NDCS News Releases

NDCS News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-72)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

December 5, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Leonard Svitak #29449, age 85, died December 4, 2023, at a Lincoln hospital. He was incarcerated at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP).

Svitak’s sentence began on September 20, 1974. He was serving a 10 year to life sentence for second degree murder out of Lancaster County.

While the cause of death has not yet been determined, Svitak was being treated for a medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-71)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

November 20, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.) – The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) has launched a new phase of evidence-based programming aimed at providing strengths-based reentry support services to incarcerated individuals, using both staff and peer-led delivery. Reentry programs are designed to help individuals in their transition from incarceration back to the community.

“Successful reentry preparation is about providing the right tools and...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-70)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

October 30, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Today, Director Rob Jeffreys announced the appointment of Jerry Lee Lovelace Jr., M.D., Ph.D., as medical director for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). Dr. Lovelace will oversee the Health Services division, which includes medical, dental, psychiatry and behavioral health. His appointment goes into effect October 30, 2023.

“Dr. Lovelace is an innovative leader who has a proven record of working...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-69)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

October 24, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Carl Christian #216644, age 51, died Monday, October 23, 2023, at a Lincoln hospital. He was incarcerated at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP).

Christian’s sentence began on May 2, 2023. He was serving a 10 to 15 year sentence out of Douglas County for possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person.

As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-68)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

October 23, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Clifford Davlin #38572, age 70, died Saturday at the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC), where he was incarcerated.

Davlin’s sentence began on November 23, 1993. He was sentenced to 55 years to life for charges out of Lancaster and Sarpy Counties that include second degree murder, first degree arson, first degree sexual assault and first degree assault.

While the cause of death has not yet been determined,...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-67)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

October 19, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Nearly 200 individuals serve in peer support or facilitation roles at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities. They provide support to peers during incarceration and as they prepare for successful reentry to the community. In recognition of their invaluable role in rehabilitation, Governor Jim Pillen has proclaimed October 19 as Peer Support Celebration Day.

“Peer support is an emerging best...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-66)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

October 10, 2023 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Victor Ozuna #84626, age 53, died October 9, 2023, at the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC), where he was incarcerated.

Ozuna’s sentence began on September 26, 2016. He was serving a 32 to 40 year sentence for first degree sexual assault out of Douglas County.

While the cause of death has not yet been determined, Ozuna was being treated for a medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the...Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23-65)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

October 6, 2023 (Tecumseh, Neb.) – Jesse Spencer #80917 (27) died at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. He was found unresponsive inside his cell.

Spencer was one of five inmates who intentionally set fires inside of their cells on a housing unit around 6:00 p.m. Staff members responded immediately, including members of the facility’s Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT). Inmates in the affected cells...Read more

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