Tagged News

• 'Deliberate indifference' toward violent kids at Angola? Federal judge says it looks that way

  August 29, 2023 2:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A federal judge said Tuesday that based on what she has heard so far, Louisiana is showing a “deliberate indifference” toward juveniles held at a youth center on the grounds of the state penitentiary at Angola. U.S. District Judge Shelley Dick said those challenging Louisiana’s sending... more »

• State revokes questionable contract for high-profile Angola employees after WBRZ report Play Video

  March 30, 2023 4:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Office of Juvenile Justice revoked a questionable contract from two high-ranking Angola employees after the WBRZ Investigative Unit exposed the contract ran afoul of state ethics laws. Watch live newscasts here The contract for grass-cutting was given to William Kaycee Rosso under the name Rosso... more »

• Angola employees given lucrative contract cutting grass at prison; legal expert calls it corruption at its finest Play Video

  February 23, 2023 4:43 PM

  ANGOLA - State ethics laws are on the books to prevent the good ol' boy network in Louisiana, but it appears a clever workaround was found for two high-ranking employees at Angola earning $1,200 per-cut to cut a small section of grass at the prison. Ken Pastorick, a spokesman... more »

• Plan to move teen convicts to EBR Parish frustrates local leaders over lack of communication Play Video

  August 2, 2022 5:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A plan to move some of the state's most troubled convicted teens to East Baton Rouge Parish has drawn the ire of public officials who believe they have been left in the dark about the decision. This week, an informational meeting was canceled in the City of... more »

• Angola inmate accused of killing another inmate during fight

  July 20, 2022 7:17 PM

  ANGOLA, La. – Officials at the Louisiana State Penitentiary are investigating after one inmate allegedly killed another. The state Department of Corrections said Kevin Hamburg, 26, got into a fight with Carlos McGrew, 42, about 5:40 a.m. Tuesday at Camp C at the prison. McGrew died, and possible criminal... more »

• Guard busted with stash of contraband at Angola

  December 18, 2020 5:49 PM

  ANGOLA - A guard was booked into jail after authorities said he was caught trying to smuggle a trove of contraband into the State Penitentiary Friday. Malik Harrell, 20, of St. Francisville was charged with introduction of contraband into a prison. He resigned from his corrections gig during questioning... more »

• Inmate dead after fight Tuesday morning inside Angola

  September 1, 2020 4:34 PM

  ANGOLA - Criminal charges may be filed after a fight between inmates at the state penitentiary left one of them dead. A pair of inmates were involved in a fight Tuesday (September 1) morning, prison officials said. One of the inmates in the fight died a short time after... more »

• Four former Angola Correctional Officers sentenced for beating handcuffed and shackled inmate

  July 6, 2020 10:42 AM

  WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice issued a release Monday (July 6) stating that four former supervisory correctional officers at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola have been sentenced for their roles in beating an inmate who was handcuffed, shackled and not resisting, and for devising a false cover story to... more »

• Angola cadet arrested, suspected of smuggling marijuana into prison

  May 14, 2020 6:21 PM

  WEST FELICIANA PARISH - An Angola corrections cadet is facing drug charges after allegedly smuggling Marijuana into the prsion. The Department of Corrections says they found Dexter Champagne , 58, with marijuana inside a drop point within the prison as well as his car. It totaled almost a quarter... more »

• Angola employee with history of problems terminated by Department of Corrections Play Video

  May 13, 2020 4:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Department of Corrections has parted ways with a longtime employee at Angola. Barrett Boeker was terminated this week after he sprayed an inmate with a fire extinguisher even though there was no fire. "We will not tolerate this type of behavior," Department of Public Safety and... more »

• Second inmate at state prison dies after contracting COVID-19

  April 21, 2020 12:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - According to the Department of Corrections, a second inmate at Anglola's Louisiana State Penitentiary has passed away due to complications associated with COVID-19. This most recent fatal case of COVID-19 within the state prison system took the life of an unidentified 69-year-old man who died Sunday... more »

