‘Warden Burger’ Controversy: Ohio Sheriff Defends Meal as Lawmakers Call For State Probe of Butler County Jail

Ohio lawmakers have asked the state to launch an unannounced inspection of Butler County Jail in Hamilton after an ODRC compliance report raised concerns about overcrowding, heating problems and food-service violations — including the use of a controversial meal known as the “warden burger” for inmates in disciplinary isolation.

Inspection Findings

According to a July compliance report by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC), the jail was housing 805 inmates, which exceeds the state's recommended capacity of 756 by 49 people (the facility's maximum housing limit is 844). Inspectors flagged several issues, including overcrowding, intermittent heating problems and breaches of the state's food-service standards.

Warden Burger Flagged

State jail inspector Caleb Ackley reported that inmates placed in disciplinary isolation were served a different meal — a so-called "warden burger" — instead of the same food provided to the general population. The loaf-style sandwich is described as a dense mixture of tomato paste, oats, beans, ground turkey and vegetables, served between two slices of white bread. Inspectors noted the jail administration must ensure all inmates receive the same meal unless an individual presents a documented hazard.

"On the day of the inspection, it was found that all inmates placed in disciplinary isolation are served a 'warden burger,'" Ackley wrote. "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."

Sheriff's Response

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones has defended the practice, saying the meal is given to inmates who "get in trouble," is approved by a dietician and is served three times daily. In a public interview in 2023, Jones sampled the sandwich on camera and said he would eat it himself to demonstrate his position. He described it as "probably the most nutritious meal we serve."

GoogleMapsButler County Jail

Jones has also pushed back on broader concerns about safety, stating the jail provides medical and dental care, televisions and regular meals, and that maintenance staff address furnace and heating problems as they arise.

Lawmakers' Request

State Reps. Christine Cockley and Mark Sigrist, together with Sen. William DeMora, sent a Jan. 6 letter to the ODRC asking for an unannounced inspection and requesting a corrective action plan. The lawmakers want assurances that heating and cooling systems work properly and that safeguards are in place to protect inmates while any investigation proceeds.

Representatives from Butler County Jail and the ODRC did not provide immediate comment to media outlets following the report.

What’s Next

The ODRC will consider whether to perform an unannounced follow-up inspection and whether remedial measures or oversight are warranted. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over conditions in jails and the balance between discipline, humane treatment and regulatory compliance.