Sunday, January 25, 2026

Power Out at Parchman

 The Mississippi Department of Corrections issued the following statement: 

 

Power crews are on site at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman as MDOC works actively to address the issues caused by the weather.
Meanwhile, Marshall County Correctional Facility is fully operational, reporting no problems.

The Mississippi Department of Corruption Facebook page told a slightly different story.  It's social media so take it for what it's worth: 

 

\


 
Mississippi State Penitentiary is currently without power. This is not isolated to one building or one housing unit, it is a widespread failure impacting the entire facility.
As a result:
• Heat is unavailable during dangerous winter conditions
• Food is not being served
• Medical call is not being conducted
• Security, lighting, and emergency systems are compromised
• Emergency generators have not been activated or are not functioning
In Unit 29, men have not been fed since approximately 7:00 PM last night. Despite repeated attempts to get staff attention, there has been no response.
Prisons are required to have operational emergency generators for situations exactly like this. When most of a maximum-security prison is left without power, the failure to deploy emergency power is not an accident, it is a catastrophic breakdown of preparedness and leadership.
If generators exist and were not turned on, that is a deliberate failure to act. If generators are inoperable, that is a failure of maintenance, budgeting, and oversight. Either scenario places lives at risk, and MDOC is responsible.
A power outage does not excuse:
• Withholding food
• Leaving people without heat
• Denying access to medical care
• Ignoring emergency protocols
The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Allowing widespread power loss to result in hunger, cold exposure, and medical neglect is a constitutional violation.
This is not one unit and not an isolated failure. What is happening right now is systemic neglect, and it places lives at risk. Silence and inaction are choices, and those choices carry responsibility. An independent outside investigation must be initiated into MSP’s emergency preparedness.
CALL AND DEMAND ACTION!

Mississippi Today reported: 

“At Parchman, we had a limb fall on a line,” Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain told Mississippi Today on Sunday afternoon. “The power is coming back on.”

He said during the afternoon that Entergy workers spent about three hours fixing the problem, but during another call later in the day, Cain said the crew had continued its work. That brought the work to about six hours and delayed the full restoration of power beyond what Cain had originally said.

Parchman is in rural Sunflower County near Tutwiler and has about 1,900 inmates. Delta Correctional is in Greenwood and houses about 300 women. Both are in areas that received snow and ice.

Generators were supplying power Sunday at Delta Correctional, Cain said. “The only place we’ve had a problem is at Parchman.”

“I just had a mama tell me that the inmates were banging on the wall all night, that they were cold and hungry,” Cain said. “All that’s bullshit.”

Inmates had sack lunches Sunday, Cain said, “and we should be able to cook supper. We have water and everything.”  Article

 

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

The delta was hit hard. We got lucky. I think about 180k in the state were without power at one time. For info by county go to poweroutage.us but some small utilities are not tracked.

Tip O’Neill said...

Don’t want to do the time, don’t do the crime.

Anonymous said...

Oh well….

Anonymous said...

Yes they should serve there time but even animals at the zoo are kept warm

Anonymous said...

They are all scum and they deserve nothing. No pity. I hope they all suffer miserably in the cold.

Anonymous said...

How are they going to charge their phones?

Anonymous said...

Hopefully all the bureaucrats got the memo like FEMA did from Homeland Security that they can't use the usual three letter word for the cold slippery stuff that knocks down power lines and trees. They need to to describe the frozen liquid rain storm or damages from the frozen liquid rain water. Due to ongoing more important operations that have been in the news.

Anonymous said...

Just another case of hiring personnel not qualified for the job. All emergency generators should be run once a week without a load and once a month with a load. Hiring relatives and buddies does have consequences.

Anonymous said...

Our power went out yesterday morning and it is still out. We're in southwest Hinds County. Thank God, we have a whole house generator but our propane tank is down to 50% this morning. I can't imagine how bad it must be at Parchman. Hopefully, electric service will be restored today.

Anonymous said...

