JOSHUA SMITH: FROM PARDONED FELON TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE BOP
Who is Joshua Smith – the next Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons?
Joshua Smith spent five years behind bars in Kentucky for his involvement in drug trafficking, then in 2025, Smith was awarded a full pardon Wednesday by President Donald Trump.
- 2020: Pardoned by President Trump
- 2025: But that was not the end, as he was appointed Deputy Director of the BOP.
EARLY YEARS.
Smith, raised by a single mother and overcoming abuse, left home at 11 and faced ten felony convictions by 16. After his release in 2003, he transformed his life, founding Master Service Companies, a residential service firm that grew into a $30 million enterprise. Today, with over 180 employees, many of whom are formerly incarcerated, the company exemplifies the power of determination and support for a fresh start.
Founded Fourth Purpose Foundation
The Fourth Purpose Foundation aims to transform the prison experience into one of hope and rehabilitation. With Josh’s commitment to community safety, the organization helps individuals become positive, contributing members of society, fostering understanding and compassion for a better future.
Prison Life Media
In 2024, Fourth Purpose Foundation launched Prison Life Media, an initiative focused on revealing the realities of life in correctional facilities. By sharing authentic stories from both incarcerated individuals and staff, the platform aims to foster understanding and compassion, challenge societal stigmas, and promote a more humane justice system. It advocates for meaningful transformation and successful reentry, ultimately supporting safer and stronger communities.
Men of Valor’s new Dogan-Gaither Flats in Knoxville
On September 19, 2022, we opened a new housing facility at 211 Jessamine St. This welcoming space is dedicated to supporting 30 formerly incarcerated men as they transition back into society. We understand the challenges they face, and we’re here to provide not just housing, but also compassionate counseling, job placement assistance, and essential skills for reintegration. Together, we can help them rebuild their lives and find hope for a brighter future.
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CHANGES ‘ANTICIPATED,’ IN THE BOP
To say that the Federal Bureau of Prisons has been roiled by accusations of cronyism and corruption, widespread staffing shortages, violence, and misconduct is an understatement. Changing a culture that has been ongoing and ‘set in their ways’ is aspirational but can be accomplished, just not overnight.
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Joshua Smith, the new Deputy Director, will be running straight into a crumbling infrastructure, a medical care system that, on paper, provides “Basic Care,” but in reality, needs a head-to-toe reboot, among other issues.
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EXAMPLE: DOJ OIG Releases an Inspection of the BOP’s Federal Medical Center Devens. The report 12/11/2024 noted;
- … substantial shortages of healthcare employees and Correctional Officers, which is an issue at many BOP institutions but particularly problematic for a medical institution, have created widespread and troubling operational challenges at FMC Devens that substantially affect the health, welfare, and safety of employees and inmates.
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While the litany of issues is endless, he comes in with purpose, and experience having started a rehabilitation nonprofit foundation, the Fourth Purpose. Together with the new BOP Director, William Marshall, these steps could all be in the right direction. Time will tell. 🤞
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