U.S. Penitentiary · Inez, Kentucky
USP Big Sandy
- Security level
- High + minimum camp
- Medical care level
- 1 of 4
- Mental health care level
- 1 of 4
- Population
- 1,379
- Phone
- 606-433-2400
Last checked: November 3, 2026 (BOP documents for this prison) Intel last checked: November 3, 2026 BOP status updated: Nov 3, 2026, 11:10 pm ET News updated: Nov 3, 2026, 7:35 pm ET
Your loved one here? Look up their exact committed name
Big Sandy at a glance
USP Big Sandy is a high-security federal penitentiary for men in Inez, Kentucky, with a minimum-security satellite camp. This page is incomplete. The BOP's Big Sandy web page links another prison's handbook and posts no visiting rules, so we only show what the BOP has published for Big Sandy. We are requesting Big Sandy's handbook and visiting rules from the BOP under the Freedom of Information Act and will add them when they arrive. Until then, call 606-433-2400 before you visit or mail anything.
- How many people
- 1,284 in the USP and 95 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 is required. Treatment is documented when it is given. 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) ↗
- Who is there
- Men. On the first day of the 2025 audit, ages ran from 21 to 69. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, USP Big Sandy (onsite February 25 to 27, 2025) ↗
- Built for
- 948 people at the USP and 128 at the camp. On the first day of the audit, 1,223 were at the USP and 58 at the camp. The audit says the prison was over capacity at some point in the 12 months before February 2025. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, USP Big Sandy (onsite February 25 to 27, 2025) ↗
- Average stay
- The audit gives 460 months at the USP and 322.3 days at the camp. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, USP Big Sandy (onsite February 25 to 27, 2025) ↗
How far is it from you?
Driving directions (Google Maps) → Bus or train (Google Maps) →
Plan your drive around this: We could not confirm visiting days, hours or cutoff times for Big Sandy. Call the prison at 606-433-2400 before you drive.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Not published | The BOP page for Big Sandy has a "Visiting Regulations" link, but it is blank. We found no Big Sandy visiting rules. | Call 606-433-2400 before you drive |
We could not confirm visiting days, hours or cutoff times for Big Sandy. Call the prison at 606-433-2400 before you drive.
No Big Sandy visiting document is available, so no visiting days are listed here.
The BOP's own papers disagree. The BOP page for USP Big Sandy has two problems. Its "Visiting Regulations" link goes nowhere. Its "Admissions & Orientation Handbook" link opens the handbook for FCI Big Spring, Texas (updated December 18, 2023), which is a different prison. We did not use that handbook. Call 606-433-2400 before you drive.
The rules at the door: ID, points, what you can bring
- Visiting rules
- Not published in a Big Sandy document.
How to get on the visiting list
- Ask your loved one's counselor how to get on the visiting list. We found no Big Sandy document that says. Use the visiting form on this site for the BOP's standard visitor form.
Driving directions (from the BOP)
- Directions
- Not published in a Big Sandy document we could read.
Street address for your GPS: 1197 Airport Road, Inez, Ky 41224.
The BOP beats to its own drum. The front desk has the final say. Keep a spare outfit in the car.
USP Big Sandy
3 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.
| Skirts and dresses | Skirts not two inches or more above the knee; no long slits. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | No shorts or skirts worn above the knee. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki-colored clothing. |
| Leggings, spandex | No Lycra or spandex clothing. No tight or form-fitting clothing. |
| Bras and metal | No underwire bras, body piercings, or excess metal that fails detector. |
| Camouflage, military | No camouflage clothing. |
| Shoes | No open-toed shoes. No slippers or crocs. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 24 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- Skirts not two inches or more above the knee; no long slits.
slits in the middle or side; skirts two inches or more above the knee,
- No shorts or skirts worn above the knee.
shirts, or dresses; shorts or skirts worn above the knee.
- No sleeveless blouses or tank tops.
visit. Visitors may not wear: any revealing clothing such as sleeveless,
- No deep V-neck blouses, shirts, or dresses.
(including see through shirts with a shirt underneath); deep v—neck blouses,
- No midriff shirts; shirts tucked in or belted for ages 4 and up.
halter tops or midriff shirts (shirts will be tucked in or belted for all
- No strapless or bareback blouses.
strapless or bareback blouses, tank top shirts; dresses or skirts with long
- No halter tops.
halter tops or midriff shirts (shirts will be tucked in or belted for all
- No see-through clothing, even with a shirt underneath; no fishnet.
