Cruel, But Not Unusual

By Ira Cloninger

With the closing of Sussex II, I was sent to Red Onion. I had one charge in almost 18 years in November 2022. Staff and officers asked, "Why are you here?" Upon arriving, I saw a substitute doctor, the emergency room doctor. He set up local Medicaid appointments and everything going forward. I was happy for a while.

The nurse practitioner comes back, cancels the appointments, and then sets up all my medical appointments with VCU Hospital in Richmond, VA. This takes four officers, two vehicles, and motel rooms for the officers. I'm put in handcuffs, waist chain, black box, black bags put over the hand shackles. You don't get a bathroom break for 6 1/2 - 8 hours. You are in pain the whole time. People let their animals have bathroom breaks after 2 1/2 -3 hours. I'm taking fiber pills and water pills...

Once at Sussex 1 State Prison while in segregation, I had to beg for dinner, a mattress. No soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, or wash rag. You're taken to an outside doctor, stinking, smelling, and bad breath. Wow! They add a shock belt with all the other restraints for your doctor's appointment. Then, after 14-16 hours, you return to Red Onion all swollen the day after.

Love your enemies. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who prosecute you.