Ozark Radio News continues to follow up on the recent dismissal of the warden at South Central Correctional Center in Licking. Warden Michele Buckner was removed from her post, along with major Robert Hopping, who was a top supervisor in the prison.
Non-profit group Missouri Prison Reform says an investigation was initiated after an employee hotline call was made from inside the facility, reporting contraband and other safety concerns. Missouri Prison Reform executive director, Lori Curry, states, “Everyone that I hear from, including current staff, former staff, and people who live there say that it is overrun with drugs and other contraband, that there is a lack of order, there’s a lack of policy being followed, it’s basically the Wild West in there.”
The Missouri Department of Corrections has not disclosed specific details, citing confidentiality surrounding personnel matters. In 2024, SCCC reported 19 inmate deaths.
