U.S. Penitentiary · Pennington Gap, Virginia
USP Lee
- Security level
- High + minimum camp
- Medical care level
- 1 of 4
- Mental health care level
- 1 of 4
- Population
- 1,372
- Phone
- 276-546-0150
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, 8:37 am ET
Your loved one here? Look up their exact committed name
Lee at a glance
USP Lee is a high-security federal penitentiary for men in the mountains of far southwest Virginia, in the Lee County Industrial Park near Pennington Gap. A satellite prison camp (minimum security) sits with it. The BOP's visiting papers call it a tobacco-free prison.
- How many people
- 1,268 in the USP and 104 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) ↗
- Who is there
- Men. On the first day of the 2024 audit, ages ran from 22 to 70. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, USP Lee (onsite July 23 to 25, 2024) ↗
- Built for
- 1,882 people. On the first day of the July 2024 audit there were 1,462. The average over the year before was 1,535. The prison was not over capacity. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, USP Lee (onsite July 23 to 25, 2024) ↗
- Counts
- At least five official counts every 24 hours, with another at 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays. They must stand at their bed for the 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. counts, and the 10:00 a.m. count on weekends and holidays. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Tobacco
- Tobacco free. "Inmate smoking is prohibited in all BOP facilities." Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
How far is it from you?
Driving directions (Google Maps) → Bus or train (Google Maps) →
Plan your drive around this: Visitors are not processed into the visiting room after 2:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. staff start escorting visitors out, first in, first out, in groups of no more than 10, so that everyone is out by 3:00 p.m. Do not arrive on the grounds before visiting begins. You may not loiter on the grounds.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| USP (main prison) | Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays. Closed Monday through Friday. | 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Satellite camp (SCP) | Friday evening, and Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays | Friday 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; weekends and holidays 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Special Housing Unit (SHU) | No contact visits. Each visit is 2 hours. The rules give no separate days. | Not stated |
Visitors are not processed into the visiting room after 2:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. staff start escorting visitors out, first in, first out, in groups of no more than 10, so that everyone is out by 3:00 p.m. Do not arrive on the grounds before visiting begins. You may not loiter on the grounds.
The visiting room is closed Monday through Friday, except federal holidays (and the camp's Friday evening session). Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
The rules at the door: ID, points, what you can bring
- How many visits
- The rules give no monthly limit: they may have an "unlimited number of visits throughout the month" on the schedule. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- How many people
- No more than 3 adults at one time, not counting children under 16. More than three needs prior written approval. Requests on the day are denied. No group visiting. Children under 16 must come with an adult. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- How big is the list
- Up to 25 immediate family members (mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, same-sex marriage partner and so on) plus up to 10 friends, associates and other relatives. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- ID
- Everyone 16 or older: a valid driver's license with photo, or an official state, federal or local government photo ID, or an armed forces photo ID. Check-cashing cards are not accepted. Your picture is also taken at the front entrance. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- Screening
- Everyone must clear the walk-through metal detector. If you cannot, you need medical papers describing the implant. Your hand is stamped, and the stamp is checked under a black light as you go in and as you leave. Visitors are also searched randomly. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- Phones
- No cell phones or electronics at all. Leave them in your locked car. If you came by public transportation, a locker is provided for your phone. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- What you can carry
- One small clear plastic purse (no bigger than 10 by 10), ID, necessary life-supporting medicine, jewelry you are wearing, two sanitary napkins or tampons, religious headgear, and $25.00 in change or $1 and $5 bills. Baby items: 3 diapers, 2 plastic bottles of prepared formula (3/4 full), 1 sealed container of baby food, 1 empty plastic bottle, 1 clear cup, 1 plastic spoon, wipes in a zip bag, all in one small clear tote. No strollers or baby carriers. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- What not to wear
- Skirts, dresses and shorts no more than 2 inches above the knee, including slits. No tight or stretch clothing, see-through clothing, low-cut tops, tank tops, wrap or button skirts, open-toed shoes or flip-flops, hats or head gear (except religious), watches, sunglasses, scarves, gray sweats, hooded shirts or jackets, or jackets and sweaters. Nothing brown, light brown, beige, khaki or tan. Everyone 16 and older must wear something covering the chest. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- Touching
- A brief closed-mouth kiss at the start and end of the visit, and handshakes and embraces within the limits of good taste. Visitors sit across from them. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- Vending machines and children
- Inmates may not use the vending machines. Food from them must be eaten in the room. Children may use the children's play area. You must control your children at all times, including in the restroom. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
- What they wear
- USP inmates wear a khaki jumpsuit. They are strip searched before and after. Camp inmates wear the green camp uniform and are pat searched. SHU inmates visit without contact. Click here to read the source: LEE-5267.09I, Visiting Regulations (October 15, 2018) ↗
How to get on the visiting list
- Your loved one gets the forms from their Correctional Counselor and the visiting guidelines. They mail them to you, with a release authorization to sign. The rules do not give a form number.
