Some BOP Employees And Ex-Employees Want Josh To Go
Most people who are familiar with Deputy Director of the Bureau of Prisons, Josh Smith, are aware that he is a felon. Following his crimes in his youth and early 20s, he became a successful entrepreneur, and worked within his nonprofit to advocate for prison reform across Kentucky. He was then pardoned by Donald Trump during his first term in office.
Billy Marshall named Josh Smith to serve as his deputy director. So far, it would appear to anyone paying attention over the last several BOP administrations that Billy Marshall, Josh Smith, and Rick Stover are doing a better job addressing the needs of inmates and staff than those prior.
However, an online petition has begun circulating to remove Josh Smith from his position. It was started by former and current correctional officers in the BOP. One of the primary concerns raised in the petition is that Josh Smith is a felon.
It raises the question of whether or not a felon should be in such an authoritative position of power, and whether or not this serves as a conflict of interest. We believe there is a stronger case to say no – and that the results speak for themselves. Josh Smith has clearly demonstrated a willingness to improve conditions in the BOP for both inmates and staff.
There has been no evidence that he is acting in the inmate population’s interest at the detriment of prison staff. It would come as a shock to no one if this petition came with a hint of retaliatory motivation now that unannounced inspections have become a reality for federal prisons.