Augusta County Public Records /Augusta County Inmate Search

Augusta County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Augusta County?

Inmate records in Augusta County are official government documents that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records are systematically maintained by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office and the Middle River Regional Jail, which serves Augusta County and surrounding jurisdictions.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to a case, inmate records specifically track an individual's custody status and institutional history. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 53.1-28, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody.

The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, law enforcement personnel collect identifying information, including:

Biographical data (name, date of birth, gender)
Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots)
Charge information
Arresting agency details

Throughout an individual's period of incarceration, their inmate record is continuously updated to reflect:

Housing assignments
Disciplinary actions
Visitation logs
Medical information
Program participation
Court appearances
Release information

Upon the individual's release from custody, their inmate record is closed but typically retained according to the Virginia Public Records Act retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia.

Are Inmate Records Public In Augusta County?

Inmate records in Augusta County are partially accessible to the public under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700). However, access is limited to specific information while other portions remain confidential due to privacy concerns and security considerations.

The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:

Inmate's full name
Current charges
Booking date
Custody status
Bond/bail amount
Expected release date (if applicable)
Facility location
Mugshot (in most cases)

Certain information within inmate records is explicitly exempt from public disclosure under Virginia Code § 2.2-3706, including:

Medical and mental health records
Social security numbers
Detailed personal identifying information
Disciplinary records
Information that would compromise facility security
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office and Middle River Regional Jail maintain current inmate rosters that are accessible to the public. These rosters provide basic information about individuals currently in custody and are updated regularly to reflect new bookings and releases.

What's Included Inmate Records in Augusta County

Inmate records in Augusta County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Distinguishing physical characteristics (scars, marks, tattoos)
Mugshot photographs
Fingerprints
Last known address

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Intake assessment results
Housing assignment
Custody classification level
Disciplinary incidents and actions
Program participation

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge description
Charge severity
Warrant or case numbers
Arresting jurisdiction
Prior criminal history (if applicable)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions
Court-ordered restrictions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case numbers
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders
Attorney information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/earned sentence credits
Probation/parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
Release conditions
Post-release supervision requirements
Destination upon release

This information is maintained in compliance with the Virginia Department of Corrections Operating Procedures and local jail policies.

Augusta County Prison System

Augusta County's correctional system operates within Virginia's dual-tier structure of local and state facilities. The county primarily utilizes the Middle River Regional Jail for local incarceration needs, while individuals sentenced to longer terms are transferred to state prisons operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections.

The Middle River Regional Jail serves as the primary detention facility for Augusta County and several neighboring jurisdictions including Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and Rockingham County. This regional approach allows for resource sharing and operational efficiencies across multiple localities.

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office maintains responsibility for transporting inmates to and from court appearances, as well as transferring individuals between facilities when necessary. The Sheriff's Office also conducts initial processing of arrestees before their transfer to the regional jail.

Augusta County Sheriff's Office
127 South Augusta Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5333
Augusta County Sheriff's Office

Local detention facilities like Middle River Regional Jail typically house:

Individuals awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees)
Those serving sentences for misdemeanors (typically up to 12 months)
Individuals serving shorter felony sentences (typically under 2 years)
Persons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Individuals held on probation/parole violations

Individuals sentenced to longer terms for felony convictions are transferred to the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections for placement in appropriate state prison facilities.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Augusta County

Augusta County utilizes several types of correctional facilities to manage different inmate populations:

Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5420
Middle River Regional Jail

This facility serves as the primary detention center for Augusta County and surrounding jurisdictions. Constructed in 2006 to address overcrowding at the former Augusta County Jail, Middle River Regional Jail has a rated capacity of approximately 396 inmates but frequently houses more. The facility provides:

Separate housing units for male and female inmates
Various security classifications
Medical services
Educational programs
Substance abuse treatment
Work release programs for eligible inmates
Religious services

Augusta Correctional Center
1821 Estaline Valley Road
Craigsville, VA 24430
(540) 886-7481
Virginia Department of Corrections

While not operated by Augusta County, this state prison facility is located within county boundaries and houses state inmates serving longer sentences. This medium-security facility is operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections and has a capacity of approximately 1,300 inmates.

Community Corrections Programs
Augusta County also utilizes alternative correctional programs for eligible offenders, including:

Home electronic monitoring
Day reporting centers
Work release programs
Drug court supervision
Probation services

These programs are administered through the Virginia Department of Corrections Probation and Parole District 12 office, which serves Augusta County.

Juvenile Detention
Juveniles from Augusta County who require secure detention are typically housed at:

Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center
300 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 886-0129
Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center

This regional facility serves multiple jurisdictions and provides specialized services for juvenile offenders.