- You sign the release and return the forms directly to the Correctional Counselor by U.S. mail. Nothing happens until the signed release arrives.
- The BOP then runs a background check (NCIC) on you, even if you are immediate family. Checks are repeated every three years. If you lie on the form, the Unit Manager can deny you.
- A felony conviction for drugs or violence in the past 5 years ordinarily means a recommendation to deny. If you are on probation, parole or supervised release, a letter from your supervising agency is needed.
- They must have known you before prison unless the Warden makes an exception. You are usually on one person's list only, unless you are in the same immediate family.
- They tell you whether you were approved. Do not drive until you are. The list can be changed at any time.
- Transferred from another prison? The old list can be used after the Correctional Counselor reviews it within two weeks of arrival.
Driving directions (from the BOP)
- The address
- U.S. Penitentiary, Lee County Industrial Park, Hickory Flats Road, Pennington Gap, Virginia 24277.
- From I-75
- Take exit 29 in Corbin, Kentucky. Go east on Highway 25 for about 50 miles. After the Cumberland Gap Tunnel, turn north on Highway 58 into Jonesville, Virginia. Turn right on Highway 58 in downtown Jonesville. USP Lee is 9 miles east of Jonesville, on the left.
- From I-81
- Take I-26 north to Weber City, Virginia. Turn west on Highway 23 toward Duffield, Virginia. In Duffield, turn left onto Highway 58. The prison is about 15 miles on your right.
Street address for your GPS: Lee County Industrial Park, Hickory Flats Road, Pennington Gap, Va 24277. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
The BOP beats to its own drum. The front desk has the final say. Keep a spare outfit in the car.
USP Lee
Official rules (PDF) En español (PDF)
8 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 | Shorts, skirts, dresses no more than 2 inches above knee, including slits. |
|---|---|
| Shorts | Shorts no more than 2 inches above knee; business visitors no shorts. |
| Colors to avoid | No khaki, tan, beige, brown, or light brown clothing. No grey sweat pants or shirts. |
| Leggings, spandex | No tight-fitting or stretch clothing. |
| Bras and metal | Underwire bras may set off detector and need removal. |
| Camouflage, military | Not in the written rules. Many prisons ban both; leave them home. |
| Shoes | No open-toe shoes. No flip-flop style shoes. |
| Children | Not in the written rules. |
All 23 rules, in the BOP's own words
Length and fit
- Shorts, skirts, dresses no more than 2 inches above knee, including slits.
more than two inches above the knee to include any slits in the
- Shorts no more than 2 inches above knee; business visitors no shorts.
setting. Shorts, skirts, and dresses will be at a maximum of no
- No tank tops or muscle shirts; shoulders must be covered.
No tank tops/muscle shirts - All shirts and blouses must
- No low-cut blouses.
No low-cut blouses
- No see-through clothing; revealing white clothing counts as see-through.
