Federal Correctional Institution · Welch, West Virginia
FCI McDowell
- Security level
- Medium + minimum camp
- Medical care level
- 1 of 4
- Mental health care level
- 1 of 4
- Population
- 1,561
- Phone
- 304-436-7300
Last checked: November 3, 2026 (BOP documents for this prison) Intel last checked: November 3, 2026 BOP status updated: Nov 3, 2026, 9:10 pm ET News updated: Nov 3, 2026, 9:31 am ET
Your loved one here? Look up their exact committed name
McDowell at a glance
FCI McDowell is a medium-security prison in Welch, West Virginia, with a minimum-security satellite camp (SPC). The address is 101 Federal Drive, Welch, West Virginia.
- How many people
- 1,481 in the FCI and 80 at the camp (BOP, October 29, 2026).
- Medical care level 1
- Generally healthy people under 70 who need to see a clinician only every 6 to 12 months. Examples the BOP gives: mild asthma, diet-controlled diabetes, well-controlled high blood pressure. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
- Mental health care level 1
- No regular mental health care. People with a major mental illness, or who take antipsychotic medication, are not ordinarily classified at this level. The BOP does not post care levels on its website. This list is dated February 13, 2024 and came out through a public records request. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
- Capacity and crowding
- Built for 1,295. The population was 1,589 on the day of the audit, and the average over the year before was 1,545. The prison was over capacity at some point in that year. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FCI McDowell (onsite June 4 to 5, 2024) ↗
How far is it from you?
Driving directions (Google Maps) → Bus or train (Google Maps) →
Plan your drive around this: Visitors are not processed before 8:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. Processing stops during counts. Do not arrive on the grounds before visiting starts. When the visit is over you must leave the grounds right away.
Our miles and time are an estimate from your ZIP code's center. Google Maps gives the exact route. Your ZIP code never leaves your phone unless you tap a Google Maps button.
Visiting hours and days
| Who | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FCI (main prison) | Saturday, Sunday and all federal holidays | 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Satellite camp (SPC) | Saturday, Sunday and all federal holidays. Outside visiting is allowed at the camp. | 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Special Housing Unit (SHU) | Monday, by appointment only, in blocks of 2 hours. At most 2 visitors for one block. The inmate sets it up through the SHU Lieutenant. | 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., 10:35 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., or 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Visitors are not processed before 8:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. Processing stops during counts. Do not arrive on the grounds before visiting starts. When the visit is over you must leave the grounds right away.
The visiting rules list no regular visiting days except Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays (plus Monday for the SHU). Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
The BOP's own papers disagree. The McDowell handbook is from August 27, 2012 and says the FCI is open Saturday, Sunday, Monday and federal holidays. The newer visiting rules (December 14, 2022) list Monday only for SHU visits by appointment. Go by the newer rules and call 304-436-7300 before you drive on a Monday.
The rules at the door: ID, points, what you can bring
- How many people
- No more than 5 approved visitors at a time, children included. They can ask their Unit Team in writing for more. Children 15 or younger must come with an approved adult visitor. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- Split visits
- If they have 5 visitors and some leave, the same number or fewer can replace them. Normally only one swap is approved. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- Children 16 and 17
- Without a parent, guardian or immediate family member who is at least 18, they need that person's written approval first. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- ID
- A valid driver's license or official photo ID such as a military ID, state ID or passport. Club membership cards, check cashing cards and school IDs are not accepted. Mexican Consulate ID cards are not accepted for entry to the FCI. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- Screening
- You must clear the metal detector or your visit is denied. Keys, coins and metal items come off first. You may get a random pat search by a staff member of the same sex. You sign BP Form 224 (Notification to Visitor) before you go in. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- Money for vending machines
- No more than a total of $20, with no bill larger than a dollar. Food is bought from the machines; do not bring food. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- What you can carry
- A small clear plastic container or bag no bigger than 8 by 12 inches, the vending money, your photo ID and essential medicine (an asthma inhaler or nitroglycerin, only the amount for the visit, held by the officer). Phones and other electronics stay in your car or the lockers. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- For a baby
- Per child: 2 diapers, 1 unopened package of wipes, 1 change of clothes, 2 clear baby bottles, 1 container of unopened formula and 2 unopened small jars of baby food. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- Dress code
- No overly tight, revealing or suggestive clothes: tight or revealing slacks, miniskirts, shorts, halter tops, strapless dresses or tops, spandex and sleeveless shirts. No hats, bandanas or scarves. Shoes are required. Staff can turn you away for dress. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- Touching
- Hand shaking, a kiss and an embrace are allowed, only at the start and at the end of the visit. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- When it gets crowded
- Staff first ask for volunteers. Then visits are ended starting with visitors who live closest to the prison, then those who visit most often. A two-hour limit can be put in place. The visiting areas hold 298 (FCI) and 117 (camp). Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- Points
- The visiting rules do not mention a points system. The handbook (2012) says only that visiting may be limited on an hourly or other basis. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
How to get on the visiting list
- Your loved one gets the visitor information form from their counselor. The form number is not given in the McDowell papers (the BOP national form is BP-A0629; unconfirmed here).