• Angola employee with history of problems under investigation again Play Video

  April 15, 2020 5:41 PM

  ANGOLA- A former assistant warden at Angola, who is now a lieutenant there, is under investigation according to the Department of Corrections. Details on what the investigation involves were not provided by the department. However, multiple sources tell WBRZ that Barrett Boeker got into hot water for spraying an... more »

• Shakedown at Louisiana State Penitentiary turns up gun in cadet's vehicle

  February 10, 2020 8:19 PM

  ANGOLA - An employee at Louisiana State Penitentiary was arrested after correctional officers found a pistol inside her vehicle, early Monday morning. According to officials, while performing a shakedown, officers found a 40 caliber pistol and two loaded magazines in the vehicle of 28-year-old Kieosha Smith around five o'clock... more »

• Report: More charges amid WBRZ investigation into drugs at Angola Play Video

  December 5, 2018 1:14 PM

  ANGOLA – A second person has now been charged in connection with a drug investigation the WBRZ Investigative Unit first reported in early-December. WBRZ was first to report Keisarah McGee was charged with malfeasance in office and possession with intent to distribute meth. McGee was a corrections officer at... more »

• Officials are investigating an inmate's death following a fight at Angola

  October 20, 2018 6:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating an inmate's death following a fight at the prison. 46-year old Derrick Williams and another inmate were in an altercation before Williams collapsed and became unresponsive. Williams was rushed into treatment when he died.\ Williams was serving a... more »

• Murderer who killed co-ed tried Angola jailbreak

  October 17, 2018 6:36 PM

  ANGOLA – Notorious killer Brandon Scott Lavergne attempted a futile escape from the state penitentiary this week. Lavergne is serving two life sentences for killing women from the Lafayette area, including college student Mickey Shunick in 2012. Shunick’s case enthralled the region for weeks as authorities, friends and... more »

• Huge search for contraband unfolds at Angola after two inmates die from drug overdose Play Video

  July 19, 2018 12:53 PM

  ANGOLA - Two inmates in a maximum security unit at the state's notorious penitentiary were found dead in what appears to have been a drug overdose. The state confirmed what sources had told WBRZ and the station previously reported first on WBRZ.com earlier Thursday. John Hatfield, 31, and... more »

• In tell-all, relative of girl raped at Angola says 'it was a coverup' Play Video

  November 8, 2017 6:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Frustration deepens for at least one family member of a 13-year-old who was reportedly raped by an inmate on the grounds of the State Penitentiary on the last day of the famous Angola Rodeo. Wednesday, the family member told the WBRZ Investigative Unit, they tried to... more »

• Sheriff on why child, inmate were together in bathroom: 'We're not going to answer that' Play Video

  November 7, 2017 6:40 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE – A parade of rural officials – ranging from elected leaders to appointed prison chiefs – slammed reports of a child being sexually assaulted by an inmate at the State Penitentiary during a recent Angola Rodeo. The WBRZ Investigative Unit has spoken with multiple sources at several... more »

• Angola inmate shot and killed after charging at officers

  September 15, 2017 4:32 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE - An inmate at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola was shot and killed by officers after aggressively running towards them, according to Louisiana State Police. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Friday. Troopers say officers were transporting inmates from Camp C to their work area, when 35-year-old... more »

• Angola inmate recovers from West Nile Virus; prison officials taking preventative measures

  July 20, 2017 2:29 PM

  ANGOLA – An inmate at the Louisiana State Penitentiary has recovered from the first known case of West Nile Virus at the prison, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections confirmed. The inmate, who has not been identified and only described as middle-aged, was diagnosed with the... more »

• Guard, visitor arrested for having drugs at Angola

  June 13, 2017 10:30 AM

  ANGOLA – A guard and a visitor at the notorious state pen are facing charges for, on separate occasions, trying to smuggle drugs into the prison. Details of the arrests were released Tuesday. State prison officials said the smuggling operations were busted within 24 hours – the most recent... more »

