Wallens Ridge State Prison is a supermax state prison located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, housing approximately 700 inmates. Since opening in April 1999, it has been a part of the Virginia Department of Corrections, and is identical to the Red Onion State Prison near Pound.[1] The prison was built for over $70 million. As of 1999 the prison employs almost 800 people. The current warden of the facility is Randy Mathe
There has been speculation that human rights violations have occurred at Wallens Ridge. A 20-year old inmate committed suicide, apparently due to conditions in the prison. In addition, another prisoner died after receiving several lacerations with an Ultron II stun gun This raised questions about the proper treatment of prisoners, and potential racism within the prison. The families of both prisoners won lawsuits and received settlements. The practice of shipping inmates from distant parts of the country has been cited as one of the leading causes of problems at Supermax prisons. The issues associated with these events and questions of prisoner abuse are the subject of the Appalshop documentary, Up the Ridge.