Mount Olive Correctional Complex is a maximum-security correctional facility located in Fayette County, West Virginia. It opened in 1995 and serves as the state’s only maximum-security prison. The facility is situated seven miles east of Montgomery on Cannelton Hollow Road and has a current capacity of 1,061 inmates.
The facility was built as a replacement for the Civil War-era West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville. Mount Olive Correctional Complex was designed to provide a secure and safe environment for the state’s most dangerous criminals. The facility is equipped with modern technology and advanced security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. Despite its high-security classification, the facility offers a range of programs designed to help inmates develop skills and prepare for life after prison.
Over the years, Mount Olive Correctional Complex has faced several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the facility reported two inmate deaths related to COVID-19 complications. The state’s Department of Health and Human Resources confirmed that one of the inmates had an underlying health condition, while the other inmate was receiving hospice care for stage 4 metastatic cancer. Despite these challenges, the facility remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates and staff.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,061 |
| Physical Address | 1 Mountainside Way, Mt. Olive, West Virginia 25185 |
| Mailing Address | 1 Mountainside Way, Mt. Olive, West Virginia 25185 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (304) 442-7213 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Location
Mount Olive Correctional Complex is a maximum-security correctional facility located seven miles east of Montgomery on Cannelton Hollow Road in Fayette County, West Virginia. It was built as a replacement for the Civil War-era West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville, which was closed after the transfer of inmates to the new facility was completed on March 27, 1995.
The Mount Olive Correctional Complex is situated on a 120-acre site near Mount Olive Church, and it has a current capacity of 1,061 male offenders. The facility opened in 1995 and has been in operation since then. It is the state’s only maximum-security correctional facility.
The construction of the Mount Olive Correctional Complex was completed in 1995, with a total construction cost of $61.8 million. The facility was built to provide a safer and more secure environment for inmates, staff, and the public. The complex includes housing units, administrative offices, medical facilities, and a chapel.
The location of Mount Olive Correctional Complex was chosen for its remote and secure location. The facility is surrounded by mountains, making it difficult for inmates to escape. The area is also sparsely populated, reducing the risk of public safety incidents.
Overall, the Mount Olive Correctional Complex has played a vital role in the West Virginia criminal justice system since its opening in 1995. Its location and design have helped to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the public, while its capacity has allowed the state to house more offenders in a secure and controlled environment.
Physical Address
Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail is located in Fayette County, West Virginia. The facility’s physical address is 1 Mountainside Way, Mt. Olive, West Virginia 25185.
The facility was built to replace the Civil War-era West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville and opened in 1995. It is situated seven miles east of Montgomery on Cannelton Hollow Road in Fayette County.
The Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail houses some of the most violent, dangerous, and disruptive inmates in the state. It is West Virginia’s only maximum-security correctional facility, and it is designed to hold 1,061 inmates. The facility is spread over 67 acres of land and has a staff of approximately 500 people.
The physical address of the Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail is easily accessible by car. Visitors can take the I-64 to exit 60 and turn onto Route 61 South. From there, they can turn left onto Cannelton Hollow Road and continue for approximately 1.5 miles. The facility is located on the left side of the road.
Overall, the Mount Olive Correctional Complex and Jail is a well-secured and well-maintained facility that serves an essential role in the West Virginia Department of Corrections.
Facility Structure
Mount Olive Correctional Complex is a maximum-security correctional facility located in Fayette County, West Virginia. The facility has a current capacity of 1,061 male offenders and is the state’s only maximum-security correctional facility.
The facility is situated on a 120-acre site near Mount Olive Church and is encompassed by a secure perimeter fence approximately one mile long. The secure perimeter fence is equipped with an electronic locking control system and is monitored by an observation tower.
The facility consists of 19 buildings, including housing units, administrative buildings, and support buildings. The housing units are divided into four separate buildings, each with four housing units and a total of 240 beds. The administrative buildings include the administration building, the medical clinic, and the library. The support buildings include the gymnasium, the chapel, and the visiting area.
The facility also has a power plant and a fuel depot on-site, ensuring a reliable source of electricity and fuel for the facility. The water supply for the facility is provided by a well on the property, which is treated and stored in a water tower on site.
In addition to the medical clinic, the facility also has a hospital on site, providing medical care to the inmates. The hospital has a capacity of 16 beds and is staffed by medical professionals 24 hours a day.
Overall, the facility structure is designed to ensure the safety and security of both the inmates and the staff. The secure perimeter fence, observation tower, and electronic locking control system are just a few of the measures in place to maintain a safe and secure environment within the facility.
Administration
Mount Olive Correctional Complex is managed by the West Virginia Division of Corrections. The superintendent of the facility is Donnie Ames. He oversees the daily operations of the facility, including the supervision of staff and the management of inmates.
