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WARTBURG - The death of an inmate at the Morgan County Correctional Complex is being investigated as an apparent suicide.  Inmate Michael Sean Allen was found dead in his cell at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, October 26. The official cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy.

NASHVILLE - In accordance with state law, the Department of Correction is now accepting applications from recognized news organizations to serve as statutorily required witnesses for the scheduled execution of death row inmate Cecil C. Johnson, Jr.  The execution is currently scheduled for 1 a.m. CST on December 2, 2009.

NASHVILLE - A group of inmates at the Tennessee Prison for Women are lending a hand in the fight against breast cancer.  More than 150 inmates will take part in a 5K walk to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.  The event, at the prison track, will coincide with the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk this Saturday at LP Field.

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Correction is taking steps to protect staff and inmates from spread of the H1N1 virus.  Each prison facility is on high alert for signs and symptoms of both the seasonal flu and H1N1.  Prison clinics are enforcing ongoing monitoring of the offender population and staff.  As vaccines become available, they will be provided to both groups.

NASHVILLE - The eighth annual "Jaunt in the Joint" will be held September 30, 2009 at the Charles Bass Correctional Complex.  The marathon, half marathon and 5-K run is sponsored by the Nashville Striders and helps raise awareness of healthy living and behavioral issues among inmates.

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Correction is experiencing a critical shortage of nurses at a Nashville state prison.  There are currently 21 vacant RN and LPN positions that must be filled at the Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility in Nashville.  Several part-time positions will be filled as well.

NASHVILLE - Efforts to improve the lives of Tennessee children of incarcerated parents will receive a boost this week.  TDOC Commissioner George Little will present a $250,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters to assist with the organization's Amachi program.

NASHVILLE - The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) will meet on Thursday, September 3 to discuss its future work and oversight of the Department of Correction and Board of Probation and Parole joint offender management plan. The CJCC, created by Governor Phil Bredesen, has been examining ways to reduce crime and the recidivism rate.

NASHVILLE - Officers at the Charles Bass Correctional Complex have stopped a major flow of drugs from reaching the streets.  During a routine vehicle search at the facility on June 20, officers discovered a large amount of drugs, weapons and cash in the possession of visitor Gary Carringer, 50, of Jacksboro, Tennessee. 

PETROS - The last inmates to be housed at the Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex have been moved from the historic prison to their new location in Morgan County.  The successful transition occurred at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) today, without incident, as the final inmates were taken by bus to the Morgan County Correctional Complex in Wartburg.