No see-through clothing (if white-colored clothing is
- No tight-fitting or stretch clothing.
No tight-fitting or stretch clothing
- No grey sweat pants or sweat shirts.
No grey colored sweat pants or shirts
Colors and uniforms
- No khaki, tan, beige, brown, or light brown clothing.
beige, khaki, or tan) will not be allowed to enter the visiting
- No grey sweat pants or shirts.
No grey colored sweat pants or shirts
Bras, underwear and metal
- Visitors 16+ must wear inner garment covering breast/chest; undergarments required.
to wear an inner garment covering the breast or chest area.
- Underwire bras may set off detector and need removal.
Undergarments containing metal (i.e. underwire bra)
- No watches of any kind.
No watches of any kind
Shoes
- No open-toe shoes.
Therefore, no open-toed shoes are
- No flip-flop style shoes.
No flip-flop style/open toe shoes
Hats, hoods and coats
- No ball caps, hats, bandanas, sweat bands, do rags, or scarves.
No ball caps, hats, bandanas, sweat bands, do rags, or
- Approved religious head gear allowed.
exception of approved religious head gear.
- No hooded shirts or jackets.
No hooded shirts or jackets
- No outerwear, jackets, or sweaters.
No outwear/jackets, sweaters, etc.
Everything else
- No wrap-around or button up/down skirts.
No button up/down skirts
- No sunglasses.
No watches of any kind, no sunglasses, no scarfs, no grey
- No suggestive, revealing, or provocative clothing.
Visitors are to refrain from wearing apparel which is revealing or suggestive.
If they say no
- Visitors may be denied entry for dress violations.
Visitors may be denied entry based on their dress attire.
- Denial decision cannot be delegated below Operations Lieutenant.
decision will not be delegated lower than the Operations
Inmate mailing address
JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES Reg. No. 12345-678 USP Lee P.O. Box 305 Jonesville, Va 24263
The handbook gives two addresses. USP Lee: their name and number, P.O. Box 305, Jonesville, VA 24263-0305. Satellite camp: P.O. Box 644, Jonesville, VA 24263-0644. The BOP asks you to put their register number and housing unit on the envelope. Mail goes out Monday to Friday. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
Use the P.O. Box only. Never mail to the street address (Lee County Industrial Park, Hickory Flats Road, Pennington Gap, Va 24277).
- Photocopied
- Since November 20, 2019, all regular mail, photos included, is photocopied. It must be on 8.5 by 11 paper, written on one side only. No greeting cards. No more than 10 items per envelope. The BOP keeps the originals 30 days, then destroys them, and does not send them back. Mail that breaks these rules is rejected. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Books and magazines
- At a high-security prison, hardcover and softcover books and magazines may come only from the publisher, a book club or a bookstore. Newspapers also come only from the publisher, a book club or a bookstore. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Packages
- Every package needs approval first. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Their outgoing mail
- At a high-security prison they may not seal outgoing mail (legal mail excepted), and staff may read it. The envelope needs their committed name, register number and the prison's return address. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Legal mail
- Opened in front of them and not read, if it meets the rules and is marked as legal or special mail. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Writing to other prisoners
- Only to immediate family (mother, father, sister, child, spouse) or someone in the same court case, and the Unit Manager must approve. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Money
- Never put money in a letter. It goes to the BOP lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa (see the Money tab). Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
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 Lee. 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: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗ 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
Lee's handbook (updated September 2020) says the national spending limit is $360.00, and that Lee can restrict it further. National BOP policy (PS 4500.13, May 7, 2026) is now $460 a month, plus $50 more in November and December. Lee's handbook has not caught up, and the Lee commissary list says nothing about a dollar limit except $11.00 for stamps. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗ Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗
How shopping works at Lee
- The commissary is open Monday to Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They shop only on their unit's assigned shopping day. (From the commissary list.)
