Former Southern Regional Jail Officer Pleads Guilty in Excessive Force Conspiracy

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former corrections officer at Southern Regional Jail in Raleigh County, West Virginia has pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy where he and other officers used unreasonable force against inmates as a form of punishment and retaliation. Michael Pack admitted to striking, assaulting, and harming inmates in 'blind spot' areas of the jail not captured on surveillance cameras, then creating false reports to cover up the incidents.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of excessive force and lack of accountability within the U.S. prison system, where some corrections officers abuse their power and violate the civil rights of incarcerated individuals. It raises concerns about the need for better oversight, training, and consequences for officers who engage in such misconduct.

The details

As part of the plea agreement, Michael Pack stated that he and his co-conspirators would intentionally bring inmates they believed had engaged in misconduct to areas of the jail not covered by surveillance cameras. They would then strike, assault, and harm the inmates as a form of punishment and retaliation. Pack also admitted they would create false reports denying the use of unreasonable force and failing to document the injuries the inmates suffered.

• Michael Pack pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026.
• Pack will be sentenced on July 24, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Pack will be sentenced on July 24, 2026, where he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.