Exposing Mail Tampering and Rights Violations at Lycoming County Prison
Lycoming County’s Pre-Release Center stands as a cornerstone in the community’s efforts to reintegrate former inmates through partnerships with local businesses. Companies such as Williamsport Steel Container, Danzer Veneer, Wire Rope Works Inc., and Lycoming County Resource Management Services (LCRMS) have been intertwined with the program, providing vital employment opportunities. Simultaneously, the county bears the responsibility for the safe operation of its landfill, a critical public service guided by OSHA standards designed to protect workers and the community alike.
However, beneath the surface of these seemingly routine operations lies a troubling narrative illuminated by FAFO Press. Our diligent investigation has uncovered egregious allegations of U.S. Mail tampering involving inmates at the Lycoming County Prison. Evidence suggests that prison staff have intentionally obstructed federally protected communications, actively blocking the means for inmates and whistleblowers to report abuses or safety violations. This deliberate interference raises fundamental questions about accountability and abuse of governmental authority.
Legal Context: Mail Tampering and Whistleblower Protections
The law is clear: under 18 U.S.C. § 1702, mail tampering with the intent to commit a criminal act is a federal offense. It is illegal to open, steal, destroy, or interfere with mail before it reaches its intended recipient, punishable by fines and up to five years of imprisonment. Yet, despite these statutes, the walls of the prison appear to be used as a barrier to lawful communication, effectively silencing those seeking justice or safety.
Further compounding concerns is the misuse of taxpayer dollars. Allegations point toward the County employing the McCormick Law Firm, described as almost a co-equal branch of government, to fortify obstruction and evade accountability. This calculated deployment of legal resources to quash whistleblowers and limit oversight represents a troubling abuse of authority that threatens the integrity of our justice and transparency systems.
Workplace Safety and Employee Rights
Parallel to these abuses, federal laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 explicitly safeguard the rights of workers; including inmates performing labor at the county landfill, to report safety hazards without retaliation. Section 11(c) of OSHA unequivocally prohibits retaliation against employees or inmates who voice concerns about unsafe working conditions. Courts have consistently upheld these protections in landmark cases:
- Brock v. Roadway Express, Inc. (1987): Reinforced protections for employees reporting safety violations to OSHA.
- Marshall v. Barlow’s, Inc. (1978): Confirmed OSHA’s vital role in maintaining workplace safety and the right of workers to communicate hazards.
In the context of a prison, ensuring these rights is vital. Inmates, often directed to work in hazardous conditions such as landfills, should be informed of proper reporting procedures, including OSHA hotlines and online tools. Keeping comprehensive records, inmate grievances, medical logs, or other communications, is essential in safeguarding their rights and exposing retaliation.
The Broader Fight for Transparency
A former inmate at Lycoming County Prison is re-submitting previously blocked hazardous communications directly to OSHA’s main office on 200 Constitutional Ave in DC. Accountability is the only acceptable outcome in this matter.
At FAFO Press, we are committed to shining a relentless light on abuse of power, governmental misconduct, and the erosion of public trust. Our mission is to ensure local agencies in Lycoming County uphold their sworn duties, honor the will of the people, and make lasting positive impacts. For our followers, rest assured: the truth is served cold, because sometimes the coldest truths are the hardest to swallow, but we love ice cream, and we love justice even more.
Follow and find out.
FAFO Press: because transparency isn’t optional.