- Once their list is handed in, no additions or substitutions. All sales are final. It is their job to check the commissary bulletin board for out-of-stock items, new items and rules. (From the commissary list.)
- Drinks are sold only in 6-packs, limit 4. Photo tickets are limited to 15. (From the commissary list.)
- They pay by ID card or fingerprint.
(K) kosher, (H) halal. A number like "max 3" is the most they can buy at once. From the official list approved Updated August 19, 2020 (printed at the bottom of the list). Prices change without notice. Click here to read the source: USP/SCP Lee Commissary Sheet (updated August 19, 2020) ↗
Stamps (limited to $11.00)
- Cent stamps$0.02
- Cent stamps$0.05
- Cent stamps$0.55
Misc service/items
- Copy Card (50 Copies)$6.15
- Photo Ticket max 15$1.00
Electronic equipment
- MP3 Player$88.40
- MP3 Cover$3.60
- R10 Headphones$31.50
- Gummy Earbuds$9.95
- Timex Watch$41.50
- G-Shock (Black)$89.70
- Ironman Watch Band$11.95
- Sangean Radio$61.95
- Equity Alarm Clock$10.95
Batteries (watch)
- Watch Battery 2016$2.35
- Watch Battery 2025$2.35
Religious items
- Bible$2.26
- Spanish Bible$3.80
- Qur'an$4.75
- Kufi Cap (White)$9.05
- Crown L$7.50
- Crown XL$9.50
- Bandana Red/Black$1.65
- Miswak$1.45
- Prayer Rug$12.95
Towels/washcloths
- Bath Towel$14.30
- Wash Cloth$2.60
Greeting cards
- Thinking Of You (7019)$1.05
- Birthday (7027)$1.05
- Childs Birthday Card (7018)$1.05
- Holiday$1.05
T-shirts (grey), short sleeve
- T-shirt, short sleeve, sizes L XL 2X 3X 4X$5.60
- T-shirt, short sleeve, sizes 2X 3X 4X 5X$6.50
- T-shirt, short sleeve, sizes 6X$13.00
T-shirts (grey), long sleeve
- T-shirt, long sleeve, sizes L XL 2X 3X 4X$10.40
- T-shirt, long sleeve, sizes 5X 6X$13.00
Sweat shirts (circle size)
- Sweat Shirts (Circle Size), sizes L XL 2X 3X 4X$17.55
- Sweat Shirts (Circle Size), sizes 5X 6X$23.40
Sweat pants (circle size)
- Sweat Pants (Circle Size), sizes L XL 2X 3X 4X$17.55
- Sweat Pants (Circle Size), sizes 5X 6X$23.40
Shorts (mesh)
- Shorts (mesh), sizes M L XL$13.00
- Shorts (mesh), sizes 2X 3X 4X$16.90
- Shorts (mesh), sizes 5X$20.80
Thermal top (circle size)
- Thermal Top (Circle Size), sizes M L XL$10.15
- Thermal Top (Circle Size), sizes 2X 3X$11.45
- Thermal Top (Circle Size), sizes 4X 6X$10.40
Thermal pants (circle size)
- Thermal Pants (Circle Size), sizes M L XL$10.15
- Thermal Pants (Circle Size), sizes 2X 3X 4X$11.45
- Thermal Pants (Circle Size), sizes 6X$10.40
Tank top (white)
- Tank Top (White), sizes L XL$13.00
- Tank Top (White), sizes 2X 3X 4X$15.60
Boxer briefs
- Boxer Briefs, sizes M L XL$16.90
- Boxer Briefs, sizes 2X$19.50
- Boxer Briefs, sizes 3X 4X$9.75
- Boxer Briefs, sizes 5X 6X$8.45
Socks
- Socks, Sizes 3 Pack-Size Small$4.90
- Socks, Sizes 3 Pack - Size 9-12$5.85
- Socks, Sizes 3 Pack - Size 12-14$5.85
- Ankle Socks$5.85
- Russell Soccer Sock$3.90
Shower shoes (circle size)
- Shower shoes (circle size)$5.75
Shoe accessories
- Shoe Laces - White 54"$1.95
- Boot Laces$1.95
Typing supplies
- Printer Wheel (3001)$23.50
- Typewriter Ribbon (3002)$11.70
Typing supplies (non-correctible)
- Correction Ribbon (3003)$8.30
- Typewriter Ribbon$8.30
