmates and employs approximately 400 staff members.
Oakdale Federal Correctional Complex is located in Allen Parish, which has a population of approximately 25,000 people. The prison is situated on a 640-acre site that was formerly used for agriculture. The complex is surrounded by a double fence with electronic detection systems, and the perimeter is patrolled by armed staff.
The location of the Oakdale Federal Correctional Complex was chosen due to its proximity to major transportation routes, including Interstate 49 and U.S. Highway 165. This allows for easy access to the prison by staff, visitors, and contractors. Additionally, the location provides access to medical facilities, educational institutions, and other resources that are necessary for the operation of a federal correctional facility.
In recent years, the Oakdale Federal Correctional Complex has faced challenges related to staffing shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, an audit conducted by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General found that the complex failed to promptly implement inmate and staff screening guidance, which contributed to the spread of COVID-19 within the facility. Despite these challenges, the prison remains an important part of the federal correctional system and plays a vital role in ensuring public safety.
Institution Overview
The institution has two housing units, FCI Oakdale I and FCI Oakdale II, with a total capacity of 1,924 inmates.
FCI Oakdale I houses approximately 900 inmates in two-person cells. The unit is divided into six housing blocks, each with its own recreation area. The inmates at FCI Oakdale I are typically incarcerated for non-violent offenses and have a lower security classification.
FCI Oakdale II houses approximately 900 inmates in dormitory-style housing. The unit is divided into four housing blocks, each with its own recreation area. The inmates at FCI Oakdale II are typically incarcerated for more serious offenses and have a higher security classification.
The institution offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society. These include educational programs, vocational training, drug treatment, and counseling services. Inmates are also provided with medical and dental care, as well as access to a commissary where they can purchase personal items.
Operations at FCI Oakdale are overseen by a warden, who is responsible for the overall management of the facility. The institution employs a staff of approximately 300, including correctional officers, administrative personnel, and support staff.
Overall, FCI Oakdale is a well-managed facility that provides inmates with the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Inmate Information
Federal Correctional Institution, Oakdale houses inmates who have been convicted of committing a federal crime or are awaiting trial for violating federal laws. The facility also confines offenders who have been convicted of a felony in the District of Columbia. Inmates can be located using the Inmate Locator tool on the Bureau of Prisons website.
Upon arrival at FCI Oakdale, inmates are provided with a copy of the Admissions and Orientation (A&O) Handbook, which outlines the rules and regulations of the facility. Inmates are expected to adhere to these rules and regulations, failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Inmates at FCI Oakdale are allowed to send and receive mail. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection. Inmates can purchase postage stamps and stationery from the commissary. The Commissary List provides a list of items that inmates can purchase using their commissary account.
Visiting hours at FCI Oakdale vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must present a valid government-issued photo ID. Visitors are subject to search and must adhere to the dress code and other rules and regulations of the facility.
Inmates at FCI Oakdale are allowed to make phone calls. Inmates can place collect calls to approved numbers or purchase phone time from the commissary to make calls to unapproved numbers. All calls are subject to monitoring and recording.
Security Measures
Security is a top priority in the Federal Correctional Institution, Oakdale. The facility is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a part of the United States Department of Justice. The Bureau of Prisons is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates, and it operates with a mission to protect society by confining offenders in a safe, secure, and humane environment.
The security measures at FCI Oakdale are designed to prevent escapes, maintain order, and ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public. The facility has a multi-layered security system that includes physical barriers, electronic surveillance, and staff supervision. The perimeter of the facility is secured by a double fence with razor wire, and there are guard towers and patrol vehicles to monitor the area.
The staff at FCI Oakdale are highly trained and experienced in correctional operations. They undergo rigorous training programs to prepare them for the challenges of working in a correctional environment. The staff is responsible for maintaining order and discipline within the facility, and they are trained to respond to emergencies, such as riots, fires, and medical emergencies.
In addition to physical security measures, FCI Oakdale has implemented several programs to promote safety and security. These programs include drug treatment, education, and vocational training. Inmates who participate in these programs are less likely to engage in disruptive behavior and are more likely to succeed after release.
The security measures at FCI Oakdale are constantly reviewed and updated to ensure that they are effective and efficient. The Bureau of Prisons has a comprehensive security audit program that assesses security risks and vulnerabilities to prevent injuries, escapes, disruptions, or property destruction. The Prison Staffing Analysis program helps assess staffing needs, determine critical levels, and modify and implement staffing operations for new or existing facilities.
Overall, FCI Oakdale is a secure and safe facility that is dedicated to maintaining the safety and security of staff, inmates, and the public. The Bureau of Prisons is committed to providing a safe, secure, and humane environment for federal inmates, and FCI Oakdale is an example of that commitment.
Notable Inmates
Federal Correctional Institution, Oakdale has housed several high-profile inmates over the years. Some of the most notable inmates are:
Bernard Ebbers
Bernard Ebbers, the former CEO of WorldCom, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the accounting scandal that led to the company’s bankruptcy. He was released from FCI Oakdale in 2020 due to his failing health.
