US EditionSheriff’s Department Errors Led to Slaying of Banning Inmate, Grand Jury Says
- Chad Lester, former Southern Regional Jail supervisor in Beaver, WV, was sentenced to over 17 years on May 8, 2025, for covering up an assault that killed inmate Quantez Burks in March 2022.
- Lester obstructed justice by giving false statements, instructing others to lie, and threatening officers to conceal the attack on Burks, a 37-year-old pretrial detainee booked for wanton endangerment.
- Seven other correctional officers pleaded guilty or were convicted for their roles in the assault, including Steven Nicholas Wimmer, who received nine years for conspiring to use unreasonable force.
- The case triggered scrutiny of jail conditions amid reports of over a dozen deaths in 2022 and a $4 million class-action settlement citing overcrowding, lack of water and food, and unchecked violence.
- Authorities stated Lester violated public trust by conspiracy and coverup, with prosecutors and officials highlighting failure to preserve evidence and recommending further legal actions.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Daily Bulletin
Redlands Daily FactsSheriff’s Department errors led to slaying of Banning inmate, grand jury says
Riverside County jail screeners didn't detect a man's violent past, placed him with low-risk inmates in a trades program, report says.
Associated Press News
Former West Virginia jail supervisor sentenced in coverup of assault that led to inmate's death
A former West Virginia jail supervisor has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for his role in the coverup of an assault by other corrections officers that led to an inmate’s death.
Former Southern Regional Jail supervisor sentenced for his role in the beating death of inmate
Charleston, WV (WOAY) – A former Southern Regional Jail lieutenant was sentenced to prison for his role in the deadly beating of an inmate while in custody. 35-year-old Chad Lester of Odd, WV was convicted of three obstruction charges after attempting to cover up the death of 37-year-old Quatez Burks while he was in custody at the Southern Regional Jail in March of 2022. According to court documents, Chad Lester was sentenced on Thursday May 15,…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