• Former Angola employee arrested for allegedly using department funds for personal use

  June 6, 2017 6:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A former employee of the Angola prison was arrested after allegedly using a credit card for one of the prison's internal organizations to make personal purchases. Attorney General Jeff Landry's office reported the arrest of 52-year-old Sidney Davis for charges of unauthorized use of a moveable (over... more »

• Non-violent offender walks free from Angola Play Video

  May 12, 2017 5:21 PM

  ANGOLA- A man convicted on a burglary charge and sentenced to seven to ten years became the first man from Baton Rouge to walk free from Angola after completing a new court program that helps those re-integrate back into society. The Re-entry Court program allows offenders sentenced from... more »

• No indictment in prison house rape case; Accuser said she was punished for talking on TV

  March 6, 2017 4:17 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE – An Angola assistant warden was not indicted by a grand jury during a hearing in West Feliciana Parish Monday. Instead, a grand jury handed up a no true bill in the case against Barrett Boeker. Boeker was accused of raping a woman at his house on... more »

• Alleged victim: "Angola assistant warden raped me while family was asleep" Play Video

  February 9, 2017 6:36 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE- An assistant warden accused of rape at Angola met his accuser in court today. Next month, a grand jury will convene specifically to hear about his alleged actions. The victim told WBRZ Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto Barrett Boeker raped her while his wife and children were asleep... more »

• Angola Prison Rodeo tickets go on sale Wednesday

  January 30, 2017 4:18 PM

  ANGOLA - Warden Darrel Vannoy has announced t ickets for the 2017 Angola Prison Rodeo will go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 1. The warden invites the public to come and enjoy the prison's annual rodeo featuring witness offenders in a variety of competitive events, including convict poker, wild cow... more »

• Angola assistant warden charged with rape

  December 20, 2016 3:39 PM

  ANGOLA – An assistant warden at the state penitentiary was booked into the local parish jail on rape charges. The West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office said Barrett Boeker, 34, was booked on second-degree rape in an assault. The attack happened on Nov. 30, according to a police report released... more »

• Three former Angola guards indicted for covering up inmate beating

  November 2, 2016 5:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that three Angola prison correctional officers were indicted for beating a handcuffed inmate then conspiring to cover up the crime. United States Attorney Walt Green said 40-year-old Daniel Davis, 31-year-old John Sanders and 38-year-old James Savoy were charged in a multi-count indictment... more »

• Former Angola employees charged with felony theft

  October 26, 2016 5:00 PM

  ANGOLA – Two former Angola prison employees were charged with felony theft after deputies say they stole $160,000 from fund meant to benefit employees. The West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office says 45-year-old Shirley Whittington and 51-year-old Deborah Leonard turned themselves into authorities Wednesday afternoon. Both women were held at... more »

• New Angola warden named to replace Burl Cain

  July 13, 2016 11:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections announced its new warden for the State Penitentiary at Angola. Darrel S. Vannoy was chosen to serve as the new warden and has been a part of the Department of Corrections since 1975. He first served as a Corrections... more »

• Judge to decide if death-row inmates need air conditioning

  May 20, 2016 6:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As summer approaches in Louisiana, prison officials insist that ice, fans and cold showers are enough to protect death-row inmates from dangerous heat and humidity. If not, a federal judge may insist on air conditioning for inmates awaiting execution at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. U.S. District... more »

• Two inmates found dead at Angola, review underway

  April 2, 2016 6:33 PM

  ANGOLA – State investigators are currently reviewing the Louisiana State Penitentiary after two inmates were found hanging in their cells Saturday morning. According to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, prison staff found 49-year-old Calvin Craddock hanging in his cell around 5:33 a.m. Saturday. Craddock was serving a... more »

• Burl Cain cleared of wrongdoing; Ex-Angola warden to hold press conference Wednesday