Andrew Fastow
Andrew Fastow, the former CFO of Enron, was sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the company’s collapse. He served his sentence at FCI Oakdale and was released in 2011.
Edwin Edwards
Edwin Edwards, a former Louisiana Governor, was convicted of racketeering and served eight years at FCI Oakdale. He was released in 2011.
Don Siegelman
Don Siegelman, a former Alabama Governor, was convicted of corruption charges and served six years at FCI Oakdale. He was released in 2017.
Alberto Gallegos-Velazquez and Joaquin Valencia-Trujillo
Alberto Gallegos-Velazquez and Joaquin Valencia-Trujillo were both members of the Gulf Cartel, a Mexican drug trafficking organization. They were sentenced to 30 years and life in prison, respectively, for their roles in the cartel’s activities. They are currently serving their sentences at FCI Oakdale.
Kai Lundstroem Pedersen
Kai Lundstroem Pedersen, a Norwegian citizen, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a $100 million Ponzi scheme. He served his sentence at FCI Oakdale and was released in 2018.
Kwame Kilpatrick
Kwame Kilpatrick, the former Mayor of Detroit, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for corruption charges. He served his sentence at FCI Oakdale and was released in 2021.
Paul Manafort
Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, was briefly held at FCI Oakdale in 2018 while awaiting trial on charges related to his work for the Ukrainian government. He was later transferred to another facility.
Max Butler
Max Butler, also known as “Iceman,” was a computer hacker who was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in a credit card fraud scheme. He served his sentence at FCI Oakdale and was released in 2019.
Yevgeniy Nikulin
Yevgeniy Nikulin, a Russian citizen, was extradited to the United States to face charges related to hacking LinkedIn, Dropbox, and other companies. He is currently serving his sentence at FCI Oakdale.
William J. Jefferson
William J. Jefferson, a former Louisiana Congressman, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for corruption charges. He served his sentence at FCI Oakdale and was released in 2017.
Shannon Kepler and Paul Schlesselman
Shannon Kepler, a former Tulsa police officer, and Paul Schlesselman, a white supremacist, were both sentenced to life in prison for separate crimes. Kepler was convicted of killing his daughter’s boyfriend, while Schlesselman was convicted of plotting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Barack Obama. They are both currently serving their sentences at FCI Oakdale.
Justin Solondz
Justin Solondz, an environmental activist and member of the Earth Liberation Front, was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in a series of arsons. He served his sentence at FCI Oakdale and was released in 2018.
Legal and Illegal Activities
Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale is a low-security facility that houses male inmates. Like all federal prisons, the institution has strict rules that inmates must follow. Any violation of these rules can result in disciplinary action, which can include loss of privileges, confinement, or transfer to a higher-security facility.
Inmates at FCI Oakdale are allowed reasonable access to legal materials and counsel, as well as a reasonable opportunity to prepare legal documents. The institution has an inmate law library, and procedures are in place to ensure that inmates have access to the legal resources they need.
However, engaging in illegal activities while incarcerated can result in additional criminal charges and an extension of one’s sentence. In recent years, FCI Oakdale has seen cases of racketeering, accounting fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud, telecommunications fraud, bribery, money laundering, and mail fraud.
One notable case involved a former telecommunications company CEO who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his involvement in a bribery and kickback scheme. Another case involved a group of inmates who conspired to commit murder while incarcerated at FCI Oakdale.
In addition to illegal activities, FCI Oakdale also has a range of legal activities available to inmates. These activities include educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates can also participate in religious services and other activities that promote personal growth and development.
Overall, it is important for inmates at FCI Oakdale to understand the consequences of engaging in illegal activities and to take advantage of the legal activities and resources available to them.
Programs and Services
Federal Correctional Institution, Oakdale offers a variety of programs and services to assist inmates in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These programs and services are designed to meet the specific needs of the inmate population and help them develop the skills necessary to lead a productive and law-abiding life upon release.
One of the most important programs offered at FCI Oakdale is the counseling service provided by trained counselors. Counselors work with inmates to help them address personal issues, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in their behavior. In addition, mental health services are available to inmates who require more specialized or intensive treatment.
FCI Oakdale also offers a parenting program designed to help inmates maintain and strengthen relationships with their children. The program provides education and support to help inmates develop parenting skills and maintain contact with their children while incarcerated.
For inmates interested in gaining job skills, FCI Oakdale offers apprenticeships in a variety of trades. These apprenticeships provide inmates with hands-on training and experience that can help them secure employment upon release.
Another program offered at FCI Oakdale is Unicor, a government-owned corporation that provides job training and employment opportunities to inmates. Unicor operates a variety of industries, including electronics, textiles, and furniture, and provides inmates with valuable work experience and job skills.
Overall, FCI Oakdale is committed to providing programs and services that help inmates develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead a productive and law-abiding life upon release. By offering a variety of programs and services, FCI Oakdale is helping to ensure that inmates have the tools they need to succeed upon reentry into society.