Top administrators in Colorado’s prison system were trading hundreds of racist, homophobic, and otherwise derogatory messages in a private group chat, according to a newly released administrative decision that has rocked the Department of Corrections. The texts, uncovered on a state-issued cellphone, have already led to demotions, a firing, retirements, and multiple employees being placed on paid leave, with more personnel fallout still possible as the review continues.
The decision names several current and former wardens: Ryan Long, who retired on April 1; Jeff Long, who remained on paid leave as of June 15; Mike Sewell, who was fired and told investigators he used a personal phone; Joshua Dorcey, who was demoted and later returned to work on Oct. 1, 2025; and Shane Stucker, who was removed from the Fremont Correctional Facility listing and was allowed to return on June 11. These details were first reported by The Denver Post.
The State Personnel Board decision, signed by Administrative Law Judge Keith Shandalow, states that the group chat "included hundreds of messages described as inappropriate, unprofessional, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, and otherwise offensive and derogatory," and confirms that the texts were found on a state-issued phone. The Denver Post reviewed the decision letter and published the findings. Shandalow is listed among the board’s administrative law judges on the State Personnel Board roster.
Operational Strain and Community Fallout
The scandal is landing at a brutal time for the Colorado Department of Corrections, which has been scrambling to manage staffing and safety problems this month. The department temporarily suspended in-person visitation at multiple facilities so managers could focus on those issues, as reported earlier in June by The Denver Gazette. Families and corrections advocates say revelations about bigoted conduct at the top only heighten distrust in leadership when morale and transparency are already under strain.
Discipline, Appeals and Oversight
The State Personnel Board handles challenges to disciplinary actions against state employees, spelling out how demotions, suspensions, and removals are reviewed. Under State Personnel Board rules, employees are entitled to administrative hearings and potential appeals, which means some of the personnel decisions in this case could be reduced, reversed, or otherwise modified. In other words, this decision is unlikely to be the last word, since the affected employees may pursue further review.
Broader Pattern and What Comes Next
Oversight experts and advocates say the case fits a broader pattern in which private chats among public-safety personnel spill into public view and trigger bitter fights over accountability. Colorado law enforcement has already seen similar controversy, including a 2024 incident in which three Denver officers were terminated over disturbing text messages, according to Axios Denver. For corrections, the latest disclosures are likely to fuel renewed demands from lawmakers and reform groups for stronger training, clearer complaint channels, and more independent oversight of front-line leadership.
Records in the State Personnel Board docket and follow-up filings with the Department of Corrections will show whether additional sanctions, reinstatements, or appeals are filed. We will be monitoring those filings and the department’s responses as the administrative process proceeds.
