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Aerial view of USP Lee
High SecurityUSPMale+ Satellite Camp

USP Lee

Pennington Gap, VA· MXR Region

Population1,119
BOP RegionMXR

About USP Lee

USP Lee is a high-security federal penitentiary located in Pennington Gap, Virginia, that houses male inmates. With a total population of 1,119 inmates, the facility includes 1,063 inmates in the main penitentiary and an additional 56 inmates housed at an adjacent minimum-security camp. Situated in Lee County, Virginia, USP Lee serves the Mid-Atlantic Regional (MXR) office of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

As a high-security facility, USP Lee provides housing for inmates who require more restrictive custody than lower-security institutions. While specific program information is limited in available data, the facility operates under standard BOP protocols for high-security penitentiaries. The facility does not currently offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which may be an important consideration for inmates seeking substance abuse treatment as part of their incarceration.

Families planning to visit should familiarize themselves with USP Lee's visiting policies, which can be downloaded from the BOP website at www.bop.gov. The facility's location in rural Virginia may require careful travel planning for visitors. Prison Professors can help individuals and families prepare for the unique challenges of serving time at a high-security facility like USP Lee, providing guidance on what to expect and how to maintain strong family connections during incarceration.

Contact & Location

Mailing Address (Inmates)

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERLeeP.O. BOX 305Jonesville, VA 24263

Mailing Address (Staff)

LeeP.O. BOX 900Jonesville, VA 24263
276-546-0150
276-546-9115(Fax)
LEE-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov

Do NOT send money to an inmate using this facility's address. All funds must be sent to the processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.

GPS: 36.707827, -82.993818

Population & Housing

Total population: 1,119

Programs & Education

Program information for this facility is being compiled.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP Not Available

USP Lee does not currently offer RDAP.

The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is the Bureau of Prisons' most intensive substance-abuse treatment program. It is a 500-hour, unit-based program lasting 9 to 12 months, followed by community-based transitional treatment. Participants who successfully complete RDAP may be eligible for up to a 12-month reduction in their sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e).

Facilities that do not offer RDAP may still provide the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP), a less intensive outpatient-style treatment, or the Drug Abuse Education (DAE) course, a shorter psychoeducational program. Both can help demonstrate progress toward rehabilitation but do not qualify for the same sentence reduction as RDAP.

Learn more about RDAPPreparing for RDAP? Start your profile

Medical Care

Medical care level information is being compiled.

Standard BOP Medical Services

Sick Call Process

Inmates request medical attention by submitting a cop-out (Inmate Request to Staff) or a sick call form, typically available in each housing unit. Sick call is held on scheduled mornings — a staff member triages requests and inmates are seen by mid-level providers or physicians based on need.

Emergency Care

All BOP facilities provide 24/7 emergency medical coverage. In a medical emergency, staff will initiate on-site treatment and arrange outside hospital transport if necessary. Inmates should notify any staff member immediately for emergencies.

Dental Services

Routine dental exams are provided on an annual basis, including cleanings and necessary X-rays. Emergency dental care — such as treatment for pain, infection, or trauma — is available on a priority basis. Elective procedures are limited and subject to approval.

Mental Health Services

Each facility has psychology staff who provide individual counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, and mental health evaluations. Inmates can self-refer by submitting a cop-out to the Psychology Department. Inmates on psychiatric medications are monitored regularly.

Medications

Chronic care medications (e.g., blood pressure, insulin, psychiatric meds) are dispensed through a scheduled "pill line." Inmates must report at designated times to receive their medications. Over-the-counter medications are available through commissary; some may be prescribed at no cost.

Co-Pay Information

The BOP charges a $2.00 co-pay for inmate-initiated health care visits. Exemptions apply to follow-up visits requested by medical staff, emergency care, chronic care appointments, mental health contacts, preventive services, and prenatal care. Inmates with insufficient funds are not denied care.

Good to Know

Medical care quality and wait times vary by facility. Inmates with pre-existing conditions should bring documentation of their medical history, current medications, and treating physicians to assist with continuity of care during intake processing.

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Recreation

Standard BOP recreation information for a high-security facility. Actual offerings at USP Lee may vary.

