Conditions at Toledo Correctional Institution (ToCI) are dire. Warden Harold May is targeting politically outspoken people by running an illegal torture program. Hunger strikes are happening because of this, and many people are facing cruel retaliation for speaking out against Warden May.
- No mental health doctor is available to those in the Restricting Housing Unit who are experiencing mental episodes or conditions. People have been removed from suicide watch.
- Warden May is submitting people to torturous isolation in Solitary Confinement. This is done without due process in many cases, which is a violation of ODRC policy. Some people have been there for years.
- Metal plates have been installed in Solitary Confinement / Restrictive Housing Unit that do not allow for air to circulate and are a fire hazard.
- On June 19, 2021, there was a fire in the B1 South Building – because a number of windows were covered over, there was no ventilation, and a number of people experienced smoke inhalation.
- Warden May is directing prison staff to viciously assault people who have been isolated.
- Prison staff have been macing and spraying irritants into Restricting Housing Units all week long. People can’t breathe and are being refused medical help.
- Mail is being withheld and access to JPay has been revoked.
- Without JPay machines, people no longer have the ability to electronically file grievances. ToCI is refusing to accept paper versions, so people on the inside are relying on people on the outside to file them.\
Ways to help:
- Contact Governor Mike DeWine via email form or (614) 466-3555
- Contact Elizabeth Goodwin, Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison to DeWine (234) 400-3580
- Report the fire hazards to the Toledo Fire Marshall (419) 936-3550 and State Fire Marshall (614) 752-7938