Compassionate release for Thomas Nevius
The Issue
Parole Pathways
Advocacy & Reentry Support Services
Phone: (725) 245-9234
Email: JennaMarie2316@icloud.com
Date: July 9, 2026
To:
Warden Jeremy Bean
High Desert State Prison
Director of Nursing
High Desert State Prison
NDOC Inspector General’s Office
Office of the Nevada Attorney General
Governor Joe Lombardo
RE: FORMAL NOTICE OF STAGE IV PROSTATE CANCER, REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE ONCOLOGY CARE, PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE, ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW, AND REQUEST FOR COMPASSIONATE RELEASE
Thomas Nevius #17789
Dear Warden Bean, Director of Nursing, Inspector General, Attorney General, and Governor Lombardo,
My name is Jenna Hixon, Founder of Parole Pathways. I am writing on behalf of my client, Thomas Nevius (#17789), who is currently incarcerated at High Desert State Prison.
This correspondence serves as formal notice regarding Mr. Nevius’ reported diagnosis of Stage IV Prostate Cancer, the severity of his medical condition, our continued concerns regarding years of delayed diagnosis and treatment while in the custody of the Nevada Department of Corrections, and our request for immediate intervention at every level of state government.
According to information provided to our office, Mr. Nevius was transported on June 23, 2026, to an outside oncology provider for specialized cancer evaluation. During that appointment, he was reportedly informed that he has Stage IV Prostate Cancer and that the disease has spread beyond the prostate.
As part of the diagnostic process, specialized nuclear imaging and radioactive tracer injections were reportedly administered to determine the extent of metastatic disease throughout his body. We understand that additional oncology consultations and treatment planning are expected.
This diagnosis is devastating. It also raises significant concerns regarding whether this disease could have been detected and treated earlier while Mr. Nevius remained under the exclusive custody and medical care of the Nevada Department of Corrections.
Cancer of this nature generally develops over time. Accordingly, we respectfully request a thorough administrative review of Mr. Nevius’ medical history, including prior examinations, laboratory testing, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening when clinically indicated, referrals, diagnostic imaging, specialist consultations, grievances, kites, and requests for medical care, to determine whether there were delays in diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment.
The Nevada Department of Corrections has an ongoing constitutional obligation under the Eighth Amendment to provide adequate medical care to incarcerated individuals with serious medical needs. That obligation includes timely diagnosis, appropriate specialist referrals, continuity of care, and implementation of medically necessary treatment plans.
Because Mr. Nevius now faces an advanced cancer diagnosis, we are requesting immediate written confirmation that:
All oncology appointments remain scheduled without delay.
Transportation to every outside medical appointment will occur as ordered.
All recommendations made by outside oncology specialists will be implemented promptly unless medically contraindicated.
All prescribed medications, diagnostic studies, laboratory testing, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, pain management, and supportive care will be provided as medically indicated.
Mr. Nevius will not experience interruptions in treatment due to institutional scheduling, staffing shortages, security concerns, or budgetary limitations.
Additionally, this correspondence serves as a formal litigation hold and preservation of evidence request.
We request the preservation of, but not limited to:
Complete medical records.
Outside hospital and oncology records.
Diagnostic imaging.
Radiology reports.
Laboratory results.
Medication administration records.
Nursing documentation.
Physician notes.
Oncology consultations.
Transportation records.
Sick-call requests.
Medical kites.
Emergency grievances.
Informal and formal grievances.
Classification records relating to medical housing.
Incident reports.
Emails and internal communications concerning Mr. Nevius’ medical condition.
Any video recordings documenting medical transports or medical emergencies involving Mr. Nevius.
This request is made to ensure that all potentially relevant evidence is preserved should future legal proceedings become necessary.
Request for Compassionate Release
Given Mr. Nevius’ reported diagnosis of Stage IV prostate cancer and the seriousness of his condition, Parole Pathways respectfully requests that the Nevada Department of Corrections immediately evaluate Mr. Nevius for compassionate release, medical parole, or any other humanitarian release mechanism authorized under Nevada law and applicable NDOC policy.
Compassionate release exists to address extraordinary medical circumstances that arise after sentencing and recognizes that certain individuals suffering from severe or advanced illnesses may require levels of medical care, family support, hospice services, or palliative treatment that may be better provided outside of a correctional setting when permitted by law.
