INDIANAPOLIS – Marion County taxpayers have paid more than $53 million to a private correctional company currently under investigation for alleged drug smuggling, records show.
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Call 6 Investigates obtained Marion County’s contract with Corrections Corporation of America, a Nashville TN based company that runs Jail II, located at 730 East Washington Street in Indianapolis.
The contract with CCA was signed in the spring of 2007, under Sheriff Frank Anderson, and during Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson’s tenure.
The contract shows CCA receives $47.10 a day for each occupied inmate bed, with a minimum number of inmates at 1,025; however the rates vary depending on the number of inmates inside Jail II.
Sheriff John Layton told Call 6 Investigates they typically have about 1,150 to 1,200 inmates inside Jail II.
“They’re lower felonies and misdemeanors inside Jail II,” said Layton. “They’re not quite the risk as the main jail.”
Marion County paid CCA $18.9 million in 2014, $19.1 million in 2015, and so far in 2016, CCA received $15 million, records show.
MARION COUNTY PAYMENTS TO CORRECTIONS CORPORATION OF AMERICA:
Sixty Marion County Sheriff’s deputies found contraband in the form of drugs, cellphones and cash at one Marion County jail over the weekend.
Layton said someone will be criminally charged and that CCA workers and inmates are under investigation.
Marion County’s contract with CCA expires in 2017.
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Layton said there are no plans to terminate the agreement at this point.
“I’m sure there will be some investigation, but at this point there’s been no talk about taking that contract away,” said Layton. “I think we need to fix what’s broken.”
Corrections Corporation of America, also a major private prison provider, suffered a setback this summer after the federal government announced it plans to end private prison agreements.
Layton told Call 6 Investigates he learned of the decision through the news media.
“The feds didn’t share that with us,” said Layton. “I have no doubt about the federal government’s investigation. Who knows what will come of this.”
Inmate Nicholas Grant, 27, died over the weekend after he was found unresponsive at Jail II .
Layton said they are investigating, but believe Grant ingested heroin during the raid
Layton said they are currently monitoring the facility and boosting checks for contraband.
“We continue to keep the pressure on Jail II and the inmates in there to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” said Layton. “We are determined to make sure someone comes to justice. This can’t go on.”
CCA declined an interview with Call 6 Investigates but issued a news release Wednesday afternoon, saying the company has zero-tolerance for contraband:
"This past Friday, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) teams conducted searches and interviews at the Marion County Jail II, which is managed by Corrections Corporation of America (CCA). This operation is part of ongoing investigative efforts to detect, remove and prevent drugs and other contraband from being brought into the facility. MCSO’s efforts were carried out in response to recent incidents at the facility and with full cooperation, support and appreciation from CCA’s management team and staff.
Preventing drugs and other forms of contraband from being brought into correctional settings is a nationwide challenge that must be addressed to ensure the safety and security of inmates and staff. Recent incidents at Marion County Jail II involving possible drug overdoses by inmates are stark reminders of the potential dangers of contraband.
“We have a shared mission with Marion County to ensure safe and secure operations, and we are grateful for the time and efforts of the MCSO in helping us identify and eliminate contraband following these recent incidents,” said Marion County Jail II Warden Jeff Conway. “CCA has a zero-tolerance policy for contraband, and we have taken added measures to enhance detection and prevention efforts in the facility, in addition to the operations conducted by local law enforcement.”
Additional steps CCA has implemented to help mitigate contraband at Marion County Jail II include mobilizing Special Operations Responses Teams and two K-9 contraband detection teams, as well as teams with specialized equipment and training in the detection of contraband communications devices, and physical plant enhancements to limit inmate access to external windows. These measures are being taken in close collaboration with and strong oversight from Marion County officials, who have unfettered access to the facility, staff and inmates at all times.
“Sheriff Layton and his team have been integral in helping us address this serious issue,” added Warden Conway. “We remain committed to working closely with MCSO leadership on meaningful steps to reduce contraband, and we’re looking at all aspects of the facility – including policies and practices, physical plant, personnel and investigating any allegations – to make sure this facility is safe and secure.”
CCA is responsible for the operations of Marion County Jail II, which is fully accredited by the independent American Correctional Association (ACA), earning a score of 99 percent during its most recent audit in 2014. ACA Accreditation is a rigorous three-year process that culminates in an extensive audit by ACA. Auditors work on site for several days examining documentation and touring every part of the facility. Up to a hundred staff members and inmates are interviewed to give auditors an impression of facility operations. CCA maintains a 99.4 percent average among its 43 ACA accredited facilities."
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