Meet Our Team

Michael Nessinger

Warden

Mr. Michael Nessinger began his career at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility as Chief of Security (Major) in September 2017. Mr. Nessinger was appointed as the Interim Warden in August 2022 and appointed as Warden in August 2023. 

Warden Nessinger has over 28 years of correctional experience. He retired from the Essex County Sheriff’s Department in Massachusetts where he began his career as a correctional officer and worked his way through the chain of command where he held several positions including correctional lieutenant, captain and retiring at the rank of Deputy Superintendent.

During his career, Warden Nessinger provided working solutions that met civil and criminal detention management needs and was instrumental in developing various programs that were beneficial to the safety and security of the public, staff and detainees.

Warden Nessinger holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Springfield College. 

Lus Jimenez

Director of Programs

Ms. Lus Jimenez began her career at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in January 2019 as the administrative assistant in the Programs Department. Due to Ms. Jimenez’ tenacity and stick-to-itiveness, she has been advanced several times in her career to ICE Counselor,  Grievance/Evidence Coordinator, and Unit Manager (ICE and USMS housing units).

In 2023, Ms. Jimenez was chosen to lead the Programs Department and was promoted to the position of Programs Director. In her tenure at the Wyatt Detention Facility, Director Jimenez has worked closely with outside agencies and organizations in order to bring programmatic opportunities to the detainee population.

Prior to joining the Wyatt team, Director Jimenez held a supervisory role at CoWorx Staffing Services.  Director Jimenez previously attended Johnson and Wales University where she majored in Criminal Justice.

Alisha Casale

Human Resources Director

Ms. Alisha Casale joined the Wyatt Team in April 2022 as the facility’s Human Resources Specialist. In this capacity, Ms. Casale administered the payroll, employee relations, recruitment process, and benefits enrollment aspects of the Human Resources Department. In May 2023, Ms. Casale was promoted to the position of Human Resources Generalist. As a result of her unwavering dedication, hard work and loyalty, Ms. Casale was promoted in December 2024 to the facility’s highest human resources position, that of HR Director. 

Committed to navigating progressive performance via strategic HR initiatives, Director Casale possesses expertise in positive workplace culture, consistently delivering results that align with facility goals, while maintaining a strong grasp on compliance and ethical practices. 

With over 15 years of HR experience and a lengthy background as Office Manager of the Quinn Funeral Homes, Director Casale demonstrates empathy and professionalism.  Her rapport with the staff reflects the beneficial impact she has on the facility.  Director Casale is committed to elevating employee performance and professionalism, as well as espousing a “Good Neighbor” philosophy with the local community.

Major Anthony Lepore

Chief of Support Services

Mr. Anthony Lepore has been employed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility since 2015. He began his career as a correctional officer with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections in 1981. During his tenure with the RI DOC, Mr. Lepore held supervisory positions within the chain of command as well as on various facility committees. He represented the rank and file workers of the RI Brotherhood of Correctional Officers Union as President and also held the positions of 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President.

After retiring from the RI DOC in 2009, he taught high school at Richard Milburn Academy in Fort Myers, Florida. In 2010 he was selected as the Dean of Students (Discipline) and served as the vice principal in the absence of the school’s principal.

Mr. Lepore first came to Wyatt as the Food Service Director with Aramark Correctional Services. Within his first year at Wyatt he was offered and accepted the position of Discipline Coordinator. He was later promoted to the ranks of lieutenant and captain. In April 2021, Mr. Lepore was promoted to the rank of major and appointed as the facility’s Chief of Support Services.

Major Lepore has a bachelor’s degree in education from Providence College and a master’s degree from Capella University in the field of curriculum and instruction.

Major Jacob Sullivan

Chief of Security

Mr. Jacob Sullivan began his career at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in November 2007 as a correctional officer. Early in his career, Mr. Sullivan became a member of the facility’s Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT), where he acquired a considerable amount of tactical and technical knowledge that would help propel his rise through the ranks.

Due to Mr. Sullivan’s knowledge, experience and dedication to duty, he has been promoted through the correctional ranks to sergeant, lieutenant, shift captain, Operations Captain, and most recently, Mr. Sullivan was promoted to the rank of major and appointed the Facility’s Chief of Security.

As the Chief of Security, Major Sullivan is the custodian of the facility's comprehensive security strategy. In addition, Major Sullivan designs and implements security related policies, ensures stringent compliance with regulations, and fosters a culture of safety among all personnel. His leadership transcends mere management, reflecting a commitment to upholding the highest standards of security and professionalism.