Speciality items
- Commissary Bag$11.70
- Gym Bag$9.10
- Combination Lock$6.50
- Knee Support$14.95
- Athletic Supporter$3.90
- Athletic Supporter - 3X$10.00
- Reading Glasses: RX$6.03
- Sunglasses$26.00
- Ankle Support$10.00
Speciality items (continued)
- Flex Fit Ball Cap S/M 9101$9.10
- Flex Fit Ball Cap L/XL 9102$9.10
- Orange Toboggan$3.90
- Orange Gloves$2.20
- Wrist Band$3.25
- Head Band$3.25
- Racquet Balls$5.20
- Mouthpiece$3.45
Soaps
- Dial$0.85
- Tone$1.05
- Dove$2.00
- Ambi$2.15
- Neutrogena$3.75
- Apricot Scrub$5.15
- Suave Body Wash$3.55
- Ivory (4 Pack)$3.40
- Irish Spring (3 Pack)$2.80
- Next One$1.00
- Soap Dish (Clear)$0.65
- Shower Puff$0.80
Shaving
- BIC Razor - Disposable$2.05
- Magnum Blades$6.35
- Magnum Razor$6.35
- Magic Shave$4.25
- Shave Gel$1.70
- Bump Stopper$3.85
- Sensor Blades$11.20
Skin care
- St. Ives Lotion$7.10
- Palmers Cocoa Butter$5.05
- Suave Lotion$2.70
- Petroleum Jelly$1.50
- Ambi Fade Cream$7.30
- Noxema$1.95
- Cocoa Butter Stick$1.95
- Cotton Swabs$1.75
- Sun Block$3.90
- Lip Balm Remember$1.20
Deodorants
- Dial Roll On$1.20
- Degree$2.60
- Almay Deodorant$3.55
Dental items
- Colgate Mouthwash$4.75
- Colgate Green (No Animal Fat)$2.55
- Crest$3.00
- Colgate Total$3.60
- Sensodyne$9.30
- Toothbrush Holder$0.45
- Toothbrush-Soft$0.80
- Toothbrush-Medium$0.80
- Floss Loops (9002)$1.30
- Floss Picks$1.30
- Poligrip$5.10
- Denture Bath$1.95
- Denture Cream$3.90
- Fixodent$4.50
Laundry supplies
- Simline Detergent$1.25
- Gain Detergent$5.85
- Bounce Dryer Sheets$1.95
- Ajax Dishwashing Liquid$1.60
Health & hygiene
- Cough Drops (Sugar Free)$1.75
- Tussin Cough Syrup$2.60
- Blistex$1.20
- Aleve$5.60
- Ibuprofen$2.50
- Aspirin$1.30
- Acetaminophen$2.35
- Acetaminophen$2.35
- Allergy Tablets$1.30
- Saline Nasal Spray$1.50
- Hydro-Cream$1.75
- Muscle Rub$2.20
- Vegetable Laxative$6.25
- Calamine Lotion$5.35
- Milk Of Magnesia$2.45
- Antacid$2.95
- Pepto$2.50
- Preparation H$15.60
- Hemorrhoid Suppositories$2.75
- Earwax Remover$2.50
- Lactaid$8.85
- Artificial Tears$1.85
- Visine$7.50
- Cold Rub$1.35
- A&D Ointment$2.50
- Antifungal Cream$1.40
- Acne Treatment$2.85
- Triple Antibiotic Cream$2.50
- Loratadine$2.50
- Antacid Tablets$2.50
- Acid Reducer$3.50
- Omeprazole$10.95
- Lamisil$10.30
- Baby Powders max 1$1.15
- Anti -Fungal Foot Powder$2.50
- Dr. Scholls Wart Remover$9.30
- Lotrimin Af$1.95
- Nasacort$18.95
- Stool Softener$2.75
- Emery Board$0.65
- Hydrocortison$1.75
Miscellaneous
- Toilet Paper$6.05
- Coffee Mug$3.65
- Address Book$2.45
- Small Address Book$0.80
- Handkerchief$0.75
- Spoon & Fork Set$1.30
- 10 Cup Bowl$5.00
- Cereal Bowl With Lid$0.70
- 10X15 Legal Envelope (7031)$0.20
- Playing Cards$2.60
- Pinochle Cards$1.65
- Locker Mirror (Plastic)$2.45
- Pencils (4 Pack)$0.55
- Insect Repellant$8.95
- Ink Pen$0.15
- Large Photo Album$11.60
- Lg Photo Album Refill$4.95
- Clear Poncho$3.90
- Copy Paper$1.50
- Wireless Notebook$1.75
- Envelopes$1.70
- Sports Bottle$3.90
Vitamins
- Multi$2.50
Hair care
- Pantene Shampoo$6.20
- Suave Clear$1.95
- Suave 2 & 1$2.95
- T-Gel Shampoo$6.70
- Dandruff Shampoo$4.90
- Vo5 Conditioner$1.90
- V05 3&1$1.45
- Murray's Pomade$2.45
