by Jason Renard Walker
I’ve been moved to another prison.
Normally, moving from one prison to the next is like a lottery. But in my situation, each move is far worse than the last. And I’m strategically being sent where the SCC (State Classification Committee) is well aware danger is present.
My move from Hughes was a result of a prisoner notifying staff that inmates at Connally Unit and Robertson Unit sent a message to Hughes Unit about getting me killed. I assume cell phones were used.
The prisoner gave them the handwritten note given to him, along with some newspaper clip I wrote about K2 in prison. It was passed to him for circulating to slander me, but he turned it in. The note clearly listed Connally and Robertson as units where the word came from.
Staff at Hughes did investigate everything and determined that I should be moved from Hughes because the threat is valid.
But strangely enough, out of Texas having over 100 units, I’m quickly sent to Connally in a matter of days after the investigation.
So basically, what just occurred is that Hughes Unit investigated a threat sent from Connally and Robertson, determined the threat is real, and then I’m sent to the point of origin where the threat came from.
Hughes Unit investigated a threat sent from Connally and Robertson, determined the threat is real, and then I’m sent to the point of origin where the threat came from.
Does that make any sense? I assume if I manage to get moved from here I’ll be sent to Robertson.
If possible, please find someone willing to help me get transferred via complaints to the Ombudsman and this prison. Here’s the Connally Unit phone: 830-583-4003. The warden is J. Rayford.
The complaint should list the underlying facts:
- I was moved from Hughes due to threats sent there from Connally and Robertson Unit.
- The threats concerned an article I wrote about K2 problems at Telford Unit.
- Hughes Unit staff determined that the threat is valid and had me transferred.
- The SCC moved me to a unit where the investigation and the handwritten hit note showed inmates at Connally and Robertson are involved.
- Inmates at Connally 12 Building A-Pod reinforced my fear. I was sent here on purpose as one mentioned that I’d be dead or in the hospital in a matter of days on the same day I arrived.
- This particular threat is because I publish journalism on prison conditions and am facing statewide retaliation because of it.
- This is my ninth unit transfer since 2019 for threats of violence, assault, extortion and retaliation because of my publishing.
- Moving me from prison to prison isn’t working. The proposed remedy to satisfy the complaint should be another unit transfer, away from Connally and to a unit that is designed to accommodate high-profile prisoners who are known journalists and authors who require isolation from the general population. And in no way sent to Robertson or any Region 5 unit.
- I don’t qualify for safe-keeping so another measure needs to be taken.
Be mindful that TDCJ is purposefully sending me to places that contradict the reason for these transfers. The reason I’m still safe is because I’m staying aware and making sacrifices to keep me away from certain people and places. And I’m not letting my ego convince me that I can’t be killed and the reason for my death covered up.
In solidarity,
Jason
Call prison authorities to keep Jason alive
Tell them you are calling about: Jason Walker, 1532092, Connally Unit, 899 FM 632, Kenedy, TX 78119.
Contact:
- TDCJ Ombudsman: ombudsman@tdcj.texas.gov
- TDCJ Executive Director: Bryan.Collier@tdcj.texas.gov, 936-437-2101
- Region IV Director’s Office: David.Blackwell@tdcj.texas.gov, John.Werner@tdcj.texas.gov, 361-362-6328
- Connally Unit: Phonso.Rayford@tdcj.texas.gov, 830-583-4003
Here’s a suggested script to use when you call:
“Hello,
“I am contacting you on behalf of inmate Jason Walker #1532092.
“Mr. Walker was recently moved from Hughes due to threats sent there from Connally and Robertson Unit. The threats concerned an article he wrote about K2 problems at Telford Unit. Hughes Unit staff determined that the threats are valid and had him transferred.
“The Hughes Unit investigation, and the handwritten hit note showed that inmates at Connally and Robertson were involved in this threat, and yet Mr. Walker was moved to Connally Unit.
“Inmates at Connally 12 Building A-Pod reinforced Mr. Walker’s fears, as one mentioned that he’d be dead or in the hospital in a matter of days the same day he arrived.
“This particular threat is because he publishes journalism on prison conditions and is facing statewide retaliation because of it. This is his ninth unit transfer since 2019 for threats of violence, assault, extortion and retaliation because of his publishing.
“Moving him from prison to prison isn’t working. The proposed remedy to satisfy the complaint should be another unit transfer, away from Connally and to a unit that is designed to accommodate high-profile prisoners who are known journalists and authors who require isolation from the general population.
“Under no circumstances should Mr. Walker be sent to Robertson or any Region 5 unit. He does not qualify for safe-keeping, so another measure needs to be taken.
“I wish to remind you that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice can be held legally responsible for any harm that comes to Mr. Walker as a result of negligence or deliberate retaliation from staff, and I look forward to hearing that this matter has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion.”
Jason Walker is a legendary reporter from Texas prisons who has earned the wrath of prison authorities for writing stories the Bay View published telling the truth about their brutality and hostility. The danger he feels is well founded, and one way we, the public, can show our support and discourage their retaliation is to write to him. When prison authorities see proof of support shown by numerous letters sent to a prisoner, they’re much more likely to leave him alone. Send our brother some love and light: Jason Renard Walker, 01532092, Connally Unit, 899 FM 632, Kenedy TX 781109.