CLARKSBURG, W. Va.–Former nursing assistant Reta Mays, now sentenced to spend the rest of her life in prison for killing at least eight patients at the Clarksburg VA hospital, may serve that time at the only comprehensive medical facility for female federal prisoners.
Mays, 46, has a request to be assigned to the Federal Medical Center, Carswell, which is a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas, for female inmates with special medical and mental health needs.
“That means that women from all security and custody levels with different medical and psychiatric conditions can be and are housed there.” said Gordon Zilberman, a San Diego-based forensic psychologist who evaluated offenders and provided mental health services for decades in prisons.
“The Bureau of Prisons will have her evaluated and determine what medical and/or psychiatric treatment she needs.”
A judgment filed in her case by U.S. District Judge Thomas Kleeh reflects the request. Mays does not yet appear to be assigned in the federal prison system and so far remains at the Northern Regional Jail in West Virginia, awaiting transfer.
“Just because the judge recommended it, does not mean she will be sent there directly. She will be sent there if the BOP decides to do so (population limitations, medical concerns or lack of, etc.),” Zilberman said. “However, given her life sentence and publicity, she probably will go there initially.”
Mays’ defense, which was aimed at reducing the length of her sentence, focused on her deteriorated mental and emotional fitness. She pleaded guilty, so the remaining question was how much time she would serve.
The judgment filed by Kleeh also states several special conditions for her incarceration. A couple lay out terms for mental health treatment.
“You must participate in a mental health treatment program and follow the rules and regulations of that program,” the judge directed.
And, “You must take all mental health medications that are prescribed by your treating physician.”
Moreover, there are several special conditions related to alcohol use.
“You must participate in an alcohol abuse treatment program,” the judge wrote. Also, “You must not use or possess alcohol.” Finally, “You must not knowingly enter any bar or tavern without first obtaining permission from the probation officer.”