Eric Martins

Director of Facilities/Procurement

Mr. Eric Martins has been employed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility since June 2018. Mr. Martins began his career as a General Maintenance Technician at Memorial Hospital located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island from June 2004 until January 2018.

While employed at Memorial Hospital, Mr. Martins performed various preventative and corrective maintenance functions in the areas of plumbing, electrical, carpentry and HVAC. As a General Maintenance Technician, Mr. Martins sought and acquired a diverse background with considerable experience in the major trade disciplines, which has allowed Mr. Martins to excel at this, and subsequent, positions within the engineering/maintenance field. Since then, he has made great strides at the Wyatt Detention Facility from his beginnings as a Maintenance Assistant to Maintenance Foreman, and now serves as the Director of Facilities and Procurement.

 

David Tomasso

PSU Director

Mr. David Tomasso has been employed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility as the Director of the Professional Standards Unit since September 2015. Director Tomasso is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and brings with him over 22 years of law enforcement experience. Mr. Tomasso served 20 years with the Coventry Rhode Island Police Department, retiring in 2013 as Detective Captain.

During his career, Mr. Tomasso earned many commendations including the Medal of Valor, Meritorious Service, and Distinguished Service and Law Enforcement Officer of the year in 2006. He acted as the department’s Agency Representative to NICB, NW3C and NESPIN. He was a member of S.O.L.E.M.N., the U.S. Marshals Task Force that monitors, investigates and apprehends sex offenders. Prior to joining the Wyatt team, Mr. Tomasso worked for the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Police Department as a Lieutenant in charge of the Liston Campus located in Providence RI.

 

Jeremy Sullivan

Training Director

Mr. Jeremy Sullivan has been employed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility since June of 2006. He began his career as a correctional officer. Early on, Mr. Sullivan decided to become a member of the facility’s Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT), where he attained proficiency in both the tactical and technical aspects of facility operations.

Mr. Sullivan worked his way through the ranks where he has held various ranks and positions including that of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, Operations Captain, Administrative/Recruitment Captain, and most recently, the Director of Training and Recruitment. 

While holding the position as the Administrative/Recruitment Captain, he worked side-by-side with members of the Administration and Training Departments to adequately staff the facility. Director Sullivan has been a training instructor for both pre-service and in-service training for staff and is currently one of the facility’s firearms instructors. 

 

Nunzio Vuono

Director of Finance

Mr. Nunzio Vuono began his career at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility as a financial contractor in April 2019 and was appointed as the Director of Finance in October 2019.  Mr. Vuono is an experienced Financial Executive with 23 years of financial management experience in Corporate Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Audit and Consolidations. He has extensive experience in Budget Preparation, Process Analysis, System Improvement, Cash Flow Reporting, Financial Analysis, US GAAP, US GASB Compliance and Accounting Policies & Procedures Documentation. 

A native Rhode Islander, he is a proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island and a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Rhode Island.  He attained his Certificate in DOJ Grand Financial Management in January 2025, and looks forward to contributing to the success of the Wyatt Detention Facility.

 

Daniel Papagolos

Director of IT

Mr. Daniel Papagolos has been a member of the Wyatt team since November 2024. With nearly 30 years of experience in the information technology (IT) industry and achieving numerous IT certifications, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the facility.

A proud graduate of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, Dan began his career in education, working at institutions such as Harvard University and the Community College of Rhode Island, where he served as a Network Administrator and Technology Manager.

He later transitioned to the real estate industry, spending nearly 17 years with a CENTURY 21 franchise. Starting as a Project Manager, Dan eventually took the position of IT Director, honing his skills and leadership abilities along the way.

Dan's extensive background and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility family. Director Papagolos continues to drive innovation, ensuring the smooth operation of the facility's IT infrastructure, along with staying abreast of the latest technological advancements, processes, and related trends.

 

 

Desmond Gyamfi

Health Services Administrator

Mr. Desmond Gyamfi is a registered nurse who joined the team at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in October 2022 as the charge nurse for the second shift. Mr. Gyamfi excelled in this position, showcasing exceptional leadership abilities which led to his future promotion to the Health Services Administrator (HSA) position in January of 2025.

As the HSA, Mr. Gyamfi is the responsible health authority for the delivery of comprehensive health care services (medical, dental, and mental health) provided to the detainee population. 

HSA Gyamfi brings over 13 years of nursing leadership and healthcare management experience to this role. His strong communication skills and treatment team leadership were foundational for patient success at a long term care facility where he was the medical provider for over 100 patients.