Tennessee juvenile prisons accused of concealing abuse and suppressing emergency calls
The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services is investigating claims that management, allegedly under CEO Jason Crews, pressured staff to handle violent attacks and medical crises internally without state notification.
Former staff and residents allege that Wayne Halfway House, a private operator of Tennessee’s highest-security youth prisons, systematically concealed physical and sexual abuse and discouraged employees from calling 911 during emergencies. Investigations reveal incidents where staff were pressured to handle violent attacks and medical crises internally without state notification, allegedly under the direction of CEO Jason Crews. The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services is currently investigating these allegations, while the company denies wrongdoing and describes accusers as biased.
Specific incidents of alleged abuse and non-reporting include a June 2024 incident at Middle Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center where a teenager was dragged and assaulted by peers; former staff member Tonya Webb alleges management failed to report this to the state. A November 2020 riot at Mountain View Academy saw guard Heather Boyd allegedly fired for calling 911, though the company denies this and states the case was settled. In February 2024, a guard at Mountain View Academy suffered serious injuries during an attack; former nurse Brandi Buchanan alleges staff were pressured not to call 911. A 2021 incident at Hollis Academy involved Thomas Jarvis, who was found with 80% body bruising; DCS records indicate the facility failed to report this injury.
Allegations of suspected sexual abuse by staff at various facilities have been raised, with former employees claiming they feared retaliation for reporting. Changes to Wayne Halfway House’s emergency response policies include a 2024 version requiring CEO Jason Crews’ authorisation before law enforcement enters, and a new policy effective August 2025 removing the mandate to call Crews. Termination of former HR director Kim Watts occurred after she advised against terminating an injured employee and raised concerns about reporting practices. Expert commentary from Liz Ryan, who oversaw juvenile justice programs for the Biden administration, describes a pattern of disregard for state and federal law.