- Blue Magic Hair Grease$2.10
- Pink Oil Moisturizer$5.50
- Aloe Vera Hair Gel$2.80
- Palm Brushes$0.50
- Afro Pick (4001)$0.55
- Black Rubberbands$0.65
- Do Rag$2.35
- Sulfur 8$4.30
- Loc Twist$5.00
Instant foods
- Apple Zings (K)$2.90
- Berry Crunch (K)$2.75
- Oatmeal - Variety (K)$2.55
- White Rice (K)$1.00
- Refried Beans (K)$1.30
- Oatmeal- Regular (K)$2.45
- Cheese & Rice (K)$1.85
Coffee/ creamer
- Tasters Choice (K)$9.75
- Folgers (K)$7.10
- Keefe Columbia (K)$2.20
- French Vanilla Creamer$3.60
- Coffee Creamer (K)$2.25
- Cappacino (K)$1.85
Drink mix
- Powdered Milk (K)$1.70
- Sweetener (K)$1.20
- Cocoa (K)$1.85
- Jolly Rancher Watermelon$1.30
- Jolly Rancher Green Apple$1.30
- Jolly Rancher Cherry$1.30
- Gatorade Fruit Punch (K)$0.80
- Gatorade-Lemon-Lime (K)$0.80
Candy & nuts
- Salted Peanuts$1.20
- Nut N Yogurt Trail Mix$1.95
- Salted Mixed Nuts$2.85
- Energizer Mix$0.85
- Reese Cups (K)$0.95
- Snicker Bar (K)$0.95
- Yoohoo Candy Bar(K)$1.30
- Kit Kat (K)$0.95
- Tootsie Pops(K)$3.10
- Promax Bar$1.50
- Peanut M & M's (K)$0.95
Soups
- Ramen Chicken$0.35
- Ramen Chilli$0.35
- Cup-O-Soup Chicken$0.50
- Cup-O-Soup Hot Vegetable$0.50
Sandwich & cheese spread
- Mozzarella Cheese (Pack) (K)$1.00
- Squeeze Cream Cheese(K)$0.60
- Chip Dip$1.00
- Pizza Sauce$1.70
- Mild Cheese Cup$1.55
- Ranch Dressing$0.45
- Jalapeno Squeeze Cheese$2.80
- Parmesan Cheese$1.55
- Jalapeno Cheese Block$1.75
- Mozzarella Cheese (Block) (K)$1.75
- Jif P/B Cups (8/1.5 Oz.)$4.55
Meats/fish
- Shredded Beef$2.95
- Beef Stew$1.75
- Tito's Cascabella Pepper (K)$0.40
- Taco Filling$2.60
- Chili With Beans$1.80
- Pink Salmon (K)$1.70
- Mackerel (K)$1.00
- Catfish$0.65
- Tuna (Bag) (K)$1.70
- Jack Mackeral (K)$1.95
- Jalapeno Tuna (K)$1.20
- Sardines$0.90
- Chicken$2.50
- Albacore White Tuna (K)$2.45
- Spam (Bag)$1.40
- Spicy Beef Summer Sausage$1.85
- Beef Summer Sausage$1.85
- Honey Turkey Log$1.85
- Turkey Stick(K)$0.70
- Beef-N-Cheese Combo Sticks$1.40
- Mild Salsa$1.25
- Turkey Deli Bites$2.15
- Pepperoni Slices$2.10
- Smoked Clams$1.75
- Smoked Oysters$1.95
- Bbq Sauce (K)$3.00
- Hot Sauce (K)(Sriracha)$2.80
- Jalapeno El Pato Sauce (K)$1.80
- Sweet & Hot Sauce$2.05
- Mayonnaise (K)$1.95
- Lemon Juice (K)$0.70
- Olive Oil (K) Limit 15$0.15
- Soy Sauce (K)$1.20
- Bubba's Hot Sauce$1.15
- Jalapeno Peppers (K)$1.65
- Sugar Free Honey(K)$3.20
- Mrs. Dash (K)$2.75
- Vegetable Flakes (K)$1.50
- Goya Seasoning$1.60
- Garlic Powder (K)$1.55
- Chopped Onions(K)$1.15
- Adobo (K)$1.15
- Salt & Pepper Shaker (K)$1.45
- Chili Garlic Sauce$1.70
Chips
- Jalapeno Pieces(K)$0.60
- Whole Shabangs (K)$1.30
- Doritos (K)$2.75
- Plain Tortilla$1.65
- Nuggets$0.35
- Chips$0.40
- White Cheddar Popcorn$1.00
Crackers &crust
- Plain Bagel (K)$0.60
- Saltine Crackers (K)$2.00
- Cheese Crackers (K)$2.00
- Honey Graham Crackers (K)$2.30
- Snack Crackers (K)$2.20
- Wheat Thins$1.95
- Flour Tortilla (10 Pk) (K)$1.45
Snacks
- Dill Pickles (K)$0.85
- Pudding Cups (Vanilla) (K)$1.95
- Raisin (6 Pack) (K)$3.15
- Prunes(K)$2.85
- Pitted Dates(K)$3.25
Cakes & cookies
- Pop Tarts$1.55
- Peanut Butter Cookies(K)$1.25
- Vanilla Wafers (K)$1.85
- Fig Newton (K)$1.20
