CoreCivic buys Farmville Detention Center for $67 million

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- CoreCivic, a Tennessee-based corrections company, bought Farmville Detention Center on July 1 for $67 million.

Farmville Detention Center is a 736-bed facility located at 508 Waterworks Rd. operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Prince Edward County.

During an inspection of the detention center in December of 2024, when the facility was operated by Abyon, LLC,19 total violations of ICE detention standards, policies and operational procedures were noted.

Most violations pertained to medical care violations, including improper disease reporting, a lack of medical licensure records and no mental health evaluations for some detainees.

According to CoreCivic, the company agreed to buy Farmville Detention Center from Abyon, LLC, on June 10, and the sale closed on July 1. The agreement's terms reportedly end in March of 2029.

CoreCivic bought the facility for $67 million. The detention center will reportedly bring a total annual incremental revenue of roughly $40 million to the company.

The company said it is the largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities in the U.S.

According to a CoreCivic spokesperson, the facility's director/warden of 13 years, Jeff Crawford, will continue to lead the detention center.

Staffing changes will come through the addition of new specialty and supervisory positions.

The company added that it plans to invest roughly $5.4 million in facility improvements, including upgrades to the detention center's security systems and perimeter fencing, replacing skylights and improving airflow.

In addition, a spokesperson said staff will receive benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, a matching 401(k), paid leave, health advocacy services, financial wellness services, an employee assistance program and a tuition assistance scholarship fund.

In regard to its effect on the town of Farmville, Prince Edward County and the surrounding area, CoreCivic said it anticipates paying more than $180,000 in annual real estate and property taxes, as well as annual fees through the Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) that are estimated to be about $750,000.

The spokesperson further said the "mission of the [detention center] will not change," and that it will continue to serve ICE.

"FDC will operate with strong oversight and accountability from our government partners, including regular audits and onsite monitors," CoreCivic said. "Both CoreCivic and our government partners share a deep commitment to humane care."