Search results matching tag 'Florida'

Ex-Florida prison boss: Drunken orgies tainted system

arhunt — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:46:25 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (CNN) -- Softball, drunken orgies and a prison system run like the mafia. That's what Florida's former prison secretary says he inherited when he took over one of the nation's largest prison systems two years ago.

In fact, on his first day on the job, James McDonough says he walked into his office -- the same one his predecessor used -- and there was crime scene tape preventing anyone from entering.

"That was an indication we had a problem in the department," McDonough told CNN in an exclusive interview before he stepped down last Thursday.

McDonough revealed a startling list of alleged abuses and crimes going on inside Florida's prisons:

• Top prison officials admitting to kickbacks;

• Guards importing and selling steroids in an effort to give them an edge on the softball field;

• Taxpayer funds to pay for booze and women;

• Guards who punished other guards who threatened to report them.

"Corruption had gone to an extreme," McDonough said, saying it all began at the top. "They seemed to be drunk half the time and had orgies the other half, when they weren't taking money and beating each other up."

He added, "Women were treated like chattel in this department."

McDonough described a bizarre prison culture among those that ran the system -- one that he says seemed obsessed with inter-department softball games and the orgies after games.

"I cannot explain how big an obsession softball had become," he said. "People were promoted on the spot after a softball game at the drunken party to high positions in the department because they were able to hit a softball out of the park a couple times."

"The connection between the softball and the parties and the corruption and the beatings was greatly intertwined."

The parties and orgies were often carried out at a waterfront house built on prison grounds for a former warden with taxpayer dollars, McDonough said. The house was complete with a bar, pool table and hot tub.

McDonough is a former Army colonel who commanded troops in Vietnam and Africa. He served as Florida's drug czar before taking on the job as the head of Florida's prison system, which oversees 90,000 inmates.

He left his post last Thursday as secretary of Florida's Department of Corrections because, he says, he feels he has cleaned up the corruption. It's time, he said, "to turn this over to law and order people that have made this their life's goal."

A Brooklyn, New York, native, McDonough says he witnessed the way the mafia worked in his youth and it provided him a keen insight into how his prison predecessor, James Crosby, operated.

"It reminded me of the petty mafia I saw on the streets of Brooklyn when I was growing up in the late 1950s, early 1960s -- petty, small-minded, thugish, violent, dangerous, outside the law, and completely intolerable for a society such as ours in the United States of America," he said.

Crosby would later plead guilty to bribery charges in relation to kickbacks from a prison vendor. He's now locked up in a federal prison. He refused CNN's request for an interview for this report.

"He's serving time in a federal prison. I hope he reforms and gets out and prospers," McDonough said.

He added, "When you have a rotten guy at the top, or gal at the top, it can be very invasive, and it's a cancer that needs to be excised."

And getting rid of this "cancer" is exactly what McDonough says he did. McDonough fired 90 top prison officials -- wardens, supervisors, colonels and majors -- claiming they were corrupt or, at the very least, not to be trusted. He demoted 280 others.

Criminal charges were filed against more than 40 others, and most were convicted. Among those arrested were seven officers accused of beating inmates, including five accused of forcing a prisoner to drink toilet water. All have pleaded not guilty.

Tina Hayes, the director of the prison's department initiatives who has worked in the prison system for 28 years, said the atmosphere before McDonough arrived was "a little tense" with workers "always on edge."

She said employees who didn't attend softball games or play on the teams were "isolated" and "pushed aside."

"I used to tell staff day in and day out: Keep your head high; do what's right; you know what morally is right; you've got some ethics; don't bow down to it," Hayes told CNN.

McDonough, she said, brought "standards back into the department."

"People can speak out now without being afraid to say what they need to say."

McDonough says the majority of the prison system's 28,000 employees were honest, hard-working people who weren't corrupt at all. But he says many of the top prison officials weren't and he believes he has weeded out "an organized vein of corruption."

Re: Looking for my brother...

arhunt — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:21:16 GMT

Hi,

Sorry to hear you are having trouble. The link below is maintained by the State of Florida and is free to use.

http://www.dc.state.fl.us/AppCommon/

Good luck!

Re: Hendry Correctional Institution

FreeJP — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:25:59 GMT

Talk about corrupt...... I was in Corcoran State Prison, CA and saw the same things happen all of the time... it makes me sick to thnk of te things that Correctional Officers do to both inmates ad family members.... and they get away with it....

South Florida Reception Center SFRC - South Unit

arhunt — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:26:17 GMT

Directions: In Dade County: Take Turnpike south, exit 41st Street, right at light and facility is about two miles on left. Or, take SR-826 (Palmetto Expressway), exit 36th Street West (which becomes 41st Street) and facility is about 6.2 miles on left.

Historical Information: This facility was established in 1985 to house male inmates. It is one of three reception centers for male inmates. SFRC-South, Hollywood Work Release Center, Pompano Work Release Center, Miami North Work Release Center and Opa Locka Work Release Center are under the supervision of SFRC.

