Illegal Fight Club, No Toilet Access Alleged At South Jersey Prison

BRIDGETON, NJ — Men incarcerated at a South Jersey prison have inconsistent access to clean water and are abused by corrections officers, some family members and former inmates allege.

Religious leaders and family members are demanding more humane treatment for inmates at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, said the group Faith in New Jersey.

The group said more than 60 faith leaders, community members, and leaders held a rally outside the prison Thursday.

A formerly incarcerated member of Faith In New Jersey alleged there are illegal "Fight Nights" in the prison. James Brown also said guards would cut the water, heat, or air conditioning when they "had a bad day at home."

Rev. Erich Kussman told NJ Spotlight News that corrections officers force prisoners to take part in the underground "fight club."

"There's no need to abuse folks behind the walls, there's no need to treat people less than," he told the outlet. "There's no reason to break bones, or even kill people."

The state Department of Corrections denied these rumors and said officials investigate all allegations of abuse, per NJ Spotlight News.

A water main break was reported Jan. 18 near the prison's power house, the state Department of Corrections said. Repair crews needed to turn the water off on Jan. 19 just before midnight and the DOC brought in portable toilets while providing bottled water for inmates and staff, officials said. Service was restored by 4 p.m. Jan. 20, the DOC said.

"Heat at the facility was not affected," officials said in a statement. "At all times during this incident, incarcerated persons and staff had access to adequate drinking water."

Some people incarcerated there said they had inconsistent access to water even before the main break in January, Faith in New Jersey said. And, during the water main break, inmates reported having to live in "degrading" conditions, group leaders said.

"Those incarcerated at South Woods also reported being denied access to Porta Potties and instead had to relieve themselves in plastic bags," Faith in New Jersey said.

Leaders are demanding action from the Department of Corrections and South Woods: specifically, an "intentional, intensive and deep investigation of violent acts being committed by officers and personnel at South Woods State Prison;" for the prison administration to "cease and desist from any further complicity in the violation of basic human rights against the people behind their walls," and immediate access to and release of investigative reports to the public.

Faith in New Jersey is part of the Live Free and Faith in Action national networks.