Whistleblower Inmate Faces Danger After Transfer to Angola

• Derrick Woodberry claims he is being retaliated against after leaking prison records.
• His unexpected transfer to Angola raises fears for his safety.
• Woodberry faced a violent attack at Angola in the past, justifying a previous move.
• The Department of Corrections claims the transfer was for safety and security reasons.
• Inconsistencies in Woodberry’s enemies list have been reported amid pending litigation.

Woodberry’s History of Violence and Injustice

Concerns are rising for the safety of Derrick Woodberry, an inmate known for leaking internal prison documents, after he was transferred to Angola prison, a location where he had previously faced serious violence. Woodberry claims that the transfer by the Department of Corrections is a retaliatory move against him for his whistleblower activities related to unsafe living conditions within Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. His friend, Alicia Pellegrin, expressed her fears, stating, “He feels like they are out to kill him essentially.”

Inconsistencies in Records Raise Concerns

Woodberry’s track record at Angola is alarming; in 2019, he was violently attacked by an inmate while asleep. Following that incident, he was moved to Hunt for his safety, which raises questions about the rationale behind his recent and sudden transfer back to Angola. According to a spokesperson from the Department of Corrections, the decision was made “for safety and security reasons,” sparking skepticism given Woodberry’s history with an inmate named Kendall Davis, who is listed as a known enemy, despite Woodberry’s latest enemies list having an inconsistency regarding Davis.

Suspicious Timing of Transfer Calls for Investigation

Despite his incarceration dating back to 1992 for a crime committed as a juvenile, Woodberry, now in his 30th year of imprisonment, has made strides toward rehabilitation, completing numerous programs and maintaining a clean disciplinary record since 2023. However, he fears that his recent lawsuit against the Department of Corrections for alleged retaliation may have influenced the decision to transfer him back to Angola. Magistrate Judge Richard Bourgeois has noted the suspicious timing of this transfer, coinciding closely with the commencement of depositions in Woodberry’s case, indicating that further investigation may be warranted.

In summary, Derrick Woodberry’s unexpected transfer back to Angola prison raises significant concerns about potential retaliation due to his whistleblower actions. Friends and legal advocates argue that this move could pose a grave threat to his safety, especially given his history of violence at the facility. With investigations underway by State Police and scrutiny from the legal system, the circumstances behind this decision warrant careful attention.