Total Staff (on 1/07): 459

Type of Housing Units:
Open Bay Housing Units	2
Cell Housing Units	10
Room Housing Units	1
Total Capacity	1,100
Other Information:
Population Gender	Male
Adult or Youthful	Adult
Facility Level	6
Self Contained Housing Units	Yes
Designated Confinement Space	Yes
Custody Grades	Close, Medium, Minimum, Community
Medical Grades	1 through 5
Psychological Grades	1 through 5
Wheelchair Capabilities	Yes
Hearing Impaired Capabilities	Yes

Academic Programs:

None at this time

Vocational Programs:

None at this time

Wellness Education Services:

Fresh Start Smoking Cessation
Wellness Education

Library Services:

Library Program
Major Law Collection

Substance Abuse Programs:

None at this time

Chaplaincy Services:

Chapel Library Program
Kairos Week-ends
Prison Fellowship Monthly
Religious Education
T.D. Jakes Satellite Location
Worship Services

Institutional Betterment Programs:

None at this time

Other Ongoing Programs:

Band Program
Transition Skills Program

South Bay Correctional Facility

arhunt — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:24:27 GMT

600 U.S. Highway 27 South
South Bay, Florida
33493-2233

(561) 992-9505
Suncom: N/A
FAX: (561) 992-9551
E-Mail: southbaycf@ thegeogroupinc.com

Chaplain's Office
(561) 992-9505

Directions: Located on US-27, just south of the intersection of US-27 and SR-80.

Historical Information: This facility was established in 1997 to house adult male inmates. It is operated by The GEO Group (formerly Wackenhut Corrections Corporation) under contract with the Correctional Privatization Commission.

Total Staff (on 1/07): 1 Department of Corrections staff

Type of Housing Units:
Open Bay Housing Units	1
Cell Housing Units	7
Room Housing Units	0
Total Capacity	1,862
Other Information:
Population Gender	Male
Adult or Youthful	Adult
Facility Level	5
Self Contained Housing Units	Yes
Designated Confinement Space	Yes
Custody Grades	Close, Medium, Minimum, Community
Medical Grades	1 through 4
Psychological Grades	1 through 3
Wheelchair Capabilities	Yes
Hearing Impaired Capabilities	No

Academic Programs:

Adult Basic Education/GED
Literacy

Vocational Programs:

Building Maintenance Technology
Business Software Applications
Carpentry & Cabinetmaking (Cabinetmaking)
Environmental Horticulture
Gasoline Engine Service Technology
Nursery Operations

Library Services:

Library Program
Major Law Collection

Substance Abuse Programs:

Tier I - Substance Abuse Education (RTC)
Tier IV - Residential Therapeutic
Community (RTC)

Other Ongoing Programs:

Alcoholics Anonymous
Life Skills
Narcotics Anonymous

Okeechobee Correctional Institution

arhunt — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:21:25 GMT

3420 N.E. 168th Street
Okeechobee, Florida
34972-4824

(863) 462-5400
Suncom: 761-5400
FAX: (863) 462-5402
E-Mail: okeechobeeci@ mail.dc.state.fl.us

Chaplain's Office
(941) 462-5400

Directions: Exit I-95 at SR-68 (northernmost exit in Ft. Pierce). Go west on SR-68 for approximately 25 miles to Highway 441. Turn left onto 441 and go approximately three (3) miles. You will see a Shell gas station on right. The Road to Okeechobee C.I. (N.E. 168th Street) is on the left. Follow N.E. 168th Street to the institution.

Historical Information: This facility was established in 1995 and houses adult male inmates.

Total Staff (on 1/07): 247

Type of Housing Units:
Open Bay Housing Units	2
Cell Housing Units	6
Room Housing Units	0
Total Capacity	1,356
Other Information:
Population Gender	Male
Adult or Youthful	Adult
Facility Level	6
Self Contained Housing Units	Yes
Designated Confinement Space	Yes
Custody Grades	Close, Medium, Minimum, Community
Medical Grades	1 through 4
Psychological Grades	1 through 2
Wheelchair Capabilities	No
Hearing Impaired Capabilities	No

Academic Programs:

Adult Basic Education
General Educational Development
Mandatory Literacy Program

Vocational Programs:

None at this time

Wellness Education Services:

Fresh Start Smoking Cessation
Wellness Education
Weight Training
Sports Leagues

Library Services:

Library Program
Major Law Collection

Substance Abuse Programs:

Modality I

Chaplaincy Services:

Active T.D. Jakes Satellite
Chapel Library Program
Kairos Week-ends
Prison Fellowship Quarterly
Religious Education
Worship Services

Institutional Betterment Programs:

None at this time

Other Ongoing Programs:

Anger & Stress Management
Band Program
Pre-Release Counseling
Corrections Distance Learning Network

P.R.I.D.E. Assignments:

None at this time

Community Work Squads:

	Dept. of Transportation	Yes
	Public Work Squads	No
	Interagency Community Service Work Squads	No
	Contracted Work Squads	Yes

Moore Haven Correctional Facility

arhunt — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:18:46 GMT

P. O. Box 718501
1900 East State Rd. 78 NW
Moore Haven, Florida
33471-8837

(863) 946-2420
Suncom: N/A
FAX: (863) 946-3437
E-Mail: moorehavenci@ mail.dc.state.fl.us

Chaplain's Office
(941) 946-2420

Directions: US-27 to Moorehaven, Fl. Institution is on the east side of the highway.

