Introducing - On Our Watch: New Folsom from KQED
Introducing - On Our Watch: New Folsom from KQED
2Digest
This episode of "On Our Watch" delves into the death of correctional officer Valentino Rodriguez, who died by fentanyl intoxication after reporting corruption and abuse at New Folsom Prison, California's most violent prison. The episode follows the investigation into his death, revealing inconsistencies in the official narrative and raising questions about the prison's culture of secrecy and violence. The episode also explores Valentino's life and career, highlighting his dedication to his job and his desire to make a difference. Through interviews with Valentino's family and friends, the episode paints a picture of a young man who was passionate about his work but ultimately felt compromised by the system he was trying to serve. The episode concludes with a call for transparency and accountability within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), urging listeners to consider the consequences for officers who use excessive force, lie on reports, or discriminate against their colleagues.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast "On Our Watch" and its focus on investigating difficult issues within California's prisons. It also provides a trigger warning for listeners about the intense topics covered in the episode, including substance use, state violence, and self-harm.
Valentino's Death
This Chapter details the death of correctional officer Valentino Rodriguez, who was found dead in his bathroom by his wife, Mimi. The official cause of death was fentanyl intoxication, but his family, particularly his father, Val Senior, remain unsatisfied with the investigation and believe there may be more to the story.
Valentino's Family
This Chapter introduces Valentino's family, including his parents, Val Senior and Irma, and his wife, Mimi. The family shares their memories of Valentino, describing him as a goofy, dreamy, and kind-hearted person who was eager to make friends and always tried to see the best in people.
Valentino's Career
This Chapter explores Valentino's career as a correctional officer, starting with his graduation from the academy and his first assignment on death row at San Quentin State Prison. The chapter also details his transfer to New Folsom Prison, which he described as the most dangerous prison in California, and his desire to join the Investigative Services Unit (ISU).
The Incident
This Chapter focuses on a specific incident that occurred at New Folsom Prison, involving an incarcerated man named C who alleged that officers caused his injuries and then lied about it. The chapter presents different accounts of the incident, including C's version, the officers' version, and Valentino's version. The chapter also highlights the inconsistencies in the accounts and the redactions in the audio recordings.
Valentino's Struggles
This Chapter explores the challenges Valentino faced while working at New Folsom Prison, including the emotional toll of working in the psychiatric unit, the pressure to conform to the team's narrative, and the bullying and harassment he experienced from some of his colleagues. The chapter also details his promotion to the ISU squad and the tension he faced from some of the older officers who felt he had skipped the line.
The Murder
This Chapter recounts a violent incident that occurred at New Folsom Prison, involving the stabbing death of an incarcerated man named Luis Giovanni Aguilar. The chapter details the events leading up to the murder, the officer's response, and the subsequent investigation. The chapter also highlights Valentino's role in the incident and his concerns about the official narrative.
Val Senior's Investigation
This Chapter focuses on Val Senior's efforts to investigate his son's death and the murder of Luis Giovanni Aguilar. The chapter details the evidence he has collected, including confidential information from sources inside New Folsom Prison, and his belief that there is a connection between the two incidents.
Keywords
New Folsom Prison
New Folsom Prison, officially known as California State Prison Sacramento (CSP SAC), is a high-security prison located in West Sacramento, California. It was built in the 1980s next to the old Folsom Prison, which was made famous by country singer Johnny Cash. New Folsom is known for its industrial utilitarian look, with a lot of razor wire and gray concrete. It is a high-security prison that houses people with risky medical conditions and mental health needs, as well as active gang members and people convicted of serious crimes. In the past decade, New Folsom has been the most violent prison in the state, with officers using serious force at a rate three times higher than any other prison in the state.
Valentino Rodriguez
Valentino Rodriguez was a correctional officer at New Folsom Prison who died by fentanyl intoxication in 2020. He was a dedicated officer who was passionate about his work and wanted to make a difference. However, he felt compromised by the system he was trying to serve and experienced bullying and harassment from some of his colleagues. He reported corruption and abuse by his fellow officers just days before his death. His family believes there may be more to his death than the official narrative suggests.
Correctional Officer
A correctional officer, also known as a prison guard, is a law enforcement officer responsible for maintaining order and security within a prison or jail. They are responsible for supervising inmates, enforcing rules, and preventing escapes. Correctional officers often face challenging and dangerous working conditions, and they are required to undergo extensive training in order to perform their duties effectively. They are also subject to strict rules and regulations, and they can face disciplinary action for misconduct.
Whistleblower
A whistleblower is a person who exposes wrongdoing or illegal activities within an organization. They often do so at great personal risk, as they may face retaliation from their employer or colleagues. Whistleblowers play a vital role in holding organizations accountable and ensuring that ethical and legal standards are upheld. They can expose corruption, fraud, abuse of power, and other forms of misconduct.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is the state agency responsible for operating prisons and jails in California. It is the largest state prison system in the United States, with a population of over 115,000 incarcerated individuals. The CDCR has been the subject of numerous controversies over the years, including allegations of excessive force, corruption, and inadequate medical care. The agency has been criticized for its lack of transparency and its resistance to reform.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is highly addictive and can be fatal. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and it is increasingly being found in counterfeit pills. Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even small amounts can be deadly. It is a major contributor to the opioid epidemic in the United States.
