Phillips claims that guards at the Chemung County Jail are mistreating him due to his notoriety. In a six-page letter to "The Buffalo News", he claims he is being provoked with obscenities, that the TV is left on all night so he can't sleep, he is being watched shower, and denied routine privileges. Chemung County Sheriff Christopher Moss denies the claims. Moss adds that Phillips is a model prisoner, but is under surveillance at all times because he is considered an escape risk.