Inmate sues West Virginia officials over sprinkler system concerns at Huttonsville prison

HUTTONSVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY) — A West Virginia inmate is suing Gov. Jim Justice (R) and other state officials over claims that the fire sprinkler system at the Huttonsville Correctional Center is inadequate.

Timmy Allen Crockett, who is currently serving a sentence for second degree sexual assault, claims six dormitories at the complex in Randolph County “are not equipped with statutorily required automatic fire sprinkler systems.”

The Petition for Mandamus also claims shower and restroom facilities are not up to state code.

“Based on their outdated design and the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), Dorms 7 through 12 (up to 480 inmates) only has four usable showers per Dorm for 80 inmates to share. It should be noted that while these showers are usable, they are not PREA compliant.”

The petition, filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court, names Justice and the State Department of Homeland Security and seeks a complete fire inspection of the complex and court costs.

The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the State Fire Marshal have not responded to 12 News’ emails for a comment.

Since filing the petition, Crockett has been transferred to another state prison.

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