(including see through shirts with a shirt underneath); deep v—neck blouses,
- No tight or form-fitting clothing.
miniskirt or wrap around skirts; tight, form—fitting or see through clothing
- No Lycra or spandex clothing.
Lycra or spandex clothing; athletic shorts/sweat suits (cloth material) or
- No swimwear.
wind suits; athletic jerseys; swimwear; slippers, crocs, open toed shoes; or
- No athletic shorts, sweat suits, or wind suits.
Lycra or spandex clothing; athletic shorts/sweat suits (cloth material) or
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki-colored clothing.
any khaki or camouflage in color clothing. Jackets cannot be used to cover up
- No camouflage clothing.
any khaki or camouflage in color clothing. Jackets cannot be used to cover up
Bras, underwear and metal
- No underwire bras, body piercings, or excess metal that fails detector.
to include body piercings, excess metal on clothing, and under wires in bras
- No metal items, including body piercings, that won't clear detector.
an unauthorized shirt. All metal items which will not clear the metal detector
Shoes
- No open-toed shoes.
wind suits; athletic jerseys; swimwear; slippers, crocs, open toed shoes; or
- No slippers or crocs.
wind suits; athletic jerseys; swimwear; slippers, crocs, open toed shoes; or
Hats, hoods and coats
- No caps, hats, or scarves of any kind.
Other prohibited clothing includes: caps, hats, and scarves of any kind; long
- No coats, sweaters or jackets with hoods attached.
coats, sweaters and jackets that have hoods attached or extended below the
- No long coats below knee; jackets cannot cover unauthorized shirts.
any khaki or camouflage in color clothing. Jackets cannot be used to cover up
Everything else
- No gang or club symbols; no sexual or offensive language.
knee; clothing of any type which would symbolize club or gang activity or
- No miniskirts or wrap-around skirts.
miniskirt or wrap around skirts; tight, form—fitting or see through clothing
- No athletic jerseys.
wind suits; athletic jerseys; swimwear; slippers, crocs, open toed shoes; or
Inmate mailing address
JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES Reg. No. 12345-678 USP Big Sandy P.O. Box 2068 Inez, Ky 41224
The camp uses the same P.O. Box.
The camp uses the same P.O. Box.
Use the P.O. Box only. Never mail to the street address (1197 Airport Road, Inez, Ky 41224).
- Mail rules
- Not published in a Big Sandy document. Call 606-433-2400.
Books and magazines: at a high 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 Big Sandy. 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 ↗ 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 list: what they can buy and what it costs
The Big Sandy commissary list is headed "$90.00 LIMIT." The list does not say whether that is per shopping trip, per week or per month. We found no Big Sandy handbook to explain it. National BOP policy (PS 4500.13, May 7, 2026) sets the monthly spending limit at $460, plus $50 more in November and December. Call the prison to ask how the $90.00 works. Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗
How shopping works at Big Sandy
- Soda is limited to 2. Photo tickets are limited to 3. Copy cards are limited to 4. Cappuccino is limited to 2. (From the commissary list.)
- The list has no date. The PDF also has a separate camp list, which is not shown here.
(K) kosher, (H) halal. A number like "max 3" is the most they can buy at once. From the official list approved the list has no date (it is signed by the warden and headed "$90.00 LIMIT"). This is the USP list (pages 1 and 2 of the PDF). Page 3 of the PDF is a separate "Camp Commissary" list, updated 08/10/20, which is not shown here. Prices change without notice. Click here to read the source: USP Big Sandy Commissary list (scan, undated) ↗