- Chocolate Chip Cookies (K)$0.80
Drinks (6-packs only, limit 4)
- Coke (K)$2.40
- Mellow Yellow$2.40
Speciality items (second page)
- Blue Nile Body Wash (8029)$11.70
- Ocean Clear Shampoo$1.25
Phone calls and email
- Minutes
- 300 minutes a month, with about 100 more in November and December. Each call is limited to 15 minutes. This is from the 2020 handbook. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Hours
- Phones run from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. On weekdays access is normally limited from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. until after the 4:00 p.m. count, because they should be at work. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- TRULINCS email is text only, no attachments, up to 13,000 characters, with a charge per minute. You first get an email from corrlinks.com asking you to accept. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Paying
- Phone money is moved from their commissary account in even dollar amounts. Calls are monitored and recorded. A lost or compromised PAC (phone access code) costs a replacement fee. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
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 Lee
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
- A sick-call move is announced in the morning. They go to Health Services with a completed sick-call/triage form. A nurse or dentist triages them. They are seen by appointment, seen by a provider at that time, or sent to the commissary for over-the-counter medicine. The handbook gives no days or times. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Co-pay
- $2.00 for care they ask for. No fee for chronic care visits, emergency care, preventive care, follow-up care, care from a staff referral, and wound care. They are "indigent" if their account has not held $6.00 in the past 30 days. Indigent patients are not charged. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Emergency
- Emergency care is available 24 hours a day. When BOP clinical staff are not on site, outside emergency staff step in. Evenings, weekends and holidays are for acute problems and observed pill lines. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- In the SHU
- Someone in segregation can ask for sick call in writing or by telling the Health Services clinician on daily rounds. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Prescription refills
- Self-carry medicine refills are requested on TRULINCS. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
Programs
- RDAP (drug program; can mean up to a year off for those eligible)
- USP Lee does not have RDAP. The handbook says so, and the BOP's RDAP list does not include Lee. People who qualify are transferred to a prison that has it. To ask for an interview they send a cop-out (Inmate Request to Staff Member). Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Challenge Program
- A residential program for drug abuse and/or mental health problems, offered at the BOP's penitentiaries. Usually about 9 months. They can volunteer at any time by sending a cop-out for an interview. The BOP's program guide lists Lee (LEE) among the places that may offer it. Whether it is running now is unconfirmed. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Resolve Program (trauma)
