By Jerald Jimenez
Aug 11, 2024, 09:39 AM EDT
A Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employee has died after coming into contact with an unknown substance in the mailroom at a penitentiary in Atwater, California.
According to a spokesman for the office, the employee began feeling ill on Friday and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not been released at this time.
An investigation is underway to determine whether the employee was exposed to fentanyl, an extremely dangerous and potentially lethal substance, according to Bureau of Prisons investigations.
Authorities also said that a second employee also came into contact with the substance, but fortunately he was observed in the hospital and discharged without further complications.
“We are deeply saddened and would like to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our deceased employee,” a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy and the grief of our Bureau community, we have no further details to share at this time.”
The Council of Prison Locals, the BOP’s largest union representing employees, has called for increased security measures in mailrooms.
Council President Brandy Moore-White has stressed the need for stricter protocols to protect workers from potential exposure to hazardous substances.
Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon introduced a bill in December 2023 that would require the agency to electronically scan all mail arriving at correctional facilities. However, it is unclear what the current procedures are and the bill has not yet made it out of the Judiciary Committee.
The Bureau of Prisons will continue to investigate the case and take steps to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
With information from ABC News