Tattnall County’s most volatile correctional facility received a ‘C’ grade on its most recent health inspection.
Smith State Prison, currently run by Warden Charles Mims, was evaluated on February 16 by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Inspectors noted a number of new and repeat violations and, in some instances, ordered food to be discarded due to the conditions.
During Monday’s inspection, the following violations were noted:
NEW VIOLATION – Milk at temperature of 44-45 F in a dairy cooler. (Milk should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 36-38 F but must be kept below 40F to prevent rapid bacterial growth)
NEW VIOLATION – Trays of food storage and cooked vegetables with no date and no food labeling. Inspectors ordered the food to be discarded.
REPEAT VIOLATION – Walk-in units were missing thermometers and some units with thermometers had said thermometers were not installed at the fan units (which would falsely set temperatures). They were ordered to move the thermometers.
NEW VIOLATION – Handwashing sink valves were not working and sink was not secured. Hose bibb/spigot at four different sinks was broken and will not shut off. Dishwasher room spray nozzle and faucet was also broken and would not shut off. Floor drains are clogged with trash.
REPEAT VIOLATION – Damaged walls with mildew on walls, floors, and ceiling, particularly in the dishwasher room. Food debris on floor. Ceilings showed water damage. Floor by cook station showed holes in it. Roll up door needs a new gasket.
REPEAT VIOLATION – Roach activity in bakery room and tray making station.
NEW VIOLATION – Cage covers and light shields missing from walk-in cooler units.
NEW VIOLATION – Jugs of water store inside the icemaker.
NEW VIOLATION – Facility was using single serve cups to dispense food instead of scoops with handles
It’s not the first time Smith State Prison has been under scrutiny for with the Georgia Department of Public Health. In 2022, the prison failed its health inspection under then-Warden Brian Adams. In that instance, the facility received a 68. The only distinguishable difference between that report and the 2026 inspection is that the 2026 inspection did not note rodent activity. In fact, this report is the first inspection since 2022 without rodent activity noted.
According to records, the facility was last inspected in June of 2025 when it received a score of 85 and in January of 2024 when it received a score of 82.