Mr. Nevius is facing an exceptionally serious medical condition. We respectfully request that NDOC conduct an expedited review of his eligibility for compassionate release and promptly advise him of any available procedures, evaluations, documentation, or applications necessary to initiate that process.
If medical providers determine that Mr. Nevius has a limited life expectancy or requires treatment beyond what can reasonably be provided in the correctional environment, we urge NDOC and all appropriate state officials to act without unnecessary delay in evaluating every lawful avenue for humanitarian relief.
Legal Notice
This correspondence serves as formal notice that Parole Pathways is documenting this matter externally and expects full compliance with all constitutional, statutory, and administrative obligations governing the medical treatment of incarcerated persons.
We specifically reference:
The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibiting deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
NRS 209.382 regarding the provision of medical care to incarcerated persons.
NRS 209.331 concerning outside medical treatment when medically necessary.
NRS 212.020 regarding the humane treatment of individuals in state custody.
Applicable NDOC Administrative Regulations governing continuity of medical care, specialty referrals, chronic disease management, and emergency medical treatment.
Applicable federal case law addressing deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
We respectfully request the following:
Immediate confirmation of all scheduled oncology appointments.
Immediate implementation of every medically necessary recommendation from outside oncology specialists.
An expedited administrative review concerning any delays in diagnosis or treatment.
Preservation of all medical and institutional records relating to Mr. Nevius.
Regular communication with Mr. Nevius regarding his diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis.
Assurance that medical decisions will be based solely upon clinical judgment.
Immediate evaluation for compassionate release, medical parole, or other humanitarian release options authorized by law.
A written response outlining the actions being taken to ensure Mr. Nevius receives uninterrupted, medically appropriate care.
Mr. Nevius deserves timely, compassionate, and constitutionally adequate medical treatment. We respectfully ask every recipient of this correspondence to ensure that his medical needs receive immediate attention and that all appropriate legal and humanitarian options are carefully evaluated.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your timely response.
Respectfully,
Jenna Hixon
Founder, Parole Pathways
Advocacy & Reentry Support Services
Phone: (725) 245-9234
Email: JennaMarie2316@icloud.com
34
The Issue
Parole Pathways
Advocacy & Reentry Support Services
Phone: (725) 245-9234
Email: JennaMarie2316@icloud.com
Date: July 9, 2026
To:
Warden Jeremy Bean
High Desert State Prison
Director of Nursing
High Desert State Prison
NDOC Inspector General’s Office
Office of the Nevada Attorney General
Governor Joe Lombardo
RE: FORMAL NOTICE OF STAGE IV PROSTATE CANCER, REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE ONCOLOGY CARE, PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE, ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW, AND REQUEST FOR COMPASSIONATE RELEASE
Thomas Nevius #17789
Dear Warden Bean, Director of Nursing, Inspector General, Attorney General, and Governor Lombardo,
My name is Jenna Hixon, Founder of Parole Pathways. I am writing on behalf of my client, Thomas Nevius (#17789), who is currently incarcerated at High Desert State Prison.
This correspondence serves as formal notice regarding Mr. Nevius’ reported diagnosis of Stage IV Prostate Cancer, the severity of his medical condition, our continued concerns regarding years of delayed diagnosis and treatment while in the custody of the Nevada Department of Corrections, and our request for immediate intervention at every level of state government.
According to information provided to our office, Mr. Nevius was transported on June 23, 2026, to an outside oncology provider for specialized cancer evaluation. During that appointment, he was reportedly informed that he has Stage IV Prostate Cancer and that the disease has spread beyond the prostate.
As part of the diagnostic process, specialized nuclear imaging and radioactive tracer injections were reportedly administered to determine the extent of metastatic disease throughout his body. We understand that additional oncology consultations and treatment planning are expected.
This diagnosis is devastating. It also raises significant concerns regarding whether this disease could have been detected and treated earlier while Mr. Nevius remained under the exclusive custody and medical care of the Nevada Department of Corrections.
Cancer of this nature generally develops over time. Accordingly, we respectfully request a thorough administrative review of Mr. Nevius’ medical history, including prior examinations, laboratory testing, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening when clinically indicated, referrals, diagnostic imaging, specialist consultations, grievances, kites, and requests for medical care, to determine whether there were delays in diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment.
