Sussex I State Prison: Overview

Sussex I State Prison, located in Waverly, Virginia, is a maximum-security facility under the Virginia Department of Corrections. It was opened in 1998 and designed to house the state’s most dangerous male inmates, including those serving life sentences and previously those on death row until the state abolished the death penalty in 2021. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,139 inmates and focuses on rehabilitative programs such as vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and educational services to prepare inmates for reintegration into society.

This prison is known for housing long-term offenders and operates with intense security measures, including razor-wire fencing and guard towers to ensure safety. Sussex I shares its grounds with Sussex II State Prison, which provides additional capacity for the state’s incarcerated population.

Sussex I State Prison

Contact Information for Sussex I State Prison

Visiting Information at Sussex I State Prison

Visiting inmates at Sussex I State Prison requires careful planning. Visitation days are held on weekends—Saturday and Sunday—from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and visits are conducted based on a rotating schedule. Visitors must first fill out an application through the Virginia Department of Corrections and get approval before scheduling a visit. The application can take up to 30 days to process. Upon arrival, visitors must present a valid ID and adhere to strict dress codes, prohibiting revealing or offensive clothing.

Visits are typically 1-2 hours long, but the exact duration may vary depending on the prison’s scheduling and the number of visitors. Visitors are prohibited from bringing any items into the facility, with the exception of essentials for infants, such as formula or diapers.

How to Book a Visit at Sussex I State Prison

To book a visit at Sussex I State Prison, you need:

  • Approved visitation application
  • Full name, address, and date of birth
  • The inmate’s full name and ID number

Visitors must call ahead to confirm visitation times. Each inmate can have multiple visitors, but the total number of visitors per session may be limited, and all guests must follow the prison’s guidelines for conduct and appearance.

Directions and Parking at Sussex I State Prison

Located in rural Sussex County, Sussex I State Prison is about 40 miles southeast of Richmond, VA. To get there, take I-95 South, then exit onto VA-35 South toward Waverly. The prison is off Musselwhite Drive, easily accessible from the highway.

Parking is available onsite for visitors, though it may fill up quickly during busy visiting hours. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot and complete the check-in process in time.

What Life is Like Inside Sussex I State Prison

Sussex I State Prison is known for its strict environment, aimed at maintaining security and safety within its walls. Inmates are housed in cells, monitored closely, and have limited access to common areas. Despite the challenging conditions, the prison offers various educational and vocational programs, including auto mechanics, culinary arts, and welding. Inmates with substance abuse issues can also engage in treatment programs, such as Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Substance Abusers (CBI-SA)​

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Recent news highlighted safety concerns in 2020 when inmates discovered how to jam cell doors, prompting the installation of new security features

Famous Prisoners at Sussex I State Prison

One of the most notable former residents was John Allen Muhammad, also known as the “DC Sniper,” who was executed in 2009 for his role in the infamous sniper attacks that terrorized the Washington D.C. area in 2002. The prison was also previously home to Virginia’s male death row inmates until the state’s death penalty was abolished​

 

FAQs about Sussex I State Prison

  • What type of inmates are housed at Sussex I State Prison? Sussex I houses male inmates with serious offenses, including those serving life sentences and formerly those on death row.

  • How do I book a visit at Sussex I State Prison? You must complete a visitation application via the Virginia Department of Corrections website and receive approval.

  • What is the address of Sussex I State Prison? The prison is located at 24414 Musselwhite Drive, Waverly, VA 23891-1111.

  • How many inmates does Sussex I State Prison hold? The facility has a capacity of around 1,139 inmates.

  • Are there rehabilitative programs available at Sussex I State Prison? Yes, the prison offers vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and education programs to help inmates prepare for release.

  • What are the visiting hours at Sussex I State Prison? Visitation takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

  • Can inmates at Sussex I make phone calls? Inmates can make outgoing calls using prepaid accounts or collect calls to approved numbers. Calls are monitored for security.

  • How do I send money to an inmate at Sussex I State Prison? Funds can be sent via the inmate’s trust fund account through the VADOC’s online system or mailed via money orders.

  • What items can visitors bring to Sussex I State Prison? Visitors are prohibited from bringing most items except essentials for infant care. No contraband or electronics are allowed.

  • What security measures are in place at Sussex I State Prison? The facility is surrounded by razor wire, guard towers, and uses electronic security systems to manage inmates​

     

Sources Used:

Visit Sumter Correctional Institution