- Fill it out and return it to their Unit Team.
- The Unit Team does a background check. If there is a problem, such as a different answer or a criminal record hit, the Unit Manager decides and can say no.
- The Unit Manager tells them, and they tell you. Do not drive until you are approved.
- The list holds up to 20 visitors. Ordinarily no more than 10 should be friends and associates. They can ask for changes at any time, at open house.
- People who are not on the list can write the prison at least two weeks before to ask for a one-time approval and explain why.
Driving directions (from the BOP)
- From Beckley, WV
- Turn left on WV-16 and stay straight on WV-121 South. Turn right onto Slab Fork Road/CR-34 and continue on CR-34. Turn right onto WV-97, then left onto WV-10, then right onto WV-16. Continue south until you enter McDowell County. Take the first right onto 101 Federal Drive. A Federal Institution sign marks the spot.
- From Bluefield, WV
- Take US-52 North, then turn right onto WV-16 North. Go about 7 miles on WV-16 North. A Federal Institution sign marks the location. There is no local transportation.
Street address for your GPS: 101 Federal Drive, Welch, Wv 24801. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
The BOP beats to its own drum. The front desk has the final say. Keep a spare outfit in the car.
FCI McDowell
Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)
4 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
These rules contradict themselves. When two rules disagree, dress by the stricter one.
| Skirts and dresses | Skirts/shorts/dresses no shorter than 2 inches above mid-knee; no slits above knee. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | Shorts no shorter than 2 inches above mid-knee; no sweat shorts. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki or tan pants, shirts, jackets, or coats. No clothing available to inmates through commissary. |
| Leggings, spandex | No pantyhose-type leggings, spandex, or leotards unless covered by a dress/skirt. No tight or form-fitting dresses such as knit or spandex. |
| Bras and metal | Avoid metal clothing; underwire bras cannot be removed before detector. |
| Camouflage, military | Not in the written rules. Many prisons ban both; leave them home. |
| Shoes | No open-toe footwear or shoes without a back. No flip flops. |
| Children | Length rule applies only to persons over 10 years of age. |
All 27 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- Skirts/shorts/dresses no shorter than 2 inches above mid-knee; no slits above knee.
Skirts , shorts or dresses must not be shorter than two
- Shorts no shorter than 2 inches above mid-knee; no sweat shorts.
Skirts , shorts or dresses must not be shorter than two
- No tank tops or sleeveless shirts.
chest/breasts , and back . Tank tops ae not permissible .
- Tops must cover stomach, chest/breasts, and back.
Tops will cover the upper body , including stomach ,
- No halter tops or strapless dresses/tops.
st rapless dr essed/tops , spande x clothing and sleeveless s h i r ts) . Hats , bandanas ,
- No see-through material.
Clothing made of see - through material will not be
- No tight or form-fitting dresses such as knit or spandex.
age . Tight or form fitting dresses such as knit ,
- No pantyhose-type leggings, spandex, or leotards unless covered by a dress/skirt.
Any " pantyhose " type leggings , Spandex , leotards ,
- No pants with holes unless covered by an appropriate dress/skirt.
etc ., or pa n ts with holes , will not be permit t ed
- No sweat pants or sweat shorts.
through the commissary such as sweat pants , sweat
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki or tan pants, shirts, jackets, or coats.
Any khaki or tan colored pants , shirts , jackets or
- No clothing available to inmates through commissary.
Any clothing accessible to the inmate population
Bras, underwear and metal
- Avoid metal clothing; underwire bras cannot be removed before detector.
metal , i . e . underwire bras , cannot be removed before passi n g through the
Shoes
- No open-toe footwear or shoes without a back.
Open toe footwear(i . e ., flip flops , shoes without a
- No flip flops.
