Overview of United States Penitentiary McCreary

United States Penitentiary McCreary (USP McCreary) is a high-security federal prison located in Pine Knot, Kentucky, housing male inmates. This facility, which opened in 2003, is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). It also features a satellite minimum-security camp for male offenders. Designed to accommodate around 1,500 inmates, USP McCreary currently operates over capacity. The prison is known for housing inmates convicted of serious federal offenses, including violent crimes, organized crime, and terrorism.

Education is a priority at USP McCreary, offering programs such as Adult Literacy, GED, and vocational training in areas like Auto Mechanics and Web Design. Inmates are encouraged to participate in these programs to prepare for life post-incarceration. However, the prison has faced incidents of violence, including staff assaults, reflecting the challenges of managing a high-security facility.

United States Penitentiary McCreary in Kentucky

Contact Information for United States Penitentiary McCreary

  • Address:
    United States Penitentiary McCreary
    330 Federal Way
    Pine Knot, KY 42635
  • Phone Number: (606)-354-7000
  • Email: MCR-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov
  • Inmate Mailing Address:
    For the USP:
    Inmate Name, ID Number
    P.O. Box 3000
    Pine Knot, KY 42635

Visiting Information for United States Penitentiary McCreary

Visiting hours at USP McCreary occur on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Visitors are allowed up to 5 adults per visit, and anyone 16 years or older is considered an adult. Visitors must adhere to the prison’s strict security regulations, including random pat searches. Physical contact is limited to hand-holding, with brief embraces permitted at the beginning and end of the visit. Facilities include vending machines and a children’s play area, though this area is off-limits to inmates.

Items to Bring for a Visit:

  • Government-issued ID
  • Up to $40 in change for vending machines
  • Necessary baby care items, such as clear bottles and sealed baby food

How to Book a Visit at United States Penitentiary McCreary

To book a visit at USP McCreary, visitors must be approved in advance. The application process includes providing personal identification details, including a government-issued ID, and undergoing a background check. Once approved, visitors should contact the prison to confirm the visiting schedule as it may vary for inmates in special housing units. Only 5 adults are permitted per visit, and visits are typically first-come, first-served.

 

Directions and Parking for United States Penitentiary McCreary

USP McCreary is located in southern Kentucky, approximately 88 miles north of Knoxville, TN, and 125 miles south of Lexington, KY. Visitors arriving by car can use the address “330 Federal Way, Pine Knot, KY 42635” for GPS navigation. On-site parking is available, though it can become crowded on visiting days. It’s advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

 

What Life is Like Inside United States Penitentiary McCreary

Inmates at USP McCreary are housed in one- and two-person cells across 12 housing units. The prison offers a range of programs, including GED classes, vocational training, and recreational activities such as team sports. Despite these opportunities, USP McCreary has garnered attention for its incidents of violence, including assaults on staff and inmates. However, the facility remains committed to rehabilitation through education, vocational training, and counseling programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

 

Famous Prisoners at United States Penitentiary McCreary

USP McCreary has housed several notorious inmates. Notable prisoners include Ronell Wilson, a Staten Island gang leader convicted of killing two NYPD detectives, and Thomas Pitera, a hitman for the Bonanno crime family convicted of multiple murders and drug trafficking​. Ricky Mungia, a white supremacist involved in a racially motivated killing spree, has also served time here

FAQs About United States Penitentiary McCreary

  • What is the capacity of United States Penitentiary McCreary?
    USP McCreary was designed to hold around 1,500 inmates, but it often operates over capacity.

  • What are the visiting hours at United States Penitentiary McCreary?
    Visits are allowed on weekends and federal holidays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

  • How do I contact an inmate at United States Penitentiary McCreary?
    You can mail inmates using the address:
    Inmate Name, ID Number
    USP McCreary, P.O. Box 3000, Pine Knot, KY 42635.

  • What kind of educational programs are available to inmates at USP McCreary?
    The prison offers GED classes, vocational training in fields like Auto Mechanics, and correspondence courses for post-secondary education.

  • What types of inmates are housed at USP McCreary?
    USP McCreary houses male inmates convicted of serious federal crimes, including violent offenses, organized crime, and terrorism.

  • Is there a minimum-security facility at USP McCreary?
    Yes, there is a satellite minimum-security camp adjacent to the high-security facility.

  • How do I book a visit at United States Penitentiary McCreary?
    Visitors must apply in advance and be approved. After approval, visits are scheduled by contacting the prison.

  • Can children visit inmates at USP McCreary?
    Yes, children can visit. There is a play area available, though it is off-limits to inmates.

  • What is the prison’s policy on physical contact during visits?
    Hand-holding is allowed during visits, with brief embraces permitted at the start and end.

  • Who are some of the notable inmates that have been housed at USP McCreary?
    Notable inmates include Ronell Wilson, convicted for the murder of two NYPD detectives, and Thomas Pitera, a hitman for the Bonanno crime family.

Conclusion

United States Penitentiary McCreary plays a vital role in housing and rehabilitating some of the country’s most dangerous federal inmates. While the facility offers various educational and vocational programs, it also faces challenges related to violence and overcrowding. Despite these issues, USP McCreary remains committed to public safety and inmate rehabilitation.

Sources:

  1. Federal Bureau of Prisons – www.bop.gov
  2. PrisonPro – www.prisonpro.com
  3. InmateAid – www.inmateaid.com
  4. The Prison Direct – www.theprisondirect.com

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