California Institution for Men (CIM) is mourning the passing of Correctional Officer Lavell Sanders, Jr. The officer passed away Aug. 8, 2025.

Officer Sanders began his state career at Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility in November 2018 as a youth correctional counselor.
When DJJ closed in June 2023, he transferred to CIM where he remained until his untimely passing.
“Officer Sanders will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working side by side with him. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” according to a CIM statement.
Information regarding services is not yet available.
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
CSP‑Sacramento mourns passing of Altug Misirli, lieutenant
Altug Misirli, a correctional lieutenant at California State Prison-Sacramento, passed away July 14, 2026. Misirli began his career with the…
Vicky Herrera, retired case records technician
Vicky Herrera, a retired case records technician from North Kern State Prison in Delano, passed away June 28, 2026. Services…
Ida Jayne Franklin Grace, retired teacher‑librarian
Ida Jayne Franklin Grace, a retired teacher-librarian, passed away June 9, 2026, in Sacramento. She was 89 years old. Grace…
Joe Martinez, retired correctional lieutenant
Joe Martinez, a retired correctional lieutenant from RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD), passed away June 18, 2026. He worked for…
Joseph Havard, retired correctional sergeant
Joseph Havard, a retired correctional sergeant from CSP-Sacramento, passed away July 14, 2026. He worked for the department from June…
Gerald Janda, retired chief deputy warden
Gerald Janda, a retired chief deputy warden from Calipatria State Prison, passed away July 10, 2026. Janda began his career…