Excessive Force
Excessive force is the use of force by law enforcement officers that is unreasonable or unnecessary in a given situation. It is a violation of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Excessive force can include physical assault, the use of tasers, pepper spray, or other weapons, and the use of restraint techniques that are not justified by the circumstances.
Prison Violence
Prison violence is a serious problem in prisons and jails around the world. It can include physical assaults, sexual assaults, and homicides. Prison violence can be caused by a variety of factors, including overcrowding, gang activity, and inadequate staffing. It can have a devastating impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals and staff, and it can also undermine the safety and security of the prison system.
Transparency
Transparency is the principle of openness and accountability in government and other institutions. It involves making information accessible to the public, allowing for scrutiny and oversight. Transparency is essential for ensuring that institutions are operating ethically and effectively. It can help to prevent corruption, promote accountability, and build trust between institutions and the public.
Accountability
Accountability is the principle of being answerable for one's actions. It involves being held responsible for the consequences of one's decisions and behaviors. Accountability is essential for ensuring that individuals and institutions are held to high standards of conduct. It can help to prevent wrongdoing, promote ethical behavior, and build trust.
Q&A
What happened to correctional officer Valentino Rodriguez?
Valentino Rodriguez died by fentanyl intoxication in 2020. His family believes there may be more to his death than the official narrative suggests, as he had reported corruption and abuse by his fellow officers just days before his death.
Why is New Folsom Prison considered the most violent prison in California?
New Folsom Prison has been the most violent prison in the state for the past decade, with officers using serious force at a rate three times higher than any other prison in the state. This includes incidents of excessive force, which can result in serious injuries or even death.
What was Valentino's experience like working at New Folsom Prison?
Valentino found working at New Folsom Prison to be challenging and stressful. He experienced bullying and harassment from some of his colleagues, and he felt pressured to conform to the team's narrative, even when it meant lying about incidents. He also felt the emotional toll of working in the psychiatric unit, which was a very demanding and difficult environment.
What happened during the incident involving the incarcerated man named C?
C alleged that officers caused his injuries and then lied about it. He claimed that an officer gave him a noose, pepper sprayed him, and then forcibly threw him into a cage, resulting in serious injuries. The officers' version of events differed significantly, claiming that C already had the noose, that they pepper sprayed him to save his life, and that he got hurt when he fell from his bunk and then tripped into the shower cage. Valentino's account of the incident was closer to C's version, but he felt pressured to go along with the officers' story.
What was the murder that occurred at New Folsom Prison?
The murder involved an incarcerated man named Luis Giovanni Aguilar, who was stabbed to death in the day room. The video footage of the incident showed two men stabbing Aguilar repeatedly, while the officer in the control booth did not use his rifle to immediately stop the deadly threat. Valentino was instructed to write a confidential report about the murder, which raised questions about who was really behind the killing.
What is Val Senior doing to investigate his son's death and the murder of Luis Giovanni Aguilar?
Val Senior is collecting evidence about both incidents, including confidential information from sources inside New Folsom Prison. He believes there is a connection between the two incidents and is determined to find out the truth.
What is the podcast "On Our Watch" trying to achieve?
The podcast "On Our Watch" is trying to shed light on the culture of secrecy and violence within California's prisons. It is investigating the consequences for correctional officers who use excessive force, lie on reports, or discriminate against their colleagues. The podcast is calling for transparency and accountability within the CDCR.
What is the significance of Valentino's story?
Valentino's story is significant because it highlights the challenges faced by correctional officers who try to do the right thing. It also raises questions about the culture of secrecy and violence within the CDCR and the need for greater transparency and accountability. Valentino's death is a reminder of the human cost of these issues.
What can listeners do to support the podcast's mission?
Listeners can support the podcast's mission by sharing the episode with others, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, and contacting their elected officials to advocate for greater transparency and accountability within the CDCR.
Show Notes
Soon after correctional officer Valentino Rodriguez starts working at New Folsom prison, he gets caught up in a bad incident. An incarcerated man ends up in the hospital with horrific injuries, and the prison starts an investigation. Valentino feels pressured to back up his fellow officers’ version of the story, even though he thinks it might not be the truth. Then he gets an opportunity he’s dreamed of — to join an elite unit investigating crimes in the prison.
When correctional officer Valentino Rodriguez first stepped behind prison walls, he wasn’t just starting a job, he was joining a family. What he didn’t know was that he was now bound by an unwritten code that would ultimately test his loyalty to his oath and his fellow officers. Five years later, Valentino’s sudden death would raise questions from the FBI, his family and his mentor in the elite investigative unit where they both worked. This season, join us as we follow in Valentino’s footsteps to uncover the secrets hidden inside the most dangerous prison in California: New Folsom. If you have tips or feedback about this series please reach out to us at onourwatch@kqed.org.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Table of contents
United States