Outdoor Recreation

High-security facilities have smaller, enclosed recreation yards with controlled movement. Outdoor recreation time is limited to designated periods, and the yard may be closed during counts, inclement weather, or institutional lockdowns. Men are typically released to the yard by housing unit on a rotating schedule.

  • Walking track (within enclosed yard)
  • Basketball court
  • Handball wall
  • Limited pull-up/dip stations

Indoor Recreation

Fitness Equipment

  • Cable weight machines and resistance equipment
  • Stationary bikes and elliptical trainers
  • Stair-steppers

Note on free weights: The BOP removed free weights from most federal facilities in the mid-1990s. Today, the vast majority of facilities offer only cable machines, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercise stations — not free weights.

Activities

  • Table tennis
  • Card and board games
  • Pick-up basketball

Leisure Activities

  • Arts and crafts workshops
  • Hobby craft programs (leatherwork, painting, drawing, crochet)
  • Intramural sports leagues and tournaments
  • Holiday and special-event tournaments
  • Movie nights (typically weekends)

Leisure programming at high-security facilities is more limited and closely supervised. Participation typically requires clear conduct records.

Library

All federal facilities are required to provide access to a law library so that inmates can research legal matters and prepare court filings. Most facilities also maintain a leisure library with fiction, non-fiction, and reference materials.

  • Law library with legal reference materials
  • Access to electronic legal research tools
  • Leisure library (fiction, non-fiction, self-help)
  • Newspapers and magazine subscriptions
  • Interlibrary loan requests (at some facilities)
  • Typewriter or computer access for legal work

Recreation schedules are posted at each facility and vary by season, staffing levels, and institutional operations. Weekend and holiday schedules often differ from weekday routines. Check with USP Lee's Recreation Department for the current schedule.

Work Assignments & UNICOR

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at USP Lee are required to work unless participating in a full-time education or vocational training program. Work assignments are made by the Unit Team based on institutional need, the inmate's skills and background, and current program participation.

Due to the higher security level, all work at USP Lee is performed within the secure facility perimeter under direct staff supervision.

Common Work Assignments

Food Service
Facilities Maintenance (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
Landscaping & Grounds
Orderly / Janitorial
Laundry
Education Tutor
Recreation Aide
Commissary
Chapel Orderly
Library Aide
Institutional Pay

Standard institutional work assignments pay between $0.12 and $0.40 per hour. Pay grades are determined by position and performance.

Work Performance

Good work performance is factored into program reviews and can positively affect custody classification, housing placement, and eligibility for preferred assignments.

UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)

UNICOR, also known as Federal Prison Industries (FPI), is a wholly owned government corporation that operates manufacturing and service operations inside federal prisons. UNICOR provides inmates with job training and work experience in real-world industries while producing goods and services for federal agencies.

$0.23 – $1.15 per hour

UNICOR pays significantly more than standard institutional work assignments, making it one of the most sought-after jobs in the federal system.

Products & Services UNICOR May Produce

Furniture & cabinetry
Textiles & clothing
Electronics & cable assemblies
Fleet management & vehicular components
Call center services
Printing & bindery

Application & Waitlist

Inmates must apply for UNICOR positions and there is often a waitlist. Priority is generally given to inmates with court-ordered financial obligations and those nearing release.

Benefits of UNICOR Participation

UNICOR participation is viewed favorably by staff and can positively impact time credits under the First Step Act, custody level reviews, and halfway house recommendations.

UNICOR Availability

Not all federal facilities have UNICOR operations. Contact USP Lee to confirm current UNICOR availability and operations.

First Step Act Time Credits

The First Step Act (FSA) allows eligible inmates to earn time credits toward early release or transfer to supervised release (halfway house or home confinement) through productive work assignments, educational programs, and vocational training.

10 – 15 days of credit per 30 days

Eligible inmates earn 10 days of time credits for every 30 days of successful participation in Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs or productive activities. Inmates assessed as minimum or low risk earn an enhanced rate of 15 days per 30-day period.

Work assignments — including institutional jobs and UNICOR — count as productive activities under the FSA. Combined with program participation, these credits can meaningfully reduce time served. Eligibility depends on factors including offense type, risk assessment score, and disciplinary record.

