|
|
| Sting at county prison nets officer who sold tobacco to inmate |
| By The Citizens Voice |
| Published: 03/08/2004 |
|
A Luzerne County (Pa.) correctional officer was caught in a moneymaking scheme with an inmate while two other inmates were allegedly in possession of controlled substances. Warden Gene Fischi said the officer, whose name was not released, was observed selling three packs of cigarettes to an inmate last Tuesday night. Each pack was sold to the inmate for $35 with the inmate reselling individual cigarettes earning a $100 to $120 profit, Fischi said. "[Tuesday night], we had a tip that one of our guards was bringing in some tobacco for an inmate," Fischi said. "Deputy (Warden Sam) Hyder set up a sting to watch him deliver the items to that inmate. "The guard was taken down and escorted from the property. Under our personnel guidelines, I'm going to be asking for his termination at the next prison board meeting. He has been suspended without pay," Fischi noted. Fischi said it is not illegal to possess tobacco, but according to LCCF's code of ethics, tobacco is considered contraband. Fischi, Hyder and deputy warden for support Joseph Morris were given two months by majority Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid to clean up the embattled prison. LCCF and Fischi have been under fire since last October when two inmates escaped, and three correctional officers and two inmates were arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs in to and inside the prison. LCCF has also been criticized by a state Department of Corrections report that said correctional officers watching television and reading newspapers "appeared to be the norm." Fischi said Hyder, who is deputy for security, has instituted several security measures since taking the position in February. The officer caught allegedly smuggling in cigarettes will not be criminally charged, said District Attorney David W. Lupas. However, two male inmates were allegedly in possession of drugs. If the substances test positive for controlled substances, criminal charges will be filed against the inmates, Lupas said. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think