Open toe footwear(i . e ., flip flops , shoes without a
Hats, hoods and coats
- No hats, visors, head wraps, headbands, bandanas, or scarves.
Head - wear such as hats , visors , head wraps or
- Religious headwear is allowed.
headbands (wi th exception to religious head - wear) will
- No hooded jackets or shirts.
not be permitted . Sunglasses , or any hooded jackets or
Children
- Length rule applies only to persons over 10 years of age.
inches above the mid - knee for persons over 10 years of
Everything else
- No suggestive or offensive words or pictures.
offensive words or pictures will not be · permitted.
- No wrap-around dresses, skirts, or tops.
permitted. Dresses , skirts , or tops that wrap around
- No plain white T-shirts.
sh orts , and plain white t -shirts are not permitted .
- No footwear with rolling wheels.
back , etc . ) may not be worn . Footwear with rolling
- No sunglasses or watches of any kind, including smart watches.
Watches of any kind will not be worn (i . e . apple
- No provocative or excessively revealing attire.
revealing attire will not be permitted in the
If they say no
- Visit may be denied if supervisors find dress inappropriate.
a n d scarves are not a u thorize d . Visitors may be denied a visit if supervisory
- IDO and/or Operations Lieutenant resolve clothing discrepancies.
may be resolved by the IDO and/or OPS Lieut enant .
Inmate mailing address
JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES Reg. No. 12345-678 FCI McDowell P.O. Box 1009 Welch, Wv 24801
The mailing address is on the Mail tab. Ask your loved one for their unit and whether they are at the FCI or the camp. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
The camp uses the same P.O. Box.
Use the P.O. Box only. Never mail to the street address (101 Federal Drive, Welch, Wv 24801).
- Books and magazines
- Books, magazines and newspapers must be mailed from the publishing company. Click here to read the source: MCD 5267.09B, Inmate Visitation (December 14, 2022) ↗
- Legal mail
- To be treated as legal mail the envelope must carry the attorney's name and a note that the sender is an attorney. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
- Money
- Do not put checks, letters, pictures or any other item in the envelope with money. Mail money to the BOP lockbox in Des Moines (see the Money tab). Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
- Other mail rules
- The McDowell handbook is from 2012 and we did not find current envelope, card or paper rules. Call the prison before you send photos, cards or packages. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
Books and magazines: at a medium security prison, books and magazines must come straight from a publisher, book club or bookstore (Amazon, for example), never from home.
How to send money to an inmate here
Money never goes to McDowell. It goes to the BOP, and the BOP puts it on their account. There are 3 ways. Each one below shows you the actual form and exactly what to write in each box, already filled in with their name and number.
First, they must sign the power-of-attorney form (BP-A0407) when they arrive. Until they do, MoneyGram and Western Union money cannot post. Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗
1. Postal money order Our pick
"Postal" means the U.S. Post Office. A postal money order is one you buy at the counter of a U.S. Post Office, from the United States Postal Service. Money orders sold at Walmart, a grocery store, a bank, Western Union, MoneyGram or a check-cashing store are not postal money orders.
Why it matters: a postal money order has no hold. Once the BOP's lockbox in Des Moines gets it, it goes on their account. Every other money order and every personal or company check is put on a 15-day hold first, and the 15 days only start when the lockbox receives the envelope. Add the days it spends in the mail, and it can be close to three weeks before they can spend it.Click here to read the source: BOP, Sending money by U.S. mail ↗ Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗ Foreign money orders and checks are held 45 days. The postal money order is also the cheapest way.
The Post Office's own steps
- Decide the amount. Up to $1,000 in one money order.
- Go to any Post Office.
- Bring cash or a debit card. The Post Office does not take credit cards for money orders.
- Fill it out at the counter with the clerk. Use the boxes below.
- Pay the amount plus the fee: $2.65 for up to $500, $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000.
- Keep your receipt. You need it to track the money order or replace it if it is lost.Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders ↗
- Pay toJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONEStheir committed name, exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it
- Address (under Pay to)Federal Bureau of Prisons, P.O. Box 474701, Des Moines, IA 50947-0001
- FromMARIA SMITH-JONESyour name
- Address (under From)123 Main Street, Trenton, NJ 08608your address
- MemoReg. No. 12345678their 8-digit register number, no dash
Unconfirmed: the BOP does not say in writing what goes on the "Pay to" line. Their name is what families use. The name and number on the envelope are what the BOP requires.
