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Troubled Tennessee prison gets new warden after years of safety lawsuits and violence

New warden appointed at Trousdale Turner
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HARTSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A troubled Tennessee correctional facility is getting new leadership after years of safety problems and multiple lawsuits over inmate care.

CoreCivic has brought in a veteran correctional leader with 30 years of experience to try to turn around Trousdale Turner Correctional Center. The facility has had riots, understaffing, and violence that's generated about 90 new criminal cases a year for the local prosecutor.

The newly appointed Senior Warden Allen Beard Jr. is a 21-year Air Force veteran with experience at Tennessee, Maryland, and federal prisons. He will work alongside two new assistant wardens with a combined 50 years of correctional management experience.

The leadership shake-up comes as CoreCivic faces multiple lawsuits over inmate safety, accused of problems with drugs, violence, and poor medical care.

CoreCivic said this leadership transition is part of a broader plan to improve staffing and operations at the facility.

Watch our full report and share your thoughts about prison reform with us at Eric.Pointer@NewsChannel5.com.

This story was reported by Eric Pointer and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Eric Pointer and our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Tenn. mom invites son's organ recipients to do his favorite activity, dance

Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.

Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.

Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.

- Rhori Johnston