Correctional officers at the federal prison complex in Victorville are suspected of creating an Instagram page spouting racist, homophobic and misogynistic memes, causing a stir in the national prison system and catching the attention of officials in Washington, D.C.
“Our humor is not for everyone. This is how we deal with the horrible things we must see to earn money,” said the post. “We are the modern day sin eaters. We try to manage those who are unfit for society.”One post announces the hiring of new females. “A lot of the insults are only for insiders to know,” said one whistleblower, whose name is being withheld by the Southern California News Group for fear of retaliation by staff and prisoners.
“As an agency, we believe the posts by the ‘Good Verbal’ account holder are reprehensible. If this matter is linked to a Bureau of Prisons employee, we will fervently pursue all actions in accordance with policy and law,” agency spokesman Emery Nelson said in an email. Jermaine Carson, a former case manager at the Victorville complex, left in 2017 for a law enforcement job at the Department of Homeland Security. Carson said he still keeps in touch with friends at the Victorville prison. And he says all is not well there.