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FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Oregon Dept. of Corrections by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
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@ORCorrections
An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Robert Gary Gammell, died November 11, 2024. Gammell was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Gammell entered DOC custody on July 7, 2020, from Marion County with an earliest release date of November 3, 2028. Gammell was 68 years old.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.
Please note - the delay in public notification is due to a technical difficulty with the messaging platform DOC uses.
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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Ronald Cullison, died the evening of November 8, 2024. Cullison was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away in the infirmary. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Cullison entered DOC custody on June 6, 2006, from Benton County with an earliest release date of October 17, 2030. Cullison was 82 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.
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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody who walked away from a work crew is back in custody. T.J. Harvey Bennett walked away from a Santiam Correctional Institution work crew near the corner of SE 46th Place and Red Cherry Court SE in Salem, Oregon at approximately 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2024.
Bennett was arrested in Portland, Oregon at approximately 10:15 a.m., Sunday, November 3, 2024, by the Portland Police Bureau.
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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Travis Charles Winn, died October 29, 2024. Winn was incarcerated at South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) in Tillamook. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.
Winn entered DOC custody on November 1, 2012, from Marion County with an earliest release date of February 26, 2026. Winn was 50 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.
SFFC is minimum-security work camp that houses approximately 160 adults in custody who are within four years of release. Part of SFFC's mission is to supply a ready work force to combat forest or wildfires throughout the state. Crews provide critical support for statewide fire operations, recreation, and reforestation; as well as provide support for special projects such as sign making, metal fabrication, and tool or equipment repair. SFFC was established in 1951 and is a satellite facility to CRCI and managed jointly with the Oregon Department of Forestry. It is located approximately 28 miles east of Tillamook, just off Highway 6 along the Wilson River in the Tillamook Forest.
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WHAT HAPPENED
On September 9, 2024, Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) discovered that a staff member mistakenly emailed an internal spreadsheet to two individuals wishing to visit one of its institutions. This spreadsheet included the personal information of 861 individuals on whom ODOC had completed background checks. This mis-mailing was on August 28 and 29.
Once ODOC learned of the error, immediate action was taken. ODOC contacted the two email recipients and coordinated an appropriate response with its State-side information security resources. It was confirmed the emails and their attachments were fully deleted from both recipients’ email and from State mail systems on September 16, 2024.
WHAT INFORMATION WAS INVOLVED
The protected information inadvertently shared is the combination of each individual’s name, and drivers’ license or state identification number. This is “personal information” protected under the Oregon Consumer Information Protection Act (OCIPA), ORS 646A.600 et seq. Other information relating to background checks (such as approval or denial and reason) was also summarized in the spreadsheet, as was dates of birth and FBI Numbers. No Social Security numbers or financial information was in the spreadsheet.
WHAT ODOC IS DOING
ODOC takes this event very seriously. ODOC reported the incident to the Oregon State Police and to the State’s Cyber Security Services office; and confirmed the information was deleted from State mail systems and recipients’ emails. Additionally, ODOC has been working with facility staff and the State’s Cyber Security Services office to take specific steps to limit the likelihood of future errors of this kind. It is also evaluating additional measures to further enhance protocols for the protection of visitors’ personal information.
Again, this exposure was due to error and was not the result of a cyberattack. It does not appear individuals’ information is at risk. However, to assist in protecting those affected against identity theft, ODOC is making 12 months of identity theft resolution services available at no cost.
The Oregon Department of Corrections is committed to protecting individuals' information. Immediate action was taken to investigate and address the vulnerabilities of this breach, and to implement corrective actions. DOC reaffirms its commitment and dedication to the safety and security of individuals’ information.