Marion Correctional Institution (Ohio)

In 1948, the State of Ohio procured 1,243 acres of land from the United States Government. This land was previously part of the Scioto Ordnance Plant and contained the barracks used for German prisoners of war (POW) during World War II. Within the current prison-maintained graveyard lies the resting place of one German POW. Initially, Ohio planned to utilize the barracks to accommodate adolescent offenders from the Boys Industrial School. Instead, the barracks were repurposed to house inmates transferred from the Ohio Penitentiary (OP) and the Ohio State Reformatory (OSR). The first batch of inmates arrived from the Ohio Penitentiary in June 1950 to aid in repairing existing structures on the property. OSR inmates joined in November of the same year. For the next four years, Reformatory inmates were incarcerated on this site. generated high-quality video content for the institution's closed-circuit television channel. MCI was the location of the nation's inaugural interfaith housing unit (which was later closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak at MCI), where Jewish, Muslim, and Christian inmates resided together and engaged in programs to deepen their religious commitments and understanding of each other's faiths. In 1992, the institution obtained accreditation. == Wardens ==

• 1954–1968: Lamoyne Green • 1968–1986: E. P. Perini • 1986–1992: Norris McMackin • 1992–1996: Shirley Rogers • 1996–2005: Christine Money • 2005–2011: Margaret Beightler • 2011–2016: Jason Bunting • 2016–2021: Lyneal Wainwright • 2021–2022: Leon Hill • 2022–2024: Harold May • 2024–present: George A. Fredrick == Community engagement ==

Inmate catfish stocking program In 2017, inmates at the Marion Correctional Institution (MCI) implemented a program where they raise catfish over the course of six months for the purpose of stocking ponds, such as the Alder Pond in Akron. The program aims to benefit the local community by enhancing recreational fishing opportunities while providing participants with aquaculture training. Originally, inmates at the Marion Correctional Institution cultivated fish in an aquaponics facility on the prison premises, where water from the fish tanks was used to nourish vegetables grown in adjacent beds. The surplus vegetables were then donated to food pantries in nearby counties. The catfish raised in the facility, however, were often affected by ich. To redirect the program's benefits to the public, prison staff collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local parks officials. Mike Johnson, Chief of Conservation for Summit Metro Parks, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the impact of stocking fish in local ponds. The program gained interest from community members, particularly children and fishing enthusiasts, who now have improved chances of catching catfish in stocked ponds. == Correctional programs ==

The Embark program The Embark program at Marion Correctional Institution, operated by the non-profit ministry Kindway, is a faith-based reentry ministry designed to assist incarcerated individuals in successfully reintegrating into the community. The program, established in 2011, involves volunteers recruited by Kindway and aims to prepare inmates for release and support them for at least a year after their release. Horizon Interfaith Dorm The prison's Horizon interfaith dormitory, introduced under Warden Christine Money, accommodates Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and received national attention for its unique setup where inmates lived in family units of six. The American Correctional Association recognized this dormitory during its meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. AMVETS Marion Post 42 AMVETS Post 42, located within the Marion Correctional Institution (MCI) in Marion, Ohio, is a group of incarcerated veterans who continue to serve both their community and other communities throughout the state from behind bars. This post is the only incarcerated AMVETS post in Ohio and was established in 1974 when incarcerated individuals submitted an application to the AMVETS State Department of Ohio and the prison's warden to form the post. Their aim was to continue their service even while incarcerated. The post operates within the prison with the support of prison administration and staff advisors. • Sewing therapy: Inmates participate in sewing therapy, creating blankets made from donated yarn for Ohio Veterans Homes and crafting teddy bears for local hospitals and police departments to distribute to children in need. • Facing Yourself Program: This program encourages participants to address the underlying issues that led to their incarceration through self-reflection and self-improvement. • Veteran Resource Fairs: The post hosts annual veteran resource fairs, inviting outside agencies and veteran groups to share resources with incarcerated veterans. • Community support: The post actively supports its community. It donated funds to Stockhands Horses for Healing, an equine therapy farm serving veterans and children with disabilities, by providing funds for hay. • Birthday celebrations: For incarcerated individuals aged 70 or older at MCI, the post organizes birthday celebrations, including ice cream and cake, to make their birthday memorable. • Equestrian therapy: AMVETS Post #42 initiated an equestrian therapy program in collaboration with Stockhands Horses For Healing, a non-profit organization offering therapy to veterans suffering from PTSD and other issues. • Charitable donations: The post donates to various charities, including Toys For Tots, Wags For Warriors, Pets For Vets, and Save A Warrior. Teaching writing in prisons Piper Kerman, the author of "Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison," has been conducting writing classes for inmates at the Ohio Reformatory for Women and the Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio. Kerman, who also advised on the Netflix series based on her book, teaches creative nonfiction writing to prisoners as a means of helping them find a sense of freedom and self-expression through their writing. Her goal is to amplify the voices of incarcerated individuals, humanizing them and shedding light on their experiences within the criminal justice system. The classes have been praised for their impact on inmate rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Kerman's own personal experience of serving time in prison adds a unique perspective to her teaching approach. ==Notable inmates==

