An Ohio sheriff has defended a so-called ‘warden burger’ that is allegedly served up to Butler County Jail inmates, with the institution being branded as ‘dangerous and deteriorating’.
On January 6, Democratic State Representatives Christine Cockley and Mark Sigrist, along with Senator William DeMora, issued a request for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) to investigate the Butler County Jail.
They sent a letter, writing that there was ‘documented evidence’ of inmate overcrowding, heating deficiencies, and foodservice violations, according to Fox 19 Cincinnati.
The Democratic trio outlined that they want the ODRC to ‘conduct an unannounced inspection of the Butler County Jail, develop a plan to address their housing concerns and ensure that the heating and cooling systems work’, as per Fox Carolina.
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The letter referenced an August 2025 report claiming the US institution housed 805 inmates—49 more than the state-recommended capacity of 756.
An inspection which took place in July also showed inmates who were placed in disciplinary isolation were allegedly served a ‘warden burger’.
This is despite the inspector stating that all inmates should receive the same meals, unless there is a health or safety condition, including inmates in isolation.
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“Jail Administration shall ensure all inmates are served the same meal unless the inmate uses food or food service equipment in a manner that is hazardous to self, staff, or other inmates.”
The New York Post said that this ‘warden burger’ was made from tomato paste, flour, dry milk, oats, beans, ground turkey, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garnished with ‘pinch of salt’.
The ingredients are reportedly mixed together and shaped into a patty before being served between two slices of plain white bread.
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The alleged fibre-packed meal has come under fire, with Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones hitting back at lawmakers.
Calling the letter ‘the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen in [his] life’, the official continued, claiming the ‘warden burger’ has been approved by a dietician.
“You get that in jail when you get in trouble,” Jones said in a video shared via Facebook.
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“It’s probably the most nutritious meal we serve. So, you don’t like it? It’s not your mommy or daddy fixing your meal. It’s jail.
“You only get that when you get in trouble in jail,” he reiterated. “You want to fight? You want to cause problems? You get a ‘warden burger’ and that’s what you get three times a day, and you get all the water you can drink.
He explained that fibre is ‘good for you’ and that a lot of people ‘struggle to get fibre’.
Jones claimed that he was ‘easy to please’ and that if he was served the slop three times per day, he would happily eat it.
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“I come from a generation that you eat whatever’s in front of you.”
The sheriff alleged that the warden burger had done some good in the past, making inmates think twice about acting out.
“And this may be just a little piece that keeps you out of trouble, keeps you from hurting other people,” he added. “That’s my goal here.”
Topics: US Food
Ella Scott