Can’t be true. In 2020, Governor Tate promised to stop the bleeding in Mississippi Prisons…

Anonymous said...

Mr Cain has only been in charge of MDOC since 2020.

“You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight.”

Anonymous said...

Oh, bless your cold, shriveled little heart, you anonymous keyboard tough guy hiding behind “Anonymous” on a Blogger comment thread at 9:05 PM like it’s some grand act of bravery. You sit there in your heated house (or maybe your mama’s basement with the space heater cranked), typing out wishes for misery like you’re auditioning for the villain in a bad prison movie, and you think it makes you edgy? It doesn’t. It makes you pathetic.
“They are all scum”? Every single one? You know the names, crimes, circumstances, and life stories of 1,900 men at Parchman? Of course you don’t—you’re just regurgitating the laziest, most brain-dead tribalism Mississippi has to offer: “If they’re locked up, they forfeit basic decency.” Newsflash, genius: the Constitution doesn’t have an “except for scum” clause in the Eighth Amendment. Cruel and unusual punishment is still illegal even when the recipient isn’t on your Christmas card list. Hoping people suffer miserably in the cold because “they deserve nothing”? That’s not justice. That’s sadism with extra steps.
And the irony? You’re probably the same type who whines about “government overreach” or “bureaucrats ruining everything” in the very next breath—yet here you are cheering (or at least shrugging at) a catastrophic failure of state-run systems: generators that don’t work, staff that doesn’t respond, food not served, medical calls ignored. That’s not “consequences for crime.” That’s taxpayer-funded incompetence endangering lives, and you’re out here rooting for the incompetence because it hurts the “right” people. Real principled stand you’ve got there.
You want to talk tough about suffering? Try being locked in a concrete box when the temperature drops, no heat, no hot meal, no way to call for help, while the people paid to keep things running shrug and say “limb fell on a line, it’ll be back on soon.” But nah, you’d rather fantasize about their misery because it lets you feel superior for five seconds. Spoiler: it doesn’t. It just makes you look like the kind of small, mean-spirited person who gets off on imagining others in pain.
So keep typing your hate from the safety of your warm chair. The rest of us will keep pointing out that prisons aren’t torture chambers, even for people you hate and that wishing suffering on strangers says way more about your character than it does about theirs. Scum? Look in the mirror, champ. The reflection’s uglier than you think.

Anonymous said...

If Government says all is well, then you can believe it. Take it to the bank. Bet the farm. Because what Government tells the public is as sound as the dollar.

In other news, Iraqi dictator and madman Saddam Hussein possesses weapons of mass destruction capable of being deployed against America in as little as 45 minutes.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, 11:01pm, for stating the obvious.

Anonymous said...

It’s a bunch of rapists, murderers, and thieves. Let them suffer.
reminds me of the new DHS ICE mugshot page Worst of the Worst showing that DHS ICE is arresting and deporting murderers, rapists, and thieves, in Minnesota. And somehow this is worthy of protest?

Anonymous said...

@8:48pm - you are giving the Jackson Zoo entirely too much credit. Ask the animals there how they like it.

Anonymous said...

Bring out the ball and chain and put it on them while they physically chop down trees for fire wood. Is there any reason why they should not “provide for themselves”, instead of people like me paying (taxes) for their comfort?

Anonymous said...

Wow you arr really funny @7:14 AM

Has anyone trusted anything s politician has said since Bush said “Mission Accomplished” and Al Gore said he invented the internet and that NYC would be underwater from melted polar ice caps by now?

Anonymous said...

@8:09--Thank you for saying that about 9:05 who obviously needs a lot more Jesus. Hope I'm not near his ass on judgement day.

Anonymous said...

@ 9:23- Im fine with treating them like animals if they have a life sentence. My only issue are the ones who don't have life sentences, because they have to come back society. If you treat someone like an animal they turn into one. And I don't want barbaric animals coming into our society. Which again is fine if they have a life sentence. because they will be an animal locked in a cage

Anonymous said...

