Advocates Seek Clemency for Michigan Inmate Allegedly Sickened by Prison Mold

Krystal Clark tests positive for bacteria linked to black mold, as former staff and inmates describe widespread hazardous conditions at the state's only women's prison.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a black, fuzzy growth on a human ear, captured with a harsh, direct flash against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the mold-related health issues faced by inmates at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility.Disturbing evidence of the mold crisis plaguing Michigan's only women's prison, where incarcerated individuals report severe health issues.Ypsilanti Today

Advocates and lawmakers are pressing Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to grant clemency to Krystal Clark, an inmate at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility who they say is suffering from severe medical conditions tied to mold exposure inside the prison. Clark has tested positive for several bacteria linked to black mold, and former staff and inmates have described widespread mold and unsafe conditions at the facility, which the Michigan Department of Corrections disputes.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the health and safety of incarcerated individuals, as well as the broader systemic issues within Michigan's corrections system regarding medical care and facility oversight. The allegations of hazardous mold conditions at the state's only women's prison raise questions about the state's responsibility for the wellbeing of people in its custody.

The details

Clark, who has been incarcerated at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility since 2011, has made repeated complaints about mold in the facility since 2016. Her medical records show she tested positive for Aspergillus niger, a common black mold, as well as other bacteria linked to mold exposure, in July 2023. However, she did not receive proper treatment until August 2025, and experienced gaps in care. State lawmakers who have visited the facility have reported seeing black spots in the showers and other areas that staff claimed were not mold. Former staff have also come forward with health issues they attribute to the conditions at the prison.

  • Clark first made a formal complaint about the mold in 2016.
  • Clark tested positive for Aspergillus niger and other mold-related bacteria in July 2023.
  • Clark did not receive full-dose therapy until November 2025.
  • Clark was ordered to see an infectious disease specialist on Jan. 19, 2026 but did not see one until February 17, 2026.

The players

Krystal Clark

An inmate at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility who has been sickened by mold exposure and is seeking clemency from the governor.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Governor of Michigan, who has the constitutional authority to grant clemency to Clark.

Laurie Pohutsky

A Michigan state representative who visited Clark and testified about the hazardous conditions at the prison.

Dylan Wegela

A Michigan state representative who also visited the prison and observed mold issues.

Laresha Thornton

A former teacher's aide at the women's prison who was diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory disease linked to the conditions at the facility.

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What they’re saying

“They try to act like the back of my ears was growing something else … due to post-traumatic stress disorder. The mold in the facility is affecting me every day.”

— Krystal Clark

“We are here not just to raise awareness. We are here to demand accountability. We are here to ask a direct question to the governor, 'what will you do?'”

— Jay Love, Clark's spokesperson

“Every single person who is incarcerated at the facility that I spoke to talked about the mold issues … and that those incarcerated have been asked and reportedly forced to clean and paint over the mold daily.”

— Dylan Wegela, Michigan state representative

“I didn't realize (that) the mold had affected me. I was hospitalized and told that my intestines were swollen because of the mold.”

— Laresha Thornton, Former teacher's aide at the women's prison

What’s next

The state parole board is currently reviewing Clark's case, and Governor Whitmer has the constitutional authority to grant her clemency.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for the state to address the hazardous conditions at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility and ensure the health and safety of all incarcerated individuals. The allegations of widespread mold exposure and inadequate medical care raise serious concerns about the state's responsibility for the wellbeing of people in its custody.