Stamps and copies
- Photo ticket per pic max 3$1.00
- .01 Forever (10)$0.10
- .55 Forever (10)$5.50
- Forever book (20)$11.00
- Forever strip (4)$2.20
- Copy card max 4$5.85
Soda (limit 2)
- Coke Zero$4.55
- Orange Zero$4.75
- Sprite Zero$4.55
Coffee and creamer
- Boston's Best$2.50
- De Café (K)$2.00
- Taster's Choice (H)$9.60
- Folger's (H)$7.55
- Cappuccino (K) max 2$1.50
- Sugar Sweet (K)$1.15
Drink mixes
- Strawberry Crush$1.40
- Grape Crush$1.40
- Wyler's Pink Lemonade$1.40
- Pekoe Orange Tea Bags$5.90
Meats
- Tuna (H)(K)$1.50
- Clams (H)$2.30
- Smoked Oysters (H)$2.30
- Mackerel (H)(K)$1.15
- Lemon Mackerel (H)(K)$1.05
- Fish Steak HOT (H)(K)$2.05
- Hot Summer Sausage (B)$2.10
- Summer Sausage$1.90
- Honey Pepper Turkey$2.15
- Pepperoni Bites$2.15
- Turkey Bites$2.15
Beans, rice and cheese
- Chili with beans$1.75
- Mac & Cheese (H)(K)$0.80
- Mozzarella Cheese Pack$1.05
- Refried Bean$1.65
- Jalapeno Refried Bean$1.70
- White Rice (H)(K)$1.00
- Squeeze Cheese, Cheddar$2.50
- Squeeze Cheese, Jalapeno$2.50
- Mozzarella Cheese Block$1.50
- Velveeta Cheese Block$3.95
Candy
- Twix$0.90
- Almond Joy$0.90
- Butterfinger$0.90
- Skittles$0.90
- Starburst$0.90
- M&M W/Peanuts$4.05
Protein
- Caramel Crunch Bar$1.75
- Birthday Cake Bar$1.75
- PB Jelly$1.75
- Health shake Chocolate$1.50
Food items
- Oat Meal Box (K)$3.10
- Oat Meal Bag (K)$1.95
- Mayonnaise (K)$2.65
- Chili Garlic Sauce (K)$1.95
- BBQ Sauce$1.95
- Jalapeno Green Sauce$1.95
- El Pato Hot Sauce$1.50
- Jalapeno Slices (K)$1.95
- Peanut Butter$2.60
- Angel Hair Pasta (K)$1.15
- Chicken Wing Sauce$1.75
- Ranch Dressing (Pack)$0.45
- Dill Pickle (K)$0.75
- Hot Pickle (K)$0.85
- Tortilla, Flour$1.15
- Sweet Hot Sauce (K)$2.05
- Honey Sugar Free (K)$3.25
- Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce$1.75
- Soy Sauce Bottle (K)$1.15
- Olives$1.65
Spices
- Fresh Start Spices (K)$3.25
- Sazon Goya (H)(K)$1.75
- Salt & Pepper$2.30
- Adobo Seasoning$1.75
- Mrs. Dash Seasoning$3.25
- Minced Garlic (K)$1.25
- Minced Onion (K)$1.25
- Vegetable Flakes (K)$1.25
Cookies, nuts and crackers
- Bagel (K)$0.50
- Duplex Cookies (H)(K)$1.40
- Fudge Stripe Cookie$2.50
- Peanut Butter Cookie$0.45
- Cereal, Corn Pops$2.95
- Cereal, Lucky Charms$2.95
- Granola Oats & Honey Bar$0.55
- Iced Oatmeal Cookie (H)(K)$2.20
- Mixed Nuts (H)(K)$3.45
- Honey Buns (K)$0.90
- Granola, Oats & Honey$4.95
- Peanuts (H)(K)$1.15
- Salted Cracker (H)(K) (4 sleeve)$1.80
- Snack Cracker (H)(K)$2.75
- Club Cracker (K)$1.70
- Kars Original Trail Mix (K)$0.75
- Sunflower Kernels (K)$0.65
- PB & Dark Choc Nuts$1.70
- Salted Caramel Nuts$1.70
- Toffee Nuts (K)$1.00
Soups
- Beef Cup Soup$0.55
- Shrimp Cup Soup$0.50
- Ramen Chili$0.35
- Ramen Hot & Spicy$0.35
Chips
- Hot Cheese Nibbles$1.75
- Pork Rinds$1.45
- Nacho Cheese (H)(K)$1.90
- Jalapeno Cheese Popper$2.15
- Tortilla Chips (K)$1.80
- Hickory BBQ$2.15
- Pretzels, Hot Buffalo$0.70
- Pretzels, Jalapeno$0.65
Miscellaneous items
- 3 PC Utensil Set$1.50
- Address Book, Small$1.00
- Aztec Bandana$2.70
- Bowl, Cereal 24oz$0.90
- Bowl, Plastic 1.62lt$4.30
- Bowl, Plastic 2.4lt$5.65
- Clear Mug$3.75
- Level 10 Water Bottle$2.60
- Ajax Liquid Soap$1.50
- Kufi White or Black$8.50
- Legal File Folder$1.65
- Legal Envelope White$0.30
- Mesh Bag$9.10
- Miswak Stick Natural$1.95
- Pens, Black$1.05
- Pens, Blue$0.85
- Photo Album (LG)$12.95
- Poncho$4.70
- Prayer Rug$12.95
- Rasta Band Tam$8.42
- Sewing Kit$2.00
- Spork$0.40
- Typewriter Correction Tape$9.25
- Typewriter Ribbon$7.75
- Wave Cap$2.85
- Work Glove$2.05
- Insole$2.40
Skin and hair care
- Aloe Vera Lotion$1.95
- Comb$0.30
- Level 10 Hypo Allergenic Lotion$2.45
