A USP Atwater employee died Friday after apparently coming into contact with an unknown substance contained in inmate mail.
Media reports have said the substance may have been fentanyl, but that has not been confirmed by federal officials.
A statement from the Council of Prison Locals 33 identified the employee as Marc Fischer.
The statement from the union said Fischer had handled mail that had been “soaked in drugs.” Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to the effects of the lethal substance, the statement said.
“Mr.Fischer was a dedicated professional who served with integrity and commitment and was excited to soon be retiring,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and co-workers during this very difficult time.”
The union is calling for a thorough investigation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons into Fischer’s death and that anyone involved “be held responsible to the maximum extent possible.”
“The safety and well-being of our staff members are of the utmost importance to the Council of Prison Locals, and we will continue to work diligently with Congress, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Prisons to address introductions of drugs into the prisons,” the statement said.
A notice on the Bureau of Prisons website said all visits to USP Atwater have been suspended until further notice.