LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The GEO Group, a private organization that's been operating the Lawton Correctional Facility for 26 years, has sent a letter of discontinuation to the state department of corrections.
Emily Barnes, an inmate advocate for over 15 years, has been keeping communication with multiple families who have loved ones inside the facility.
"Honestly I wasn't shocked," Barnes said. "There's been too many incidents at Lawton."
In a statement sent to 7News, a GEO spokesperson said they are no longer willing to operate the 2600 bed facility under current financial terms.
This follows Governor Kevin Stitt's recent veto of legislation that would have required the department to pay GEO an additional $3 million a year.
"I do believe he's doing the right thing this time. I support this 100%, I really do," Barnes said.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) sent out a statement after GEO Group sent their letter of discontinuation.
"This financial burden is excessive, considering the subpar results," the ODOC statement read.
It added GEO has received funding increases in the past totaling nearly $7 million with seemingly no improvements, stating the facility is "the most violent prison in Oklahoma."
"You can't ask for more money when you're every week in the news about a stabbing, about gang activities or a death," Barnes said. "It's always more than one at a time."
With the potential disband of Oklahoma's last private prison, many are wondering what is going to happen to everyone inside.
One father said not knowing where his son could be transported to is better than him staying at GEO.
"I'm holding on to faith that they will actually make some changes," Karlton Ward said. "When I got the call from [7News], I said, 'Well, maybe this is a good sign.' Because there was definitely some changes that needed to come about."
While where the inmates will be moved to is unknown at the moment, officials are set to meet in the coming days. Ward said this will bring some much needed change.
"The families of the people there need to feel secure that the facility is at least taking care of their welfare," Ward said.
After what families saw from the state taking over the Allen Gamble Correctional Center, they need to let Lawton go completely, according to Barnes.
"That place ain't nothing but a death trap," Barnes said. "Even with the proper staff in that facility, I think we'll still have the same issues we have now."
The GEO Group has proposed a three month transition period for inmates if they cannot reach an agreement on new financial terms with ODOC.
7News has also reached out to officials with GEO Group on what will happen with the employees and what assistance will be given to them if they lose their jobs.