wv-mugshots-southwestern-regional-jail provides public access to current inmate records, booking details, charges, bond amounts, housing locations, and official mugshots for individuals held at the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden, West Virginia. This facility serves Boone, Logan, McDowell, and Mingo counties and maintains transparency through online databases compliant with West Virginia public record laws. Users can search by name or booking number to view real-time custody status and related legal information. The jail houses up to 600 male inmates across three secure pods and operates under the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority, which enforces strict policies on safety, accountability, and inmate rights.
How to Search for Inmates and View Mugshots
Anyone can look up someone in custody at the Southwestern Regional Jail using free online tools. The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority runs the Offender Information System (OIS), a searchable portal that shows names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, projected release dates, and housing pod assignments. Each record includes a publicly released mugshot taken at the time of booking. To search, visit the OIS website and enter either the full name or unique booking number. Results appear instantly and are updated daily. This service helps families, attorneys, law enforcement, and community members stay informed about local arrests and custody status.
Another trusted source is Jailexchange.com, which hosts a dedicated roster for the Southwestern Regional Jail. This site allows users to browse recent bookings, filter by county, and view high-resolution mugshots. It also lists criminal charges and bond information clearly. Both platforms follow state privacy rules and only display data permitted under West Virginia law. No registration or payment is required to access these records.
Facility Overview and Operational Details
The Southwestern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility is located in Holden, an unincorporated area in Logan County. It opened on April 8, 1998, and was built to reduce overcrowding in county jails. The complex has three housing pods designed for security, rehabilitation, and efficient management. Each pod holds up to 200 inmates, totaling a capacity of 600. The jail serves four counties: Boone, Logan, McDowell, and Mingo. All male offenders from these areas are processed and held here before trial or transfer.
Daily operations are managed by Superintendent Toby Allen and a staff trained in corrections, medical care, and mental health support. Inmates receive meals, clothing, medical services, and access to legal resources. Visitation is conducted through non-contact video systems to maintain security. Educational and vocational programs are offered to support reentry into society. The facility follows federal and state standards for humane treatment and regular inspections.
Public Records Compliance and Transparency Policies
All information shared through wv-mugshots-southwestern-regional-jail platforms follows West Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act and public record statutes. Mugshots, booking photos, and custody details are considered public unless restricted by court order or ongoing investigation. The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority ensures transparency by linking to its privacy policy, accessibility statement, site map, and contact page on every official database. These measures protect both inmate rights and public interest.
The OIS portal clearly states that data is accurate as of the last update but may not reflect recent court decisions or releases. Users are encouraged to verify details with the jail directly if needed. Misuse of mugshot websites for harassment or discrimination is prohibited under state law. Reputable sources like WVJails.info and Arre.st only publish factual, government-sourced data and do not alter images or add commentary.
Reporting Abuse and Accountability Measures
In 2020, the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority implemented a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct and abuse. Any inmate who experiences or witnesses harassment must report it immediately to the facility administrator. Reports are forwarded to the central office and trigger a full investigation. A 24/7 hotline at (304) 558-2110 accepts calls from inmates, families, or staff. Every call is logged, reviewed by the Department of Corrections’ Office of Professional Standards, and referred to law enforcement if criminal activity is suspected.
This system ensures accountability and protects vulnerable individuals. Staff found violating policies face suspension, termination, or criminal charges. Recent cases, such as the 2022 death of inmate Quantez Burks, led to federal indictments against six former officers. These actions show the Authority’s commitment to justice and reform. Families and advocates can trust that complaints are taken seriously and investigated promptly.
Recent Legal Cases and Media Coverage
In March 2023, a grand jury indicted six Southern Regional Jail employees for their role in the death of Quantez Burks, who died hours after arriving at the facility in 2022. The officers faced state charges including willful bodily injury. Later, federal prosecutors charged them with civil rights violations and involuntary manslaughter. The case drew national attention and prompted calls for independent oversight of West Virginia jails.
In December 2023, four former correctional officers appeared in federal court in Beckley for arraignment. Bail was set, and a trial date was scheduled. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is handling the prosecution. These events highlight ongoing efforts to hold jail staff accountable and improve conditions for inmates across the state.
