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Inside the Lewis Bachman Unit: A Call for Reform



The Lewis Prison Complex, located in Buckeye, Arizona, comprises eight units, including the Bachman Unit, where my husband is currently incarcerated. This unit houses inmates under protective custody, ranging from minimum to medium security levels, with a capacity of 752 inmates across four dormitory-style buildings. (corrections.az.gov)

Systemic Issues Plaguing the Facility

Over the years, the Lewis Complex has been marred by numerous incidents that highlight systemic issues within its walls:

  • Contraband Infiltration: In January 2025, a correctional officer named Berman Comon was arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs and contraband cellphones into the Rast Unit of Lewis Prison. Comon, who had served as a counselor for 11 years, reportedly received $5,000 per trip to bring in the illicit items. (abc15.com)

  • Inmate Unrest: In November 2018, surveillance footage revealed inmates in the Rast Max Unit setting fires outside their cells, leading to the evacuation of the entire unit. This incident underscored significant lapses in prison management and security protocols. (abc15.com)

  • Healthcare Deficiencies: A 2022 federal court ruling found that the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) was "deliberately indifferent" to the substantial risk of serious harm due to inadequate medical and mental health care, affecting all prisoners. (prisonlegalnews.org)

Personal Advocacy and Systemic Inaction

As an advocate for my husband's well-being, I have tirelessly reported various concerns to the ADCRR's Constituent Services:

  • Drug Proliferation: Despite highlighting the rampant drug issues within the facility, little to no action has been taken to curb this menace.

  • Inmate Abuse and Harassment: Reports of physical abuse and harassment by both staff and fellow inmates have been met with indifference.

  • Unauthorized Cellphone Use: Inmates have been known to use contraband cellphones to harass families of other inmates, a serious breach of security that remains unaddressed.

  • Medical Neglect: The lack of adequate medical care continues to be a pressing concern, with inmates' health deteriorating due to neglect.

  • Theft During Protective Custody Transfers: Inmates moving to protective custody often find their belongings stolen, adding to their distress.

Unfortunately, contacting Constituent Services often feels like shouting into the void. The process typically involves forwarding complaints to wardens, whose responses are then relayed back without any tangible action. This bureaucratic loop offers no real solutions, leaving families frustrated and inmates vulnerable.

Ignored Safety Concerns for Families

The disregard for security isn't just limited to inmates—it extends to their families as well. I am a former correctional officer with legally filed paperwork to keep my personal information confidential. Yet, I am required to put a return address on every envelope I send, which is then tossed onto my husband's bunk at random times during mail distribution. Because of this, letters have been stolen off his bunk, meaning my name and address now float around the prison. This has resulted in other inmates attempting to contact me, locate me, and harass me—simply because I married an inmate.

Being a former CO married to an inmate is already frowned upon, but the blatant disregard for my safety is unacceptable. The ADCRR has failed to address these concerns, putting not only inmates but their families in danger. The fact that outside individuals can be tracked down due to the prison's negligence is not just alarming—it’s a severe security failure that demands immediate attention.

A Plea for Transparency and Accountability

The issues at the Lewis Bachman Unit are not isolated but indicative of broader systemic failures within the Arizona correctional system. It's imperative for the ADCRR to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the humane treatment of those in their care. Families like mine deserve assurance that our loved ones are in a safe environment conducive to rehabilitation, not one that perpetuates harm.

Conclusion

The challenges within the Lewis Bachman Unit are multifaceted and deeply rooted. Addressing them requires a concerted effort from prison authorities, state officials, and the community. By shedding light on these issues, we hope to pave the way for meaningful reforms that ensure safety, dignity, and justice for all inmates and their families.

#PrisonReform #JusticeForInmates #EndPrisonAbuse #ADCRRFailings #PrisonAccountability #ProtectFamilies #CorrectionsCorruption #HumanRights #TransparencyNow #StopTheNeglect #PowerOfOurVoices #EppersonEmpowerment

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