Who's in Prison In Augusta County

The inmate population in Augusta County correctional facilities consists of diverse individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The Middle River Regional Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for Augusta County, typically houses:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial

Misdemeanant Offenders:

Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions
Typically serving sentences of less than 12 months
Common offenses include DUI, simple assault, petty theft, trespassing, and minor drug possession

Short-term Felony Offenders:

Persons serving sentences for less serious felony convictions
Typically serving sentences of less than 2 years at the local level
May include non-violent property crimes and certain drug offenses

Probation/Parole Violators:

Individuals who have violated terms of community supervision
May be held pending revocation hearings
Could include technical violations or new criminal charges

Temporary Holds:

Individuals awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Persons held on immigration detainers
Those awaiting mental health evaluations

Weekend Servers:

Individuals permitted by the court to serve their sentences on weekends
Allows maintenance of employment and family responsibilities
Typically for minor offenses or first-time offenders

According to data from the Virginia Compensation Board, the Middle River Regional Jail frequently operates above its rated capacity, reflecting broader trends in Virginia's local jail population. The demographic composition generally includes:

Predominantly male inmates (approximately 80-85%)
Diverse age ranges, with the majority between 20-45 years old
Varying racial and ethnic backgrounds
Significant percentage with substance abuse issues
Many with mental health concerns
Varying educational backgrounds and employment histories

The Augusta Correctional Center, a state prison facility located within the county, houses more serious offenders serving longer sentences for felony convictions, with these inmates under state rather than county jurisdiction.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Augusta County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Augusta County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for conducting inmate record searches:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Middle River Regional Jail website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Mugshot (in most cases)

Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Search:

For inmates who have been transferred to state custody:

Access the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator
Enter the inmate's name or ID number
Review the results for custody status and location information

In-Person Requests:

Individuals may visit the following locations to request inmate information:

Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5420
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Augusta County Sheriff's Office
127 South Augusta Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 245-5333
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Written Requests:

Written requests for inmate information may be submitted to:

Records Custodian
Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401

Written requests should include:

Requestor's full name and contact information
Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
Specific information being requested
Purpose of the request

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, agencies must respond to records requests within five working days. Fees may apply for extensive searches or document reproduction.

Court Records Search:

To find information about criminal cases associated with an inmate:

Visit the Virginia Judicial System Case Information website
Select "Augusta County" from the jurisdiction menu
Enter the individual's name
Review case information, including charges, hearing dates, and disposition

How To Find an Inmate in Augusta County for Free?

Augusta County residents and other interested parties can locate inmates currently in custody without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate location information:

Middle River Regional Jail Online Inmate Roster:

The most direct method for locating inmates in Augusta County custody is:

Visit the Middle River Regional Jail website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
Enter the inmate's last name (first name optional)
Review the results, which include current custody status and basic case information

This online roster is updated regularly and provides information on all individuals currently held at the facility.

Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator:

For inmates who may have been transferred to state custody:

Access the Virginia DOC Inmate Locator
Enter the inmate's name or DOC number
Review results showing current location and expected release date

This service is provided free of charge by the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Telephone Inquiry:

For those without internet access, basic inmate information can be obtained by calling:

Middle River Regional Jail
(540) 245-5420
Hours: 24 hours daily for basic inmate status information

When calling, be prepared to provide:

Inmate's full name
Date of birth (if known)
Your relationship to the inmate

Virginia Court Case Information System:

To determine if someone is in custody through court records:

Visit the Virginia Judicial System Case Information website
Select the appropriate court (Circuit, General District, or J&DR)
Search by the individual's name
Review case status, which may indicate if the person is in custody

In-Person Inquiry:

Individuals may visit the Middle River Regional Jail during normal business hours to inquire about an inmate's status:

Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401
Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Visitors should bring identification and be prepared to state the purpose of their inquiry.

How To Visit an Inmate In Augusta County

Visitation with inmates housed in Augusta County facilities is governed by specific policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following guidelines apply to visits at the Middle River Regional Jail:

Visit Schedule:

Visitation at Middle River Regional Jail operates on a scheduled basis:

General Population: Wednesday through Sunday
Hours vary by housing unit and security classification
Visits are typically 30 minutes in duration
Inmates are allowed two visits per week

Specific visitation days and times are assigned based on the first letter of the inmate's last name and their housing assignment. The current schedule is available on the Middle River Regional Jail website.

Visit Registration:

Prior to visiting, all visitors must:

Pre-register at least 24 hours in advance
Complete a visitor application form
Be approved by facility staff
Schedule their visit during designated hours

Registration can be completed online through the jail's visitation system or in person at the facility.