- The handbook says Lee does not have a Resolve Program. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Other drug programs
- Drug Abuse Education and the non-residential drug treatment, in all BOP prisons. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Jobs
- Everyone medically cleared must have a job. Maintenance jobs (food service, unit orderly) usually come first. Pay promotions above the entry level need a high school diploma or GED. The BOP's program guide does not list Lee among Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) sites. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
- Education
- GED (at least 240 hours of class, or until they pass) and English as a Second Language. Click here to read the source: USP and SCP Lee Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated September 2020) ↗
Lee's handbook is from 2020. The BOP's First Step Act guide (May 2026) lists USP Lee for the Challenge Program but does not list it for RDAP (list updated June 4, 2026). Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗
Safety record
Criminal cases at Lee
- November 17, 2024The Justice Department said an inmate died after a fight at the prison. (WJHL)
- December 7, 2025Eight inmates and one staff member were hurt in a fight at the prison. (Kingsport Times News)
Deaths announced by the BOP
We found no deaths at Lee announced by the BOP.
We found no BOP press release announcing a death at USP Lee (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. See the news below for a November 2024 death after a fight.
Sexual abuse audit (PREA)
The last federal sexual-abuse (PREA) audit visited Lee July 23 to 25, 2024. Result: 0 standards exceeded, 41 met, 0 not met (4 were not audited at the facility level). In the 12 months before the audit, Lee recorded 4 sexual-abuse allegations (2 against staff, 2 against other inmates) and 3 sexual-harassment allegations (all against other inmates). Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, USP Lee (onsite July 23 to 25, 2024) ↗
An allegation is a report, not a finding. The audit counts reports made, not what investigators concluded.
News about Lee
- Inmate Larry White convicted on four charges in 2018 Lee prison riot trialWACH.com · Sep 25, 2026
- SC inmate accused of killing 3 others during violent Lee prison riot to stand trial for murderPost and Courier · Sep 21, 2026
- Ex-SC corrections worker pleads guilty in Lee prison bribery, contraband schemewach.com · Jul 22, 2026
- Griffith Statement on Helping Federal Corrections Officers, USP LeeMorgan Griffith (.gov) · Jan 12, 2026
- Update: Eight inmates, one staffer injured in Lee prison meleeKingsport Times News · Dec 7, 2025
Stories from news outlets that name USP Lee, checked every day. Last updated Nov 3, 2026, 8:37 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 Lee yet.
Know something about Lee that families should know? Tell Scooter. Our team checks every report before it goes up, and we never publish names.