Third-Party Mugshot and Arrest Databases
Several independent websites aggregate arrest and booking data from West Virginia jails, including the Southwestern Regional Jail. Arre.st displays recent bookings in a searchable table with names, charges, arrest dates, and case numbers. Examples include Sonya Stevenson (DUI), Mark Yancey (drug possession), and Jacob Johnson (assault). Users can navigate pages using “First,” “Next,” “Prev,” and “Last” buttons.
WVJails.info is another comprehensive database tracking 447,578 booking records across 56 facilities in West Virginia as of November 2023. It includes mugshots, charges, and release dates. These sites help researchers, journalists, and families locate information quickly. However, users should always cross-check with official sources like the OIS portal for the most accurate and up-to-date records.
Community Engagement and Social Media Presence
The BustedNewspaper Facebook page focuses on mugshots, arrests, and law enforcement activity in Boone, Logan, McDowell, and Mingo counties. With over 6,000 likes, it serves as a community hub for sharing news, discussing local crime trends, and requesting record assistance. Posts often include booking photos, court dates, and event announcements from sheriff’s offices.
While social media platforms provide quick updates, they are not official sources. Information may be delayed or incomplete. For legal purposes, always use government-run databases like the OIS or Jailexchange. Community pages can raise awareness but should not replace verified data.
Official Resources and Contact Information
For the most reliable information about wv-mugshots-southwestern-regional-jail, use these official resources:
- Offender Information System (OIS) Daily Roster: https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Daily
- OIS Inmate Search Portal: https://apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender
- Jailexchange Inmate Roster: https://www.jailexchange.com/city-and-county-jails/west-virginia/logan-county/southwestern-regional-jail-and-correctional-facility/inmate-search-and-mugshots
To report abuse or ask questions, call the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority at (304) 558-2110. The facility is located at 1000 County Jail Road, Holden, WV 25625. Visiting hours are limited and require advance scheduling through the video visitation system. Check the West Virginia Department of Corrections website for current rules and forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about how to use mugshot databases, what information is public, and how to report concerns. Below are common inquiries with clear, factual answers based on West Virginia law and jail policies.
How do I find someone booked at the Southwestern Regional Jail?
Use the West Virginia Offender Information System (OIS) to search by name or booking number. The database shows current inmates, charges, bond amounts, housing pods, and mugshots. You can also visit Jailexchange.com for a user-friendly roster. Both sites are free and updated daily. No login is needed. If you can’t find a person, they may have been released, transferred, or their record is sealed by court order.
Are mugshots from the Southwestern Regional Jail public record?
Yes, booking photos are public under West Virginia law unless restricted by a judge. They are released to promote transparency in law enforcement. However, posting mugshots online for profit or harassment is illegal. Reputable sites only display factual data from official sources. If you believe a mugshot is being misused, contact the website administrator or local authorities.
Can I visit an inmate at the Southwestern Regional Jail?
Visits are conducted through a non-contact video system. You must schedule appointments in advance using the jail’s online portal. In-person contact visits are not allowed for security reasons. Each inmate is limited to a set number of visits per week. Check the West Virginia Department of Corrections website for current rules, approved visitor lists, and technical requirements.
What should I do if I witness abuse at the jail?
Report it immediately to the facility administrator or call the 24/7 hotline at (304) 558-2110. All reports are investigated by the Department of Corrections’ Office of Professional Standards. If criminal behavior is suspected, the case is sent to state or federal law enforcement. The jail has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, and retaliation against reporters is prohibited.
Why was an inmate released but still listed online?
Database updates may lag by 24 to 48 hours. Releases happen quickly after court decisions, bond payments, or transfers. Always verify custody status by calling the jail or checking the OIS portal. Third-party sites like Arre.st or WVJails.info may take longer to remove outdated records.
How many people are currently held at the Southwestern Regional Jail?
The facility has a maximum capacity of 600 male inmates. Actual population varies daily based on arrests, releases, and court schedules. The OIS Daily Roster shows real-time headcounts by housing pod. As of late 2023, average occupancy was around 520 inmates serving sentences or awaiting trial.
Who oversees the Southwestern Regional Jail?
The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority manages the facility under the direction of Superintendent Toby Allen. It reports to the West Virginia Department of Corrections and is subject to state and federal inspections. Policies align with national standards for health, safety, and human rights.