Whistleblower says contractors failing to fix locks at Phoenix-area prison

PHOENIX – Authorities are looking into a whistleblower complaint alleging that contractors hired to fix broken cell locks at a Phoenix-area prison are failing to do the job and falsifying records.

ABC15 obtained a copy of the complaint filed Monday by Shaun Holland, associate deputy warden at Lewis Prison in Buckeye.

It’s addressed to Gov. Doug Ducey and new Arizona Department of Corrections Director David Shinn.

“We are taking this issue seriously and have begun a full review of the claims made in this letter,” Arizona Department of Corrections spokesman Bill Lamoreaux said in an email to KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Holland said he’d alerted his superiors but his warnings were ignored.

“Our focus continues to be on the safety and security of our officers and inmate population, as well as on the ongoing efforts to address the door/locking issues that exist,” Lamoreaux said.

“The implementation of a long-term solution is currently underway. If there are other issues that exist, we want to know about them so they can be fixed, and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the review.”

Ducey’s office told ABC15 that it’s reviewing the complaint and has confidence in Shinn.

State lawmakers this year approved millions of dollars to fix broken doors at Lewis Prison after leaked videos showed inmates leaving their cells and ambushing corrections officers.

In April, ABC15 published surveillance video from six assaults inside the prison that occurred between June and December 2018.

Some of the incidents led to serious physical injuries on officers. One inmate was beaten to death.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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