  March 22, 2016 5:29 PM

  ANGOLA - Allegations of wrongdoing made against former State Penitentiary Warden Burl Cain are unfounded, a multi-agency investigation revealed Tuesday afternoon. The Inspector General, State Police and Department of Corrections has spent the last few months investigating complaints that Cain acted inappropriately in his role as chief of the... more »

• Massive $20 million diamond unearthed in Africa

  February 15, 2016 2:22 PM

  ANGOLA - An Australian mining company struck paydirt in Southern Africa as they uncovered a diamond worth more than $20 million. The 404-carat diamond was mined at Lucapa Diamond Company’s Lulo Diamond project in Angola’s Lunda Norte province. It’s the biggest diamond ever found in the country. Lucapa... more »

• Transition plans for Angola, Dixon wardens announced

  December 10, 2015 3:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state Department of Corrections announced transition plans for the leaders at Louisiana's prisons after Angola warden Burl Cain said he will retire at the end of this year. Cain made the announcement Wednesday, after investigations began into real estate deals between Cain and family members... more »

• December 10, 2015 Morning News Pop Play Video

  December 10, 2015 8:09 AM

  Here are today's top stories: Massive manhunt held overnight after fatal shooting Longtime Anglola warden Burl Cain to retire Tempers flare at townhall meeting in Indiana Continued warming, watching the next storm system Updates all day, every day: FACEBOOK | TWITTER more »

• Longtime Angola warden Burl Cain to retire Play Video

  December 9, 2015 6:13 PM

  ANGOLA - Burl Cain, the warden of Angola State Penitentiary for two decades, will resign at the end of this year. The warden made the announcement Wednesday evening that he will step down effective Jan. 1, 2016, according to a spokesperson with Governor Bobby Jindal's office. “Warden Burl... more »

• Angola inmates sending off toys for Christmas Play Video

  December 9, 2015 5:44 PM

  ANGOLA - A handful of inmates at Angola State Prison are sent off wooden toys and repaired bicycles to the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office Wednesday. It's part of the Angola Toy Workshop's program to give to children in need for Christmas. Inmates craft 6,000 wooden toys and repair about... more »

• Mistakenly released prisoner brought back to Louisiana

  October 7, 2015 11:33 AM

  ANGOLA - Authorities say an inmate mistakenly released from prison and recaptured in Georgia was brought back to the Louisiana State Penitentiary late Tuesday night. Benjuiel Johnson arrived shortly after 11:30 p.m. to resume serving his 2013 sentence for manslaughter after he waived extradition in a hearing last Saturday.... more »

• Angola Prison Rodeo coming in October Play Video

  September 30, 2015 9:36 AM

  ANGOLA- The Angola Prison Rodeo is coming back to town for the month of October. The rodeo has become a staple in Louisiana, where people from all over the state travel to the prison to watch the inmates participate in various events. The nation’s longest-running prison rodeo features events like... more »

• Two Angola cellmates captured after escaping

  September 22, 2013 4:23 PM

  ANGOLA - Two Angola cellmates have been captured after attempting a daring plan to escape from jail. While in the prison yard this morning, the two inmates broke through the bottom of one gate and climbed over another before taking off into a wooded area. The Angola Chase... more »

• Escaped inmates are now in custody

  September 22, 2013 11:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Two inmates are on the run after escaping from Angola State Prison. State police and the West Feliciana Sheriff's Office are currently in hot pursuit. According to the a prison official, the police have them surrounded. Both of the inmates are serving life sentences, one... more »

• Poor quality fake money found at Angola

  February 1, 2013 5:05 PM

  ANGOLA- Four inmates at the State Penitentiary were busted for printing fake 100, 20, and 10-dollar bills. Sources tell WBRZ News 2 that the group was using a printer in the metal fabrication plant to make the phonies, which were "very poor quality." Federal authorities, including the U.S.... more »