• Bobby Lee Cutts Jr. • David Allan Coe • Don King (1967–1971) • John F. Boyle Jr. • Kevin Keith • Sam Sheppard == Notable events ==

1966 A riot that occurred at The Marion Correctional Institution on August 23, 1966, led to significant destruction, resulting in an estimated $500,000 (approximately $5,000,000 adjusted for inflation as of 2026) in damages. Approximately 900 prisoners took part in the riot, during which fires were intentionally set. The situation was brought under control by a response team of around 250 heavily armed officers. 1973 Escapes and legal injunction The Marion Correctional Institution witnessed a series of 47 escape incidents, attributed by law enforcement to the consequences of a 13-month-old injunction. These events led Marion County Sheriff Ronald Scheiderer to advocate for a thorough investigation into the institution's operational dynamics, a proposal he publicly announced during a press conference. The origin of these circumstances lay in a legal case initiated by two inmates who alleged violations of their civil rights. The subsequent injunction, issued in June 1972 by Federal Judge Donald J. Young in Toledo, introduced significant changes to various aspects of the prison's management. It delineated protocols for prisoner disciplinary actions and enforced their civil and constitutional rights. Additionally, the injunction dictated terms for prisoners' access to legal resources such as law books and typewriters, as well as their right to communicate through uncensored mail. The injunction stipulated that disciplinary measures required prior approval from a federal court before implementation. The program highlights Coe's transition from ex-prisoner to musical artist. The Channel 13 film crew accompanies Coe, capturing his experiences, which includes a return visit to the Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio. The program includes interviews with E.P. Perini, the institution's warden. On March 6, 1977, a seven-fight card was set to take place, with two matches broadcast live on national television. This event marked the first time a nationally televised live program was hosted within a prison. These TEDx events included talks such as "Refolding the Box?" by Dan Royston, who suggested that reshaping the carceral system could lead to more effective rehabilitation, and Tim Smith's "Mentor Madness; Loss, Gain, and Other Irritating Realities" explored the dynamics of mentorship within correctional facilities. Adam Johnston, one of the inmates who was at the center of this scheme, had technical expertise and managed to access the prison's network. He stole inmate information and engaged in credit-card fraud. After serving his sentence for a rape conviction, Salaam volunteered at Marion Correctional Institution, offering guidance to those in prison. However, a provision within the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) enacted in 2012 deemed that individuals with sex offense charges could not be employed or contracted at a prison facility, leading Salaam to lose his position at the Marion Correctional Institution. Salaam was killed as a result of gun violence on March 28, 2018. 2020 COVID-19 response The Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio became a major coronavirus hotspot due to a combination of factors that contributed to the rapid spread of COVID-19 among inmates. The outbreak at Marion Correctional Institution was initially driven by a high infection rate among inmates. Over 80% of the prison's population tested positive for COVID-19. Governor Mike DeWine ordered widespread testing of inmates, which uncovered a large number of asymptomatic cases that might not have been detected otherwise. After testing, there were delays in receiving the test results. During this waiting period, inmates who had been tested were returned to their cell blocks or dorms, allowing more time for the virus to spread among the incarcerated population. Inmates reported inadequate access to cleaning supplies, such as hand sanitizers and bleach. This lack of effective cleaning products raised concerns about the cleanliness of their living spaces and the potential for the virus to persist on surfaces. The close living quarters and limited ability to socially distance from others seen in prisons created an environment that contributed to the rapid spread of the virus. ==References==