Visitor Identification Requirements:

All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification, such as:

Driver's license
State identification card
Military ID
Passport
Permanent resident card

Visit Rules and Procedures:

Visitors must adhere to the following regulations:

Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled visit time
Submit to security screening, including metal detector and/or pat search
Sign in at the visitation desk
Follow all staff instructions
Maintain appropriate behavior throughout the visit
Exit promptly when the visit concludes

Dress Code:

Visitors must comply with the facility dress code, which prohibits:

Revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
Clothing with offensive language or images
Gang-related attire or colors
Excessively baggy clothing
Hats or head coverings (except religious items)
Revealing undergarments
Open-toed shoes

Items Permitted During Visits:

Visitors may bring:

Identification
Car keys
Small amount of cash for vending machines (where available)
Baby supplies if visiting with an infant (limited quantities)

Prohibited Items:

The following items are not permitted in the visitation area:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products
Medications (except critical medications with prior approval)
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Papers, books, or magazines

Special Visits:

Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) are handled separately from regular visitation and may be arranged by contacting:

Middle River Regional Jail Programs Department
(540) 245-5420 ext. 1308
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Visit Restrictions:

Visitation privileges may be restricted or suspended for:

Violation of facility rules
Security concerns
Disciplinary reasons
Court order
Facility lockdown or emergency

All visitation policies are subject to change based on security needs and facility conditions. Visitors should verify current policies before planning their visit by checking the Middle River Regional Jail website or calling the facility directly.

How To Send Money to a Augusta County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Augusta County facilities have several secure methods available for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds allow inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and pay for certain services.

Online Deposits:

The most convenient method for sending money is through the jail's contracted service provider:

Visit the Middle River Regional Jail website
Navigate to the "Inmate Funds" section
Select the online payment portal
Create an account or log in
Enter the inmate's information
Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit/debit card

Online deposits are typically processed within 24 hours and may incur a service fee based on the amount deposited.

Kiosk Deposits:

Self-service kiosks are available in the lobby of the Middle River Regional Jail:

Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401
Lobby Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM, seven days a week

Kiosk deposits:

Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards
Provide immediate credit to inmate accounts
Issue receipts for all transactions
May have service fees depending on payment method

Mail-In Money Orders:

Money orders may be sent via postal mail to:

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401

Important guidelines for money orders:

Must be made payable to the inmate
Sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope
Personal checks and cash are not accepted
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days
No service fees are charged by the facility

Deposit Limits and Restrictions:

The following limitations apply to inmate accounts:

Maximum single deposit: $300
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500
Maximum account balance: $1,000

Permitted Uses of Funds:

Inmates may use account funds for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Tablet services (where available)
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Restitution payments (if court-ordered)

Prohibited Uses:

Inmate funds cannot be used for:

Purchasing contraband
Paying other inmates
Gambling activities
Bribing staff or other inmates
Purchasing items for other inmates

Account Management:

Inmates receive account statements showing:

Deposits received
Commissary purchases
Mandatory deductions
Current balance

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 53.1-131.3, a portion of funds received may be deducted for payment toward court costs, fines, and restitution.

Refunds Upon Release:

When an inmate is released:

Remaining funds are returned via debit card
Accounts with less than $1 are not refunded
Unclaimed funds are handled according to Virginia's unclaimed property laws

For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact:

Middle River Regional Jail Finance Department
(540) 245-5420 ext. 1201
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

How To Send Jail Mail In Augusta County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Augusta County facilities is subject to specific regulations designed to maintain security while allowing important communication with family, friends, and legal representatives. The following guidelines apply to mail sent to inmates at the Middle River Regional Jail:

Regular Mail Address Format:

All regular mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known)
Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401

Acceptable Mail Items:

The following items are generally permitted:

Letters (on plain white or lined paper)
Greeting cards (plain cards without musical, electronic, or pop-up components)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
Money orders (following the procedures outlined in the previous section)
Legal documents
Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

The following items are not accepted:

Packages or padded envelopes
Plastic or metal items of any kind
Stickers or adhesive labels
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Materials depicting violence or weapons
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Food items or cosmetics
Clothing or accessories
Hardcover books (unless sent directly from publisher)

Mail Inspection Procedures:

All non-privileged mail is subject to inspection:

Incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Contents may be read to ensure compliance with facility rules
Prohibited items will be returned to sender, destroyed, or placed in the inmate's property
Mail may be photocopied, with copies provided to inmates and originals stored

Legal/Privileged Mail:

Correspondence from attorneys, courts, and government officials receives special handling:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Privileged Correspondence"
Will be opened only in the presence of the inmate
Contents are inspected for contraband but not read by staff
Must include return address identifying the sender as an attorney or official agency

Publications and Books:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must:

Be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
Be paperback only (hardcover books are prohibited)
Not contain material that violates facility rules
Be limited to 3 per mailing

E-Messages (where available):

The facility may offer electronic messaging services:

Visit the Middle River Regional Jail website
Navigate to the inmate communication section
Create an account with the service provider
Purchase credits for messages
Compose and send messages following system guidelines

Electronic messages:

Are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
May have character limitations
Are typically delivered more quickly than postal mail
May incur fees based on message length

Mail Restrictions:

Mail privileges may be restricted for:

Security concerns
Disciplinary reasons
Court order
Violation of mail rules
Facility lockdown

All mail policies are enforced in accordance with Virginia Department of Corrections Operating Procedure 803.1 regarding inmate correspondence.

For questions regarding mail policies, contact:

Middle River Regional Jail Mail Room
(540) 245-5420 ext. 1304
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Lookup Inmate Records in Augusta County

Middle River Regional Jail

Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator

Virginia Court System Case Information

Virginia Department of Corrections