The Nevada Department of Corrections has an ongoing constitutional obligation under the Eighth Amendment to provide adequate medical care to incarcerated individuals with serious medical needs. That obligation includes timely diagnosis, appropriate specialist referrals, continuity of care, and implementation of medically necessary treatment plans.
Because Mr. Nevius now faces an advanced cancer diagnosis, we are requesting immediate written confirmation that:
All oncology appointments remain scheduled without delay.
Transportation to every outside medical appointment will occur as ordered.
All recommendations made by outside oncology specialists will be implemented promptly unless medically contraindicated.
All prescribed medications, diagnostic studies, laboratory testing, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, pain management, and supportive care will be provided as medically indicated.
Mr. Nevius will not experience interruptions in treatment due to institutional scheduling, staffing shortages, security concerns, or budgetary limitations.
Additionally, this correspondence serves as a formal litigation hold and preservation of evidence request.
We request the preservation of, but not limited to:
Complete medical records.
Outside hospital and oncology records.
Diagnostic imaging.
Radiology reports.
Laboratory results.
Medication administration records.
Nursing documentation.
Physician notes.
Oncology consultations.
Transportation records.
Sick-call requests.
Medical kites.
Emergency grievances.
Informal and formal grievances.
Classification records relating to medical housing.
Incident reports.
Emails and internal communications concerning Mr. Nevius’ medical condition.
Any video recordings documenting medical transports or medical emergencies involving Mr. Nevius.
This request is made to ensure that all potentially relevant evidence is preserved should future legal proceedings become necessary.
Request for Compassionate Release
Given Mr. Nevius’ reported diagnosis of Stage IV prostate cancer and the seriousness of his condition, Parole Pathways respectfully requests that the Nevada Department of Corrections immediately evaluate Mr. Nevius for compassionate release, medical parole, or any other humanitarian release mechanism authorized under Nevada law and applicable NDOC policy.
Compassionate release exists to address extraordinary medical circumstances that arise after sentencing and recognizes that certain individuals suffering from severe or advanced illnesses may require levels of medical care, family support, hospice services, or palliative treatment that may be better provided outside of a correctional setting when permitted by law.
Mr. Nevius is facing an exceptionally serious medical condition. We respectfully request that NDOC conduct an expedited review of his eligibility for compassionate release and promptly advise him of any available procedures, evaluations, documentation, or applications necessary to initiate that process.
If medical providers determine that Mr. Nevius has a limited life expectancy or requires treatment beyond what can reasonably be provided in the correctional environment, we urge NDOC and all appropriate state officials to act without unnecessary delay in evaluating every lawful avenue for humanitarian relief.
Legal Notice
This correspondence serves as formal notice that Parole Pathways is documenting this matter externally and expects full compliance with all constitutional, statutory, and administrative obligations governing the medical treatment of incarcerated persons.
We specifically reference:
The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibiting deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
NRS 209.382 regarding the provision of medical care to incarcerated persons.
NRS 209.331 concerning outside medical treatment when medically necessary.
NRS 212.020 regarding the humane treatment of individuals in state custody.
Applicable NDOC Administrative Regulations governing continuity of medical care, specialty referrals, chronic disease management, and emergency medical treatment.
Applicable federal case law addressing deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
We respectfully request the following:
Immediate confirmation of all scheduled oncology appointments.
Immediate implementation of every medically necessary recommendation from outside oncology specialists.
An expedited administrative review concerning any delays in diagnosis or treatment.
Preservation of all medical and institutional records relating to Mr. Nevius.
Regular communication with Mr. Nevius regarding his diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis.
Assurance that medical decisions will be based solely upon clinical judgment.
Immediate evaluation for compassionate release, medical parole, or other humanitarian release options authorized by law.
A written response outlining the actions being taken to ensure Mr. Nevius receives uninterrupted, medically appropriate care.
Mr. Nevius deserves timely, compassionate, and constitutionally adequate medical treatment. We respectfully ask every recipient of this correspondence to ensure that his medical needs receive immediate attention and that all appropriate legal and humanitarian options are carefully evaluated.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your timely response.
Respectfully,
Jenna Hixon
Founder, Parole Pathways
Advocacy & Reentry Support Services
Phone: (725) 245-9234
Email: JennaMarie2316@icloud.com
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Petition created on July 21, 2026