Overview of United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

The United States Penitentiary Lewisburg (USP Lewisburg) is a high-security federal prison located in Pennsylvania. It is designed to house male inmates who require heightened security measures due to the nature of their offenses or behavior. USP Lewisburg has a long and storied history, dating back to its opening in 1932, and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is well-known for holding notorious criminals over the decades, and today it primarily focuses on housing inmates involved in organized crime, gang-related activities, and those who pose a significant threat to society. The facility can hold up to 1,200 inmates and also includes a satellite camp for minimum-security offenders.

With its imposing structure, strict security protocols, and a history intertwined with some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history, the United States Penitentiary Lewisburg continues to be a central part of the federal prison system.

United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

Contact Information for United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

  • Address:
    United States Penitentiary Lewisburg
    2400 Robert F. Miller Drive,
    Lewisburg, PA 17837
  • Phone Number:
    (570) 523-1251
  • Email Address:
    lew/execassistant@bop.gov
  • Fax:
    (570) 522-7745

If you need to contact USP Lewisburg for information regarding an inmate, scheduling a visit, or general inquiries, use the phone number or email address listed above.

Visiting Information for United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

Visiting an inmate at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg is an important opportunity for friends and family to stay connected. Visits are held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. Each visit can last up to four hours, depending on the number of visitors and the inmate’s security level.

Visiting Hours:

  • Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Federal Holidays: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

What to Bring:

Visitors are required to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Personal items such as cell phones, cameras, or bags are not allowed inside the facility. Lockers are typically available outside the visitation area to store personal belongings. Additionally, visitors are subject to security checks, which may include metal detectors and pat-down searches.

Visiting Experience:

A visit to United States Penitentiary Lewisburg offers a structured environment where inmates and visitors are allowed to interact under close supervision. Inmates and their visitors are usually seated in a common room, where physical contact is limited to a brief embrace at the beginning and end of the visit. The duration of the visit varies but typically lasts around 2 hours.

How to Book a Visit to United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

Booking a visit to United States Penitentiary Lewisburg is a straightforward process, but there are specific guidelines you must follow. Visits need to be scheduled in advance through the prison’s visitation department. Family members or friends of inmates can apply for visitation rights by filling out a visitor information form. This process includes a background check to ensure that the visitor has no criminal record or poses no threat to the facility.

Requirements to Book a Visit:

  • Completed visitor application form
  • Valid photo identification
  • Approved visitor status
  • Inmate’s name and registration number
  • No previous criminal convictions that may disqualify the visitor

Typically, you can bring up to three visitors, including children, for each visit. Proper identification is required for everyone over the age of 16. Once approved, you can schedule a visit either online or by contacting the prison directly.

Directions and Parking Information for United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

United States Penitentiary Lewisburg is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, approximately 60 miles north of Harrisburg. The prison is easily accessible by car, with convenient access from major highways.

Directions:

  • From Harrisburg:
    Take US-15 North towards Lewisburg. The prison is located just off of Route 15 at Robert F. Miller Drive.

  • From Williamsport:
    Take US-15 South towards Lewisburg, then exit at Robert F. Miller Drive.

Parking:

Visitor parking is available on the prison grounds. There is a designated parking area for visitors, which is located near the entrance of the facility. Be sure to arrive early, as parking may fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

What is United States Penitentiary Lewisburg Like for a Prisoner?

Life inside United States Penitentiary Lewisburg is highly regimented and controlled, especially given the high-security nature of the prison. Inmates follow a strict schedule that includes work assignments, educational programs, and limited recreational activities. The prison is known for its use of Special Management Units (SMUs), which house inmates considered too dangerous or disruptive to be housed in the general population.

Prisoners in the SMU units experience restricted movement and increased monitoring, often confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day. General population inmates have access to work programs, religious services, and educational opportunities designed to prepare them for eventual reintegration into society, although these privileges are heavily supervised.

USP Lewisburg has gained attention over the years for its tough conditions, with some critics claiming that the prison’s strict management policies can lead to increased tension and violence among inmates. Despite these criticisms, the prison remains a crucial part of the federal system for housing some of the nation’s most dangerous offenders.

Latest News:

In recent years, United States Penitentiary Lewisburg has been the subject of various news stories, often related to the treatment of inmates in the Special Management Units. Allegations of excessive force and mistreatment have surfaced, prompting internal investigations by the Bureau of Prisons. Despite these concerns, USP Lewisburg continues to operate as one of the most secure facilities in the country.

Famous Prisoners at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

Throughout its history, United States Penitentiary Lewisburg has housed some of the most notorious criminals in U.S. history. These include high-profile mafia members, drug kingpins, and notorious murderers. Some of the notable inmates include:

  • John Gotti Jr. – The son of infamous New York mafia boss John Gotti, Jr. was held at USP Lewisburg before being released in 2009.
  • George “Machine Gun” Kelly – A notorious gangster of the 1930s, Kelly spent time at USP Lewisburg after his conviction for kidnapping.
  • Nicky Scarfo – A former mob boss from Philadelphia, Scarfo was one of the most feared organized crime figures and was incarcerated at Lewisburg.

FAQs for United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

1. How do I contact United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
You can contact United States Penitentiary Lewisburg at (570) 523-1251 or email lew/execassistant@bop.gov.

2. How do I book a visit to United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
To book a visit to United States Penitentiary Lewisburg, you need to complete a visitor information form, undergo a background check, and schedule a visit through the visitation department.

3. What are the visiting hours at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
Visiting hours at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg are Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

4. What is the security level at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
USP Lewisburg is a high-security facility designed to house dangerous male offenders, with strict protocols and Special Management Units for violent inmates.

5. What is life like inside United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
Life at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg is highly controlled, with strict schedules, limited recreational time, and significant supervision, especially for inmates in the Special Management Units.

6. Where is United States Penitentiary Lewisburg located?
United States Penitentiary Lewisburg is located at 2400 Robert F. Miller Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837.

7. Are there any famous prisoners at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
Yes, United States Penitentiary Lewisburg has housed several famous inmates, including John Gotti Jr. and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

8. How do I get to United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
You can reach United States Penitentiary Lewisburg via US-15 North from Harrisburg or US-15 South from Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

9. What is the inmate capacity at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
The prison has a capacity of around 1,200 inmates, including those in the high-security facility and the satellite minimum-security camp.

10. What is the address for United States Penitentiary Lewisburg?
The address for United States Penitentiary Lewisburg is 2400 Robert F. Miller Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837.

 

Summary and Conclusion:

United States Penitentiary Lewisburg is a high-security federal prison in Pennsylvania with a history of housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. With its Special Management Units, strict security, and complex history, USP Lewisburg remains a key part of the U.S. federal prison system. Whether visiting an inmate, learning about its history, or discovering the famous prisoners it has housed, USP Lewisburg offers a compelling insight into the high-security world of federal incarceration.

For more information, visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons website.


Sources Used for Research:

  1. Federal Bureau of Prisons – bop.gov
  2. Prison Legal News
  3. The Daily Item
  4. The Washington Post
  5. AP News
  6. The Patriot-News

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