WASHINGTON, D.C.: On Monday, November 9, 2020, inmate John Rodrigues tested positive
for COVID-19 and was placed in medical isolation at the United States Penitentiary (USP)
Tucson in Tucson, Arizona. Institution medical staff provided treatment and monitored his
condition. On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, he was transported to a local hospital due to
respiratory distress. On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, Mr. Rodrigues, who had long-term, preexisting medical conditions which the CDC lists as risk factors for developing more severe
COVID-19 disease, was pronounced deceased by hospital medical staff.
Mr. Rodrigues was a 65-year-old male who was sentenced in the District of Hawaii to a Life
sentence for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more
of Methamphetamine and Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or
more of Methamphetamine. He had been in custody at USP Tucson since May 27, 2010.
USP Tucson is a high security facility that currently houses 1,340 male offenders.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: On Monday, November 23, 2020, inmate Terry Drake tested positive
for COVID-19 and was placed in medical isolation at the United States Penitentiary (USP)
Tucson in Tucson, Arizona. Institution medical staff provided treatment and monitored his
condition. On Thursday, November 26, 2020, he was transported to a local hospital due to
respiratory distress. On Monday, December 7, 2020, his condition declined and he was placed
on a ventilator. On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, Mr. Drake, who had long-term, pre-existing
medical conditions which the CDC lists as risk factors for developing more severe COVID-19
disease, was pronounced deceased by hospital medical staff.
Mr. Drake was a 73-year-old male who was sentenced in the Western District of Michigan to a
300-month sentence for Transporting a Minor in Interstate Commerce with Intent to Engage in
Sexual Activity; Using a Facility or Means of Interstate Commerce to Entice a Minor to Engage
in Sexual Activity; Felon in Possession of Firearms; and Transportation of Stolen Firearms. He
had been in custody at USP Tucson since June 27, 2019.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: On Thursday, November 5, 2020, inmate Anthony Casso tested
positive for COVID-19 and was placed in medical isolation at the United States Penitentiary
(USP) Tucson in Tucson, Arizona. Institution medical staff provided treatment and monitored
his condition. On Monday, November 9, 2020, he was transported to a local hospital due to
respiratory distress. On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, his condition declined and he was placed
on a ventilator. On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, Mr. Casso, who had long-term, pre-existing
medical conditions which the CDC lists as risk factors for developing more severe COVID-19
disease, was pronounced deceased by hospital medical staff.
Mr. Casso was a 78-year-old male who was sentenced in the Eastern District of New York to a
Life sentence for Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Murder, Conspiracy to Bribe
Union Leaders, Conspiracy to Bribe Labor Unions, Conspiracy to Commit Extortion, and
Conspiracy to Commit Income Tax Evasion. He had been in custody at USP Tucson since
March 25, 2020.