To: Please send a copy of this to the following people 

1. Warden David Anderson, Red Onion State Prison
2. Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC)
3. Governor Glenn Youngkin, Office of the Governor of Virginia
4. State Senator Todd E. Pillion
5. State Delegate Terry G. Kilgore

 
We, the undersigned, respectfully demand the immediate compassionate release of Deven M. Rogers (State Number: 1412613) from Red Onion State Prison.

Deven is a security level S but has a medical classification E that requires him to be near MCV hospital in RIchmond Virginia which is in the Virginia Department of Corrections Eastern region.  He is being housed at Red Onion which is in the Western Region and it takes about 6.5 hours to 7 hours to transport him to Richmond, Virginia MCV Hospital. They are Overriding his medical Classification E because of the security classification " S". 

§ 53.1-39.2 – Restorative Housing; Restrictions on Use
This statute requires that any placement in restrictive housing must consider medical evaluations: 

"Medical evaluation" means an evaluation that is done for the purpose of determining whether the incarcerated person needs medical treatment and shall be done in a manner that is consistent with the signed recommendations of a medical practitioner."

According to his Doctor Red Onion cannot properly care for Devin. ( Diet, Medication, ect His bowl Ruptures and near death experiences is the result of their neglect and lack of capability to care for his medical needs. ) 

Deven is suffering from a severe medical condition, Crohn’s disease, which has led to multiple life-threatening health crises while incarcerated. He has experienced repeated bowel ruptures, been placed on a colostomy bag, and found unresponsive due to the lack of adequate medical care inside the facility.

Deven currently has approximately three to four years remaining on his sentence. Prolonged incarceration under these dangerous conditions presents a severe and unnecessary risk of irreversible harm or death. Every human being — regardless of circumstance — deserves access to adequate medical care, dignity, and compassion.

Additionally, Deven’s family has been repeatedly denied critical updates on his condition and visitation, intensifying concerns for his safety and well-being.

Given the serious nature of his illness and the inhumane conditions he faces, we believe that granting Deven compassionate release is a moral, humane, and necessary act.

We call on the Warden, the Virginia Department of Corrections, Governor Youngkin, and Virginia's elected representatives to act immediately to save Deven’s life and allow him the chance to receive the specialized medical treatment he urgently needs outside of prison walls.

They have tried to take him to the local hospital near Red Onion several times when he had a medical emergency. They have stated that there is nothing that they can do with him. The results was a 7 hour ambulatory trip to MCV. 

We stand together in support of Deven M. Rogers and his family.

• New Medical Evaluation
• Compassionate Release 
• Classification Review Request to security level 5

Interplay Between Medical and Security Classifications
While security considerations are paramount for institutional safety, they should not automatically override medical needs. VADOC policies acknowledge that certain medical conditions may necessitate adjustments to standard procedures, including housing assignments. For instance, Operating Procedure 720.2 notes that disabilities and certain medical conditions may require modifications to standard restraint procedures and housing. VADOC

Furthermore, 6VAC15-40-120 of the Virginia Administrative Code mandates that inmate classification systems must address both security risks and treatment needs, including medical requirements. This regulation underscores the importance of balancing security and healthcare considerations in classification decisions.