- Level 10 Aloe Lotion$2.35
- Acne Cream$1.65
- African Crown$2.20
- Afro Pick$0.45
- Ambi Clean Bar$2.30
- Ambi Skin Cream$7.40
- Body Powder$1.65
- Body Wash Suave Shea Butter$3.35
- Bump Stopper$3.80
- Club Brush$2.75
- Coco Butter Stick$1.75
- Dandruff Shampoo$3.85
- Head & Shoulders$8.00
- Hair Gel$2.20
- Body Wash Level 10$2.45
- Jergens Lotion$5.65
- Liquid Bump Stopper$3.80
- Magic Grow$6.55
- Palm Brush$0.50
- Murray's Pomade$2.75
- Pink Oil Moist$5.45
- Palmer's Cocoa Lotion$5.90
- Rubber Bands$0.85
- Softee Hair Food$2.00
- Suave Conditioner$1.45
- Suave Shampoo$1.80
- Sulfur 8 Conditioner$4.05
- Sulfur 8 Shampoo$4.15
- Sulfur 8 Lock & Twist$3.85
- VO5 3 in 1$1.75
- Cough Syrup$2.15
- Degree$2.85
- Dial Roll On Deodorant$1.45
- Dial Soap$1.00
- Dove Soap$2.25
- Foot Powder$2.50
- Razors 10pk$1.70
- Luffa$1.15
- Magnum 5 Blades 4pk$7.65
- Magnum 5 Razors$7.65
- Mirror$2.50
- Nail Clipper Small$0.85
- Level 10 Soap$0.80
- Tone Soap$1.25
- Right Guard 5$4.45
- Shave Cream$2.10
- Soap Dish$0.65
- Speed Stick Powder$3.10
- Suave Deodorant$2.50
- Sunscreen$3.60
Dental care
- Anesthetic Oral Gel$1.50
- Mouthwash$2.15
- Colgate Max Fresh$3.95
- Colgate Clear$2.50
- Colgate Toothbrush$1.00
- Dental Floss Picks$1.50
- Effergrip$4.90
- Aim Mouthwash$2.00
- Toothbrush$0.55
- Toothbrush Holder$0.50
- Toothbrush, Oral B$3.20
Health care and over-the-counter
- Acetaminophen non-aspirin$2.35
- A & D Ointment$3.95
- Allergy Tablets$1.60
- Antacid$3.55
- Antacid tablets$3.65
- Antifungal Powder$4.35
- Aspirin$1.60
- Blistex$2.35
- Chap Stick$1.95
- Chest Rub$2.35
- Tolnaftate$1.85
- Cotton Swabs$1.10
- Cough Drops Menthol$1.55
- Cough Drops Cherry$1.55
- Fiber Tablets$5.20
- Hemorrhoid Ointment$4.00
- Hydrocortisone Cream$1.55
- Ibuprofen$1.95
- Loratidine Allergy$2.00
- Stool Softener$2.60
- Milk of Magnesia$2.75
- Muscle Rub$2.45
- Naproxen$4.20
- Nasal Spray$1.55
- Pepto-Bismol$3.05
- Acid Reducer$3.65
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment$1.95
- Halls Cough Drop$1.15
- Halls Cough Drop Reg$1.15
- Vitamin B$3.50
- Vitamin C$2.00
- Vitamin E$5.00
- Vitamin Calcium$2.00
- Vitamin Daily Multi$3.00
- Vitamin Fish Oil$6.10
Sports items
- Ball Cap (S, M, L, XL)$8.75
- Ball Cap Mesh (S/M, L/XL)$9.75
- Playing Cards$1.65
- Sports Headband$1.75
- Sports Wristband$1.45
- Reading Glasses (1, 1.5, 2, 3, 3.5, 4)$8.50
Fragrance and oil
- Eternity$6.50
- Sudenese Coconut$5.00
Shoes and shower shoes
- Shower Shoe (1X, 2X)$3.80
- Adidas J.Harden Basketball$79.90
- Adidas Running$69.95
Clothing
- Long Sleeve Gray T-ShirtXL and 2X $10.70; 3X, 4X, 5X and 7X $13.00
- Short Sleeve T-ShirtL, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X $6.50
- Thermal TopXL $9.10; 2X to 4X $10.40; 5X and 6X $11.70
- Thermal BottomXL $9.10; 2X to 5X $10.40; 6X $11.70
- Sweat ShirtXL $15.50; 2X and 3X $17.95; 4X and 5X $23.00
- Sweat PantsL, XL and 2X $18.60; 3X and 4X $22.05
- A-Shirts WhiteL and XL $2.85; 2X $4.55; 3X $13.65
- A-Shirt GrayL and XL $4.95; 2X to 5X $5.95
- Performance ShortsXL and 2X $10.40; 3X and 4X $11.70
- Boxer Briefs (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X)$7.30
- Ash Gray Cap$2.85
- Gray Ankle Sock 1pr$1.30
- Hanes Ankle Sock (3)$5.85
- Hanes Crew Socks (3)$5.85
- Under Armor (3)$12.75
Radios, watches and batteries
- Alarm Clock, Windup$11.95
- Ear Buds Clear$3.90
- JVC Ear Clip$10.40
- Koss R-10$36.40
- Master Lock$7.15
- MP3 Cover$3.25
- Skull Candy Ear Buds$16.90
- Sangean Radio Windup$58.95
- Watch battery 2016 G-Shock$2.20
- Watch battery 2025 Ironman$2.60
- Watch battery 2032 Casio$2.50
- Watch battery 1220 G-Shock$2.60
Ice cream
- Vanilla$1.90
Phone calls and email
- Phone and email
- Not published in a Big Sandy document. Call 606-433-2400.
