Elizabeth Holmes enters prison: What is life like inside the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas?

Elizabeth Holmes, disgraced founder of health-tech startup Theranos, has begun serving an 11-year sentence for fraud at Federal Prison Camp in Bryan Texas.

She was convicted last year on multiple charges of swindling investors while heading the now-defunct Theranos, which was supposed to produce revolutionary and life-saving blood-testing technology.

Holmes was ordered to serve her sentence at FPC, a low-security facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Like other federal prison camps, this one typically houses non-violent and white-collar female federal offenders.

Holmes in Camp Fed

These camps are designed to be less restrictive than higher-security facilities. Inmates are typically housed in dormitory-style buildings rather than individual cells. The living quarters may include bunk beds, communal bathrooms, and shared common areas.

At the height of Holmes’ career, Theranos was valued at approximately $10 billion, but in FPC Bryan she will likely be earning literally pennies for her time. Inmates at the facility are obliged to stick with a job assigned to them, according to the prison camp’s handbook, for which they will be paid salaries ranging from $0.12 to $1.15 an hour. These jobs include working in food service and in factories operated by Federal Prison Industries.

What Elizabeth Holmes’ life will be like

For the next 11 years, Holmes will hear the wake up call at 6 a.m. everyday, wear khaki pants and a khaki shirt, eat her meals at assigned hours, go to her designated job as dictated by her given schedule, then end her day with lights out at 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 p.m. on weekends.

She may see people on visiting hours on Saturdays and Sundays, and she can also avail of the prison’s video call facilities.

Aside from work assignments, prison camps often provide various programs and services aimed at inmate rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These may include educational programs and vocational training. She could look into preparing for an alternative future career for when she gets out. There are also chances to volunteer at FPC Bryan, and given her background and education, Holmes could choose to share her knowledge.