Death County, PA – Episode 6: "Exposing the Wound"

Release Date: May 26, 2025 | Host: Wondery

Introduction

In the sixth episode of Death County, PA titled "Exposing the Wound," host Joshua Vaughn delves deeper into the murky waters of corruption and negligence haunting the Dauphin County Prison (DCP). This episode unravels the intricate web of deceit involving medical malpractice, political corruption, and the relentless pursuit of justice by affected families and whistleblowers.

The Tragic Death of John Powell

The episode opens with the haunting story of John Powell, an inmate at DCP who died under suspicious circumstances.

• [00:00] Joshua Vaughn narrates the events leading to Powell's death:

  "A doctor is doing his rounds in the psychiatric unit of a prison. He walks up to the cell of a man being kept alone, John Powell."

Despite visible signs of severe dehydration and malnutrition, the attending physician, Dr. Dana Powell, recommends "frequent showers" instead of the immediate administration of IV fluids (Powell's medical log, [00:48]). Tragically, Powell dies from dehydration just days later, unbeknownst to many, including his namesake, Dr. Dana Powell.

• [00:56] Carl Hoffman reflects on the lack of communication:

  "I didn't even know of his death until 13 days later."

Unraveling Medical Malpractice

Dr. Dana Powell, who worked weekends at DCP to pay off medical school debt, is blindsided when he receives a legal notice threatening his medical license.

• [02:17] Joshua Vaughn explains:

  "The Pennsylvania Department of State was charging the medical staff listed in John Powell's file, including Dana, with medical malpractice."

Investigations reveal that Carl Hoffman, head doctor and owner of the medical company servicing DCP, had falsified medical records to cover up the negligence that led to Powell's death.

• [02:50] Joshua Vaughn states:

  "Carl backfilled an entry, wrote in an after the fact medical instruction shower twice a day for fluid intake. Below that, he wrote, 'Per Dr. Dana.'"

Hoffman's deceit results in severe repercussions for both him and Dr. Powell. While Powell successfully clears his name with the help of his attorney and testimony from a nurse, Hoffman faces fines and loses his contract with state prisons.

• [03:49] Carl Hoffman admits:

  "Powell, I was upset. I mean, no way getting around that. It was, it was wrong. It was a lie."

Political Corruption Unveiled

The narrative shifts to the political arena with Justin Douglas, a newly elected commissioner determined to cleanse Dauphin County of its deep-seated corruption.

• [05:37] Dr. Dana Powell discusses the rebranding of Hoffman's company to PrimeCare and its continued illicit practices:

  "They turned their company into PrimeCare. When Justin Douglas became commissioner, one of his first questions was, how was a company with that history... able to keep its contract with Dolphin County for decades?"

Investigative reporter Juliet Ryle uncovers Jeff Haist’s covert financial ties with PrimeCare, revealing that Haist, a powerful former county commissioner, received over $525,000 from Hoffman. This relationship led to increased payments to PrimeCare and a spike in inmate deaths.

• [10:30] Dr. Dana Powell notes:

  "Justin was furious when he learned about Jeff Haist's relationship with PrimeCare."

The exposure of Haist’s corruption catalyzes Justin Douglas's efforts to reform the system, ultimately leading to Haist's removal from county positions.

• [13:07] Jeff Haist declares:

  "This is a pattern of self-service, not public service... The corrupt system will crumble."

A Community Rises Against Injustice

As more deaths occur at DCP, including that of Justin Cofield, the community rallies for accountability and transparency. The families demand to see the bodies and seek justice for the victims.

• [22:05] Joshua Vaughn reports:

  "An inmate at the Dauphin County Prison died today... a death at DCP was nothing new."

Nicole Banks, Justin Cofield's mother, leads protests and confrontations with the county coroner, Graham Hetrick, who has been implicated in misclassifying in-custody deaths.

During a tense meeting at the coroner's office:

• [25:37] Justin Douglas asserts:

  "We demand that the family be allowed to see their son... It belongs to the people right here."

Lamont Jones, another key figure fighting for justice, confronts Hetrick directly, challenging his qualifications and motivations.

• [28:17] Lamont Jones states:

  "When my little cousin died, you did his body. Tyreek Riley. It took you four months to come back."

This confrontation marks a pivotal moment in the community's fight against institutional corruption.

Reforms and Future Prospects

The relentless efforts of Justin Douglas and Lamont Jones begin to bear fruit. PrimeCare faces potential replacement as new healthcare providers vie for contracts, promising better oversight and care for inmates.

• [30:07] Dr. Dana Powell remarks:

  "It wasn't perfect, but it was progress."

Additionally, a UCLA research team highlights systemic issues at DCP, particularly the disproportionate violence against Black inmates and the habitual misclassification of deaths.

• [32:08] Dr. Dana Powell summarizes:

  "This was especially true for cases involving deceased black men."

Lamont Jones’s Political Ambition

Inspired by the ongoing struggles and driven by a desire for meaningful change, Lamont Jones announces his candidacy for mayor of Harrisburg.

• [34:21] Lamont Jones passionately declares:

  "We need a better leadership, one that really works for us... I have no special interest."

His journey from inmate to political figure symbolizes hope and the possibility of reforming a deeply flawed system.

Conclusion

"Exposing the Wound" serves as a powerful culmination of the series, highlighting the intertwined issues of medical malpractice, political corruption, and systemic negligence at Dauphin County Prison. Through the courageous actions of individuals like Justin Douglas and Lamont Jones, the community begins to push back against entrenched powers, striving for accountability and justice for all affected families.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Carl Hoffman [03:49]:

  "Powell, I was upset. I mean, no way getting around that. It was, it was wrong. It was a lie."

• Lamont Jones [17:41]:

  "It's no different than George Floyd. He was handcuffed. The man couldn't go anywhere. There was no reason to apply that type of pressure. It's total disrespect."

• Jeff Haist [13:07]:

  "This is a pattern of self-service, not public service. Listen, I didn't come here to profit off my seat..."

• Justin Douglas [25:42]:

  "We cannot see him yet because we're doing what they call medical, legal autopsy to find out... I don't represent the prison. I don't represent the VA."

• Lamont Jones [35:52]:

  "When I did things wrong, I paid for it. Even when I was doing the right thing, they still made me pay for the things I did before. So if I can stand up to that and own it, why can't they?"

Acknowledgments

This episode was meticulously crafted with contributions from reporter Juliet Ryle, producer Rachel Yong, and the dedicated team at Wondery and Penn Live. Special thanks to the families and whistleblowers who bravely shared their stories, driving the movement towards justice and reform in Dauphin County.

Death County, PA continues to shed light on the dark corners of the criminal justice system, championing the voices of those who dare to seek the truth.