123 Main Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Federal Bureau of Prisons JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES 12345678 Post Office Box 474701 Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001
Lost it? Tracking and replacing a money order
- Keep the receipt. You need the serial number, post office number and amount to track it at tools.usps.com/money-orders.htm.
- Lost or stolen: take the receipt to any post office and ask for a Money Order Inquiry. It costs $23 and can take up to 60 days.
2. MoneyGram
Posts in about 2 to 4 hours if sent 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, any day. Up to $300 per payment. In a store, you fill out the blue ExpressPayment form. This is the BOP's own filled-in sample:
- Company NameFederal Bureau of Prisons
- City & StateWashington, DC
- Receive Code7932always the same
- Account Number of the Bill to Pay12345678SMITHJONESone letter or number per box
- Amount to Payup to $300
- Message to Biller or Beneficiary NameJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
Top section: your own name, address, phone and signature. Pay cash. Keep the receipt with the reference number.
Unconfirmed: some stores now type it into a screen instead of using the paper form. The boxes are the same.
Doing it online or in the MoneyGram app instead
- Go to moneygram.com (Pay Bills) or the MoneyGram app and log in or sign up.
- Search the biller 7932 or "Federal Bureau of Prisons."
- Enter the amount (up to $300) and the account number
12345678SMITHJONES. - Pay with a debit or credit card. A credit card can charge a cash-advance fee.
3. Western Union
Posts in about 2 to 4 hours. In a store, ask for the Quick Collect form ("To Send Money Form for Bill Payments"). Do not ask for a regular money transfer. This is a real Quick Collect form filled in with the BOP's values:
- Dollar Amountyour amount
- Pay toFederal Bureau of Prisons
- Code CityFBOP, DC
- AttentionJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
- Account # with Company (in the SENDER section: this is where people get lost)12345678SMITHJONES
Leave Promo Code blank. Put your own name, phone and address in the rest of the Sender section and sign at 3. Pay cash (some stores take debit). You get a 10-digit tracking number (MTCN). Keep it.
Unconfirmed: some stores have the blue Quick Collect form, some a "Pay a Bill" section, and some a phone to an agent.
Doing it online (Send2Corrections), screen by screen
You need a photo ID to set up the account: your name must match your ID exactly.
- Go to send2corrections.com or the Send2Corrections app. Log in or register.
- "Who are you sending to?" Choose the facility Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP DC).
- Receiver first name, middle name (optional), last name: exactly as the BOP has it.
- Commissary number: type only the 8 digits,
12345678. No dash, no name. The site adds the last name itself and shows the full account number in a grey box you cannot type in. - Ignore the pop-up that says "BOP number will not work." That text shows for every prison. The register number is what works.
- Amount: $1 to $300. Pay by card, or choose "Pay Cash (in-store)" and pay at a Western Union counter within 12 hours, or it cancels.
Hyphenated last name? The site drops the hyphen: Smith-Jones becomes 12345678SMITHJONES.
Money sent to the wrong person is not returned by Western Union. Western Union payments cannot be changed after they are sent.
Commissary: what they can spend
The McDowell handbook (2012) says $320 a month. National BOP policy (PS 4500.13, May 7, 2026) now sets $460 a month, plus $50 more in November and December. The handbook is old and may not match the current limit. The printed price list is dated April to June 2018. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗ Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗
How shopping works at McDowell
- Their spending period starts on a "validation" date that is set from their register number.
- Funds are mailed to the BOP lockbox (see the Money tab).
The price list: McDowell's official list is a scan or an older layout we could not turn into a reliable searchable list, so we don't retype prices we can't be sure of. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Commissary Sales List (April to June 2018) ↗
Phone calls and email
- Minutes
- 300 minutes a month. Each call is limited to 15 minutes. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
- Contacts
- A phone list of up to 30 numbers, set up in TRULINCS. A new number can normally be called within about 15 minutes of being added. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
- Rules
- They use a personal access code (PAC) and a voice print. Telephones cannot be used to run a business. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
They have to add your number and email to their list first. Emails come through CorrLinks: you get an invitation by email once they add you.
