A bombshell state investigation has exposed major misconduct by guards at Southeast State Correctional Complex in Floyd County, Kentucky.

In a report from The Lexington Herald-Leader, guards are alleged to have planted a weapon on an inmate, hurling racist slurs, and tossing contraband around the facility.

The probe, sparked by inmate complaints and internal reviews, paints a picture of abuse and chaos inside the prison run by private operator CoreCivic. Some of the intel was reportedly called out in a July 2025 letter, sent to Corrections Commissioner Cookie Crews, by a demoted guard.

According to the report, guards framed inmates by slipping a shank into a cell, then used it as grounds for punishment. They also freely slung racial epithets at Black inmates, dared inmates to fight, and even threw drugs or other banned items into housing units.

The findings come amid broader staffing shortages plaguing Kentucky's prisons, where underpaid and overworked officers have led to a spike in violations. Some guards, due to favoritism among staff, are alleged to have underreported incidents.

“Staff that are believed to be among those that are ‘favored’ can be reported countless times by the few that are unafraid, but nothing is ever done,” said the letter to Crews. “Many eventually give up reporting to IA or do not believe that any action ever will be taken.”

The Kentucky Department of Corrections has not commented publicly on the specific allegations but has reportedly fired or disciplined dozens of staff in recent years for similar issues, such as excessive force and smuggling.

Past reports have detailed beatings, falsified logs, and sexual misconduct across the system. Families of inmates are calling for more oversight and better training, worried that the cycle of retaliation and neglect puts everyone at risk.

As Kentucky grapples with prison reform, the Southeast State revelations have reignited demands for accountability. Lawmakers may take up the issue in the next session, but for now, the inmates' voices—from smuggled letters and lawsuits—keep the pressure on.