Under Superintendent Ames, the administration of Mount Olive Correctional Complex has implemented various programs and initiatives to improve the facility’s operations and ensure the safety and well-being of inmates and staff. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
The administration also places a strong emphasis on staff training and development. All staff members receive extensive training in safety and security procedures, as well as in communication and conflict resolution. This training helps to ensure that staff can effectively manage the inmate population and respond to any emergencies that may arise.
Superintendent Ames is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all staff and inmates at Mount Olive Correctional Complex. He works closely with staff to identify and address any issues that may arise, and he is always available to answer questions or address concerns.
Overall, the administration of Mount Olive Correctional Complex is confident and knowledgeable in its ability to manage the facility effectively. Through its various programs and initiatives, the administration is working to ensure that the facility operates in a safe, secure, and humane manner.
Programs and Services
Mount Olive Correctional Complex offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for successful reentry into society. These programs are designed to provide education, vocational training, and moral rehabilitation to inmates, helping them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce and in their personal lives.
One of the vocational training programs offered at Mount Olive is welding. Inmates can learn basic welding skills and earn industry-recognized certifications through this program. The facility also offers culinary arts and agriculture programs, which teach inmates how to grow and prepare food, as well as how to manage a farm or garden.
For those looking to further their education, Mount Olive offers college courses through Catalyst Ministries and Appalachian Bible College. Inmates can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible & Theology or be ordained as ministers through Mount Olive Bible College. Additionally, adult basic education and GED courses are available, as well as associate’s degree programs through BridgeValley Community/Technical College.
In addition to vocational and educational programs, Mount Olive offers several other services to inmates. The facility has a sign shop and a metal shop where inmates can learn valuable trade skills. The soap cleaning supply factory is another program that teaches inmates how to manufacture and package cleaning supplies. These programs not only provide job skills but also help inmates develop a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
Overall, Mount Olive Correctional Complex provides a range of programs and services to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Through vocational training, education, and moral rehabilitation, inmates can prepare for successful reentry into society.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at Mount Olive Correctional Complex have several options for communication with the outside world, including contact with family and friends, mail, and email.
Inmates at Mount Olive Correctional Complex are allowed to send and receive mail, subject to certain restrictions. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by prison staff. Inmates must use their assigned inmate mailing address when sending and receiving mail. The mailing address for Mount Olive Correctional Complex is:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Mount Olive Correctional Complex
1 Mountainside Way
Mount Olive, WV 25185Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Mount Olive Correctional Complex vary depending on the housing unit. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and must present a valid photo ID. Visitors are subject to a search before entering the facility.
Inmates at Mount Olive Correctional Complex have the option to send and receive email through a secure messaging system called JPay. In order to use JPay, inmates must purchase “stamps” to send messages. The cost of a stamp varies depending on the facility. Inmates can receive messages from anyone, but can only send messages to people who have registered with JPay.
Letters
Inmates at Mount Olive Correctional Complex may also send and receive letters. All incoming and outgoing letters are subject to inspection by prison staff. Inmates must use their assigned inmate mailing address when sending and receiving letters.
Overall, Mount Olive Correctional Complex provides inmates with several options for communication with the outside world, subject to certain restrictions and regulations.
Rules and Regulations
Mount Olive Correctional Complex has strict rules and regulations that all inmates and visitors must follow. These rules are in place to maintain safety and security within the facility.
Dress Code
All visitors must adhere to the dress code policy. Visitors are not allowed to wear revealing clothing, such as shorts or skirts that are shorter than knee-length, or clothing with offensive language or graphics. Visitors who do not comply with the dress code policy will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Identification
All visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, before being allowed to enter the facility. Inmates must also carry their identification at all times while inside the facility.
Appointment Only
Visitors must schedule an appointment in advance to visit an inmate at Mount Olive Correctional Complex. Walk-in visits are not allowed. Visitors must arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled visit to allow time for processing.
Court
Inmates who have court appearances must follow specific procedures. They must be dressed appropriately and transported to and from the courthouse by correctional officers.
Fines
Inmates may be subject to fines for violating facility rules and regulations. These fines may be deducted from the inmate’s account or added to their sentence.
Mount Olive Correctional Complex takes its rules and regulations seriously. All inmates and visitors must comply with these policies to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Inmate Search and Information
Mount Olive Correctional Complex is a maximum-security jail located in Fayette County, West Virginia. The facility houses male inmates of various races and custody levels. To search for an inmate, individuals can use the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s offender search tool.
The offender search tool allows individuals to search for inmates by name or offender ID number. Additionally, users can filter their search by race, sex, and type of offender. The search results provide the inmate’s name, offender ID number, race, sex, custody level, and facility location.
It is important to note that the information provided on the offender search tool is updated regularly but may not reflect recent changes in an inmate’s status or location. To obtain more current information, individuals can contact the facility directly.
Inmates at Mount Olive Correctional Complex have access to a variety of programs and services, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also offers religious services, recreational activities, and visitation for approved visitors.
Overall, Mount Olive Correctional Complex strives to provide a safe and secure environment for its inmates while also offering opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth.