MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) –
A Morgan County Grand Jury report has identified a series of security failures, ignored warning signs, and institutional concerns that investigators say may have contributed to the February 2026 killing of Corrections Officer Dustin Pedigo at the Morgan County Correctional Complex.
The report, released by District Attorney General Russell Johnson, reviews findings from a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Pedigo’s death. While the Tennessee Department of Correction focused on the homicide itself, the TBI examined broader institutional issues that may have allowed the attack to occur.
According to the report, inmate Reginald Steed repeatedly threatened correctional staff, including Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada and other employees. Investigators found those threats became increasingly specific over time, ultimately including statements that he intended to stab a correctional officer.
The report states that concerns about Steed were raised by multiple sources, including a U.S. Marshal and even Steed’s mother, who reportedly warned prison officials that her son intended to harm staff.
Grand jurors questioned whether those warnings were adequately evaluated before Steed was transferred from a more restrictive housing arrangement to a less restrictive phase within the facility’s Security Management Unit program.
The report notes that Steed was moved from Phase One to Phase Two on the same day Pedigo was killed. Under Phase One, inmates are monitored more closely and handled by two officers, one carrying a stun device. Phase Two allows greater inmate privileges and typically requires only a single officer to conduct checks.
Investigators found Steed had allegedly linked future violence to being moved into less restrictive housing conditions, raising concerns about whether officials sufficiently assessed the risks before approving the transfer.
The grand jury also questioned the effectiveness of the Security Management Unit program itself, suggesting it may not be achieving its goal of reducing violent inmate behavior.
Another major concern involved cell door locking systems at the prison. The report states TDOC has known since 2013 about vulnerabilities involving narrow-jamb cell locks that inmates could manipulate or jam.
Although Morgan County Correctional Complex was scheduled to eventually receive replacement locks, investigators noted the facility remained at the end of the replacement schedule despite housing a dangerous inmate population.
Pedigo was conducting a required lock inspection when Steed allegedly forced open a compromised cell door and launched the fatal attack.
The report further notes that secondary locking devices existed but were not installed prior to Pedigo’s death. Following the homicide, additional security measures were reportedly approved and implemented.
Beyond physical security concerns, the grand jury cited allegations of employee intimidation and retaliation. Witnesses claimed workers who raised safety concerns were subjected to lower performance evaluations or feared professional consequences for cooperating with investigators.
The report recommends accelerating lock replacements, improving inmate threat assessments, conducting an independent review of the Security Management Unit program, strengthening medical response capabilities, and creating protections for employees who report safety concerns.
Investigators also called for regular legislative oversight and progress reports to ensure corrective measures are implemented across Tennessee correctional facilities.