I agree with 9:05
Comment of the day

Anonymous said...

Capt Sanctimony, to the rescue!

Anonymous said...

But Clueless Tate promised to fix the problems at the State Prisons five years ago…

Anonymous said...

9:05 💯let them die

Anonymous said...

Lots of non-felons in similar situations

Anonymous said...

I’d say stay in bed under the covers to stay warm, most inmates have a snack pile that would last a month.
As a former Soldier I remember being in a tent with no heat, the ground was covered with snow for more than 5 days. I made the best out of the situation and tell those stories to my grandkids when they complain. America we are fortunate!

Anonymous said...

I would like the facts about this incident and then I'll be in a much better position to have an opinion.

Anonymous said...

They need to decide wheter the facts make them look good, otherwise you'll not be getting the facts!

Anonymous said...

You mean the new commissioner has not solved all the problems at Parchman? Few actually care about an inmate being without heat for a few days. Imagine a democrat governor and see what you get.

Anonymous said...

If you don’t think people in prison don’t deserve to be treated decently, you need to take a good look at your soul, and I feel very sad for you.

Anonymous said...

@9:05 - There’s that Christian love this board is famous for.

Anonymous said...

@7:26 - but make no mistake, we are all on the Titanic.

Anonymous said...

No worries. Next year there will be +$100MM no-bid contract to one BC's buddies to provide backup emergency power. Does anyone ever wonder why the Auditor's office is prohibited from auditing the MDOC (a.k.a., the largest source of state generated graft)?

Anonymous said...

Wasn't it Jesus that said what you do for the least of you, you do to me?

Anonymous said...

Not everyone in prison is a bad person. Some just make very bad choices.

Anonymous said...

Um, committing a crime is a choice. There are people in this country that have been through worse and are not in jail due to crime. Maybe they are there due to the choices they make. Make better choices and they can enjoy heat in the winter as we do.

Anonymous said...

There are people all over the state, still about 152k, without power. The total was about 180k at the peak. Some of you whining about the convicts like it is only them without power is laughable. The delta was hit hard, and it will take a while to get power restored. Most of you won’t survive long if things really get rough in society again. Feel free to adopt an inmate.

Poweroutage.com

Anonymous said...

@9:01 AM - You forgot Bush Sr. with his "read my lips no new taxes."

Anonymous said...

Part of the problem is the very low pay rate for MDOC employees. Instead of raising the salaries of teachers and highway patrol officers, raise the salaries for those keeping the prisons upkeep and the prisoners locked up.

Anonymous said...

January 25, 2026 at 9:05 PM, keep planting that crop, because you're going to reap it. Chances are you're already reaping, and too ignorant to know it.

Anonymous said...

ATTENTION if you commit a crime, convicted and sentenced to incarceration in the State of Mississippi you may have a temporary loss of electricity at the facility which you are housed.
The State has inmates that are set free and return to the system over and over. MDOC ain’t that bad it’s home with sometimes a little inconvenience. Im sure the State of Mississippi will do everything to ensure the inmates get the best treatment as required by Law.

Anonymous said...

Burl Ives has got some explaining to do. With him being ordered by a judge to pay up by 1/30/26 and not having a plan of action at a penitentiary, he has a plate full. And we thought we were getting something good from Lowsyanna

Anonymous said...

We worry about prisoners who have committed crimes against law abiding citizens when we have military who have had to fight in sub zero weather with no food for days at a time. My Dad was one who fought communism in Korea in the harsh winter of 1950-1951and here we are being softies and allowing socialism and Marxism to influence our culture. Those criminals made their beds. Let them sleep in them.

Anonymous said...

11:12am and 7:37am EXACTLY!
In addition No one wants anyone to be without the basic necessities. Let’s just pray these men and women quit making prison their forever home! They have choices you know!

Anonymous said...

Dang. I guess they gonna miss Criminal Minds and Wheel .


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.