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 Big Sandy
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) ↗
- Health care rules
- Not published in a Big Sandy document. Call 606-433-2400.
Programs
- RDAP (drug program; can mean up to a year off for those eligible)
- The BOP's RDAP list names USP Big Sandy. It was updated June 4, 2026. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗
- Challenge Program
- The BOP names Big Sandy (BSY) as a site that may deliver the Challenge Program, a residential program for people in penitentiaries who have substance use problems or mental illness. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗
The BOP's First Step Act guide lists USP Big Sandy (KY) on its RDAP list (updated June 4, 2026) and names BSY among the sites for the residential Challenge Program. The guide's last column says where a program "may be offered", not that it is running today. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗
Safety record
Criminal cases at Big Sandy
- October 2026A Big Sandy inmate was sentenced for attacking a prison guard. (WCHS)
- September 2026A woman was charged with felonies after allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into the prison. (WYMT)
- September 2026Three inmates were indicted in an assault case at the prison. (Hoodline)
- April 2026A former Big Sandy lieutenant was sentenced for civil rights violations. (WYMT)
- February 2026A former inmate was charged with murder at the prison. (Mountain Top Media)
- January 2026A former Big Sandy inmate was charged with assaulting corrections officers. (Mountain Top Media)
- January 2025A guard's guilty plea showed an "unofficial policy" of abusing inmates at the prison. (Mountain Top Media)
Deaths announced by the BOP
We found no deaths at Big Sandy announced by the BOP.
We found no BOP press release announcing a death at USP Big Sandy (checked November 3, 2026). The BOP does not publish a full count of deaths at each prison, so this does not mean no one has died there.
Sexual abuse audit (PREA)
The last federal sexual-abuse (PREA) audit visited Big Sandy February 25 to 27, 2025. Result: 1 standard exceeded, 44 met, 0 not met. In the 12 months before the audit, Big Sandy recorded 18 sexual-abuse allegations (6 against staff, 12 against other inmates) and 2 sexual-harassment allegations (1 against staff, 1 against another inmate). Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, USP Big Sandy (onsite February 25 to 27, 2025) ↗
An allegation is a report, not a finding. The audit counts reports made, not what investigators concluded.
News about Big Sandy
- USP Big Sandy inmate sentenced after attacking prison guard, federal prosecutors sayWCHS · Oct 16, 2026
- Woman facing felony charges after allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into USP Big SandyWYMT · Sep 28, 2026
- Three Inmates Indicted in Assault Case at Kentucky's USP Big SandyHoodline · Sep 2, 2026
- Former USP Big Sandy Lieutenant sentenced for civil rights violationsWYMT · Apr 9, 2026
- Former inmate charged with murder at USP Big SandyMountain Top Media · Feb 27, 2026
- Former USP Big Sandy inmate charged with assaulting corrections officersMountain Top Media · Jan 23, 2026
- Guard’s guilty plea reveals ‘unofficial policy’ to abuse inmates at USP Big SandyMountain Top Media · Jan 27, 2025
Stories from news outlets that name USP Big Sandy, checked every day. Last updated Nov 3, 2026, 7:35 pm 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 Big Sandy yet.
Know something about Big Sandy that families should know? Tell Scooter. Our team checks every report before it goes up, and we never publish names.