Health care at McDowell
Medical care level 1 and mental health care level 1 (of 4). Generally healthy people under 70 who need to see a clinician only every 6 to 12 months. Examples the BOP gives: mild asthma, diet-controlled diabetes, well-controlled high blood pressure. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
- Sick call
- They go to Health Services in the first move of the morning, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, except holidays, between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., and ask for an appointment. They must bring their ID card. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
- Co-pay
- A fee is charged for health care visits they ask for. The handbook lists exceptions. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
- Callouts
- Appointments are posted on the unit bulletin boards after 4:00 p.m. the day before. They must check daily and keep every appointment. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
Programs
- RDAP (drug program; can mean up to a year off for those eligible)
- The handbook says McDowell does not have RDAP, but the eligibility interview is done here. If they qualify, they can be transferred to a prison that has it. They send a cop-out to Psychology Services. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
- Education
- The GED (literacy) program is required for anyone without a high school diploma or GED: 240 instructional hours. Click here to read the source: FCI McDowell Admission and Orientation Handbook (revised August 27, 2012) ↗
McDowell is not on the BOP's RDAP list (updated June 4, 2026) and not on the First Step Act guide's Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) list (May 2026). Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗
Safety record
Criminal cases at McDowell
- September 23, 2026Two men were arrested in an attempt to smuggle contraband into FCI McDowell (WVVA headline). (WVVA)
- September 16, 2026A federal jury convicted an inmate of possessing a weapon at FCI McDowell (WVVA headline). (WVVA)
- August 13, 2026Three Michigan men were arrested after an alleged attempt to get contraband into FCI McDowell using a drone (WVNS headline). (WVNS)
- July 1, 2026Six people were arrested in an alleged contraband smuggling attempt at a West Virginia federal prison (WVVA headline; our search tied it to FCI McDowell). (WVVA)
- December 17, 2025A Chicago man was sentenced for a role in a scheme to sneak contraband into the McDowell County prison (WCHS headline). (WCHS)
Deaths announced by the BOP
We found no deaths at McDowell announced by the BOP.
We found no BOP press release announcing a death at this prison. The BOP does not publish a full count of deaths at each prison, so this does not mean there were none.
Sexual abuse audit (PREA)
The last federal sexual-abuse (PREA) audit visited McDowell June 4 to 5, 2024 (report posted August 15, 2024). Result: 0 standards exceeded, 41 met, 0 not met. Four standards were not audited at the facility level. In the 12 months before the audit, McDowell recorded 3 sexual-abuse allegations (2 against other inmates, 1 against staff) and 8 sexual-harassment allegations (6 against other inmates, 2 against staff). Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FCI McDowell (onsite June 4 to 5, 2024) ↗
An allegation is a report, not a finding. The audit counts reports made, not what investigators concluded.
News about McDowell
- Two men arrested in attempted contraband smuggling at FCI McDowellWVVA · Sep 23, 2026
- McDowell County Sheriff's Office releases further details on contraband investigation at FCI McDowell following arrest of three suspectsWOAY-TV · Sep 23, 2026
- Multiple people charged after reportedly trying to introduce contraband to FCI McDowellAOL.com · Sep 23, 2026
- FCI McDowell inmate found guilty on weapons chargeWVNS · Sep 16, 2026
- Federal jury convicted inmate of possessing weapon at FCI McDowellWVVA · Sep 16, 2026
- Two men arrested in contraband case at FCI McDowellWVVA · Sep 3, 2026
- Two men facing charges in McDowell County after allegedly attempting to deliver contraband to FCI McDowellWOAY-TV · Aug 28, 2026
- Two North Carolina men arrested and charged in connection with reportedly introducing contraband at FCI McDowellWVNS · Aug 28, 2026
- Three men face several charges in McDowell County accused of attempting to deliver contraband to FCI McDowell using a droneWOAY-TV · Aug 13, 2026
- Multiple people arrested after McDowell County Sheriff’s Office prevents contraband from being introduced to FCI McDowellWVNS · Jul 2, 2026
- 5 people arrested for alleged involvement in a scheme to smuggle contraband into FCI McDowellWOAY-TV · Jul 1, 2026
- FCI McDowell Inmate Sentenced for Possession of Weapon in Federal PrisonWV News · Aug 26, 2025
- Two men admit to using drone to smuggle contraband into FCI McDowellWVOW Radio · Apr 30, 2025
- Drone Used To Deliver Contraband To McDowell PrisonWest Virginia Public Broadcasting · Mar 28, 2025
Stories from news outlets that name FCI McDowell, checked every day. Last updated Nov 3, 2026, 9:31 am ET. We link to the original story; we did not write these.
Intel from the Inside
Intel last checked: November 3, 2026
Reports from people inside, in their own words. It is how the place really runs, not official policy, and it can change. We never publish names.
No Intel reported for McDowell yet.
Know something about McDowell that families should know? Tell Scooter. Our team checks every report before it goes up, and we never publish names.