ATWATER, CA – A mailroom employee working at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater, California, passed away on Friday after reportedly coming into contact with an unknown substance. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has launched an investigation into whether the substance was fentanyl, according to inside sources.
The BOP reported that upon exposure to the substance, the employee felt unwell and was rapidly transported to a hospital. Despite efforts, they were pronounced dead. A second employee who contacted the substance was taken to the hospital for observation but was subsequently released.
While respecting the privacy of family and friends, a BOP spokesperson extended condolences on behalf of the Bureau. At this time, no further details have been released.
Advocacy campaigning by the Council of Prison Locals, the BOP’s biggest employee union, has been ongoing to enhance safety measures in prison mailrooms. Council President Brandy Moore-White says their efforts are lobbying for increased protection.
Last December, Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska introduced a bill demanding that all incoming mail to facilities be electronically scanned. As of this date, however, the bill remains in the Judiciary Committee, and the current procedures for dealing with incoming mail are unconfirmed.