Learn More About the First Step Act

Commissary

Monthly Spending Limit

$360.00

Commissary Notes

Over-the-counter medications and postage stamps do not count against the monthly spending limit.

Good to Know

Over-the-counter medications and postage stamps do not count against the monthly spending limit. These items are tracked separately by the Bureau of Prisons.

How to Send Money

Friends and family can deposit funds into an inmate's commissary account through several methods:

  • MoneyGram — Available at retail locations nationwide. Use BOP Inmate Deposit code 7932.
  • Western Union — Send via online, phone, or in-person. Use BOP city code FBOP, DC.
  • U.S. Postal Money Order — Mail to the National Finance Center. Personal checks are not accepted.
  • Online via Trust Fund — Use the BOP's authorized deposit service at bop.gov.

All deposits are processed through the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Des Moines Finance Center. Allow 3–5 business days for funds to appear in the inmate's account.

Communication

Staying connected with a loved one at USP Lee is important. The Bureau of Prisons offers several ways for inmates and their families to communicate, including email, telephone, traditional mail, and video visiting. Each method has its own rules, costs, and limitations — here is what you need to know.

TRULINCS Email

TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) is the BOP's electronic messaging system. It is the primary way inmates at USP Lee send and receive email. Messages are text-only — no attachments, images, or formatted text.

Cost

~$0.05/min

Format

Text only

Inmates purchase email credits (stamps or units) using funds from their commissary account. They are charged per minute of usage while composing or reading messages. Incoming messages from family members are free for the inmate to receive, but the inmate pays to read and reply.

Getting Set Up

  • The inmate must add you to their approved contact list from inside the facility — family members cannot initiate the connection.
  • Once added, you will receive an email invitation from CorrLinks, the external-facing system that connects to TRULINCS.
  • Create a free CorrLinks account at corrlinks.com and accept the inmate's contact request.

Limitations

  • Text only — no photos, PDFs, or attachments of any kind
  • All messages are monitored and may be read by facility staff
  • Contact list must be approved before messaging can begin
  • Messages may be delayed during facility lockdowns or system maintenance

Telephone

Inmates at USP Lee can make outgoing phone calls to approved contacts. Calls are placed from designated phones within the housing units during scheduled hours.

300

Minutes / Month

15

Min Per Call

Monitored

& Recorded

  • Most inmates receive 300 minutes per month. Inmates on certain disciplinary statuses may have reduced allotments.
  • Each call is limited to approximately 15 minutes. A warning tone sounds before the call disconnects.
  • All calls are monitored and recorded except those designated as attorney-client privileged communications.
  • Inmates use their commissary account balance to pay for calls. Families can also set up prepaid phone accounts through the BOP's approved telephone provider to reduce per-minute costs.
  • International calls are available but cost significantly more than domestic calls.

Tip for Families

Setting up a prepaid account in advance ensures your loved one can call you as soon as they arrive at the facility. Contact the BOP's telephone provider to establish an account using the inmate's register number.

Mail

Traditional mail remains one of the most reliable ways to stay in touch with someone at USP Lee. All correspondence must include the inmate's full legal name and register number on the envelope and letter.

Inmate Mailing Address

INMATE FULL NAME, REGISTER NUMBERP.O. BOX 305Jonesville, VA 24263

What You Can Send

  • Letters and cards
  • Photographs (standard prints — no Polaroids or instant photos)
  • Newspaper and magazine clippings
  • Books and magazines sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)
  • Religious materials

What You Cannot Send

  • Packages (unless pre-approved by staff)
  • Cash, checks, or money orders to the facility
  • Stamps or stamped envelopes
  • Stickers, glitter, or glued items
  • Crayon or marker drawings
  • Perfumed or scented paper

Important

All incoming and outgoing mail is inspected by facility staff. Mail that violates BOP policy will be rejected and returned to the sender. Always include a return address on your envelope.

Video Visiting

The Bureau of Prisons has rolled out video visiting capabilities at many federal facilities, including institutions like USP Lee. Video visits allow families to see and speak with their loved one face-to-face without traveling to the facility.

  • Conducted through facility-issued tablets or designated video visiting stations within the housing unit.
  • Must be scheduled in advance through the BOP's approved scheduling system.
  • Subject to institutional availability — sessions may be limited during lockdowns, counts, or high-demand periods.
  • Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visiting list to participate in video visits.
  • Video visits are monitored and recorded, similar to phone calls.

Availability Note

Video visiting availability varies by facility and may change based on institutional needs. Contact USP Lee directly to confirm whether video visiting is currently offered and how to schedule a session.

BOP Communication InfoCorrLinks (TRULINCS Email)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting hours at USP Lee vary and families should consult the facility's specific visiting policy available on the BOP website at www.bop.gov. As a high-security facility, visiting procedures are more restrictive than lower-security institutions. All visits must be scheduled in advance and visitors must be on the inmate's approved visiting list.
Money can be sent to inmates at USP Lee through the BOP's approved methods including MoneyGram, Western Union, cashier's checks, or money orders. Electronic transfers are typically the fastest method. All funds must include the inmate's full name and registration number to ensure proper crediting to their commissary account.
The commissary at USP Lee operates on a scheduled basis where inmates can purchase approved items including food, hygiene products, clothing, and electronics. High-security facilities typically have more limited commissary hours and purchasing restrictions compared to lower-security institutions. Inmates' spending is limited by their account balance and monthly spending caps set by the BOP.
Inmates at USP Lee can make outbound calls using the facility's phone system during designated hours. All calls are monitored and recorded except for privileged legal calls. Inmates cannot receive incoming calls except in emergency situations approved by staff. Family members should establish a plan for regular phone contact times.
USP Lee uses the BOP's TRULINCS electronic messaging system for email communication between inmates and their approved contacts. This system allows inmates to send and receive messages, though all communications are monitored. Family members must register for TRULINCS and be on the inmate's contact list to exchange emails.
All incoming and outgoing mail at USP Lee is subject to inspection by staff. Inmates can receive letters, magazines, and books from approved sources. High-security facilities have stricter mail policies, including restrictions on certain types of mail and packaging. Legal mail receives special handling and privacy protections.
USP Lee does not currently offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which provides intensive substance abuse treatment and potential sentence reduction. However, the facility may offer other substance abuse counseling and support groups through psychology services. Inmates needing RDAP may need to request transfer to a facility that offers the program.
While specific program details aren't available, USP Lee likely offers basic educational services including GED preparation and adult continuing education classes as required by BOP policy. High-security facilities typically have more limited programming than lower-security institutions. Inmates should speak with education staff about available opportunities.
Daily life at USP Lee follows a structured schedule typical of high-security penitentiaries, including regular counts, controlled movement between areas, and limited recreational time. Inmates are housed in cells and have restricted movement compared to lower-security facilities. Work assignments, meals, and programs operate on a strict schedule maintained by staff.
USP Lee provides medical care through BOP health services, though the specific level of care available isn't detailed in available data. All BOP facilities provide basic medical, dental, and mental health services. Inmates with serious medical conditions may be transferred to medical referral centers or facilities better equipped to handle their needs.
Transfers from USP Lee are processed through the BOP's designation and computation center based on factors including security level, program needs, and proximity to family. Inmates may request transfers but approval depends on bed space, security considerations, and other factors. High-security inmates face more restrictions on transfer options than those at lower-security facilities.
Families visiting USP Lee should expect thorough security screening including metal detectors and possible searches. Visitors must dress appropriately according to BOP dress code and cannot bring personal items into the visiting room. The facility's rural location in Virginia may require significant travel time and advance planning for visits.
Families can prepare by understanding the facility's policies, establishing communication routines, and planning for the long-term nature of sentences at high-security facilities. Prison Professors offers resources and guidance for families navigating federal prison experiences. Building a strong support system and maintaining regular contact helps inmates successfully serve their time.
USP Lee likely offers various work assignments including food service, maintenance, laundry, and facility operations as typical in BOP institutions. Work assignments provide inmates with job skills training and small wages. High-security facilities may have fewer work opportunities than lower-security institutions due to security restrictions.
To be added to an inmate's visiting list at USP Lee, you must complete a visitor application and undergo a background check. The inmate must submit your information to staff for approval. Processing can take several weeks, so families should begin this process as early as possible after the inmate's arrival at the facility.

Have more questions about USP Lee? Contact us and we'll do our best to help.

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