Historical Information: This facility was established in 1995 to house adult male inmates. It is operated by The GEO Group (formerly Wackenhut Corrections Corporation).

Total Staff (on 1/07): 1 Department of Corrections staff

Type of Housing Units:
Open Bay Housing Units	2
Cell Housing Units	2
Room Housing Units	0
Total Capacity	985
Other Information:
Population Gender	Male
Adult or Youthful	Adult
Facility Level	3
Self Contained Housing Units	No
Designated Confinement Space	Yes
Custody Grades	Medium, Minimum, Community
Medical Grades	1 through 4
Psychological Grades	1 through 2
Wheelchair Capabilities	Yes
Hearing Impaired Capabilities	No

Academic Programs:

Adult Basic Education/Literacy
PGED
GED

Vocational Programs:

Basic Cabinet/Millworks
Business Software Applications
Data Entry
Horticulture/Nursery Operations

Library Services:

Library Program
Minor Law Collection

Substance Abuse Programs:

None at this time

Other Ongoing Programs:

Alcoholics Anonymous
Diverse representation of religious faith groups
L/S 1 - Introduction Basic Motivational and Life Skills
L/S 2 - Parenting; Learning Tree; Read-to-me Labs
L/S 3 - Employability Workshop
L/S 4 - Small Business Practices
Narcotics Anonymous
Numerous religious faith-based educational programs
Post secondary theological studies (pending)
Physical Fitness Program
S/A 1 - Basic Introduction
S/A 2 - Relapse Prevention
S/A 3 - Communication and Self Awareness
S/A 4 - Walking the 12 steps
S/A 5 - "What have we learned and where are we going"
Smoking Cessation
Transition Assistance

Martin Correctional Institution

arhunt — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:16:47 GMT

1150 S.W. Allapattah Road
Indiantown, Florida
34956-4397

(772) 597-3705
Suncom: 249-5011
FAX: (772) 597-3742
E-Mail: martinci@ mail.dc.state.fl.us

Chaplain's Office
(772) 597-3705

Directions: Take I-95 to Exit 62 (State Road 714). Go west to 4-way stop sign. Turn right onto SR-609. Martin is approximately three miles on the left side. Turnpike directions: Take turnpike to Stuart exit. Take first left onto State Road 714 to stop sign. Turn right onto State Road 609. The institution is approximately three miles on the left side.

Historical Information: This facility was established in 1985 and houses adult male inmates. The International Exposition Center, which is a joint venture between the Department of Corrections and the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of housing and showing cattle, is under the supervision of Martin C.I. Martin Work Camp, Ft. Pierce Work Release Center and the Martin Treatment Center are also under the supervision of Martin C.I.

Total Staff (on 1/07): 302

Type of Housing Units:
Open Bay Housing Units	0
Cell Housing Units	7
Room Housing Units	0
Total Capacity	1,132
Other Information:
Population Gender	Male
Adult or Youthful	Adult
Facility Level	6
Self Contained Housing Units	Yes
Designated Confinement Space	Yes
Custody Grades	Close, Medium, Minimum, Community
Medical Grades	1 through 4
Psychological Grades	1 through 3
Wheelchair Capabilities	Yes
Hearing Impaired Capabilities	No

Academic Programs:

Volunteer Literacy Program

Vocational Programs:

None at this time

Wellness Education Services:

Fresh Start Smoking Cessation
Wellness Education
Weight Training
Sports Leagues

Library Services:

Library Program
Major Law Collection

Substance Abuse Programs:

None at this time

Chaplaincy Services:

Chapel Library Program
Kairos Week-ends
Religious Education
Worship Services

Institutional Betterment Programs:

None at this time

Other Ongoing Programs:

Life After Prison
Corrections Distance Learning Network
Transition Skills Program

Indian River Correctional Institution

arhunt — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:10:48 GMT

Directions: Take I-95 to Vero Beach, Exit 68. Go east on SR-60 for approximately 1-1½ miles to 2nd traffic light. Turn right onto County Road 619. Go approximately 5 miles to stop sign and turn left on County Road 606. Go to the first caution light and turn right on 74th Avenue. Go approximately one mile to stop sign and turn right. This will bring you to the parking lot.

Historical Information: This facility was established in 1976 to house youthful offender male inmates.

Total Staff (on 1/07): 163

Type of Housing Units:
Open Bay Housing Units	0
Cell Housing Units	1
Room Housing Units	9
Total Capacity	381
Other Information:
Population Gender	Male
Adult or Youthful	Youthful (14-18)
Facility Level	4
Self Contained Housing Units	No
Designated Confinement Space	Yes
Custody Grades	Close, Medium, Minimum, Community
Medical Grades	1 through 2
Psychological Grades	1 through 2
Wheelchair Capabilities	No
Hearing Impaired Capabilities	No

Academic Programs:

Adult Basic Education
General Education Development
Computer Assisted Instruction Lab
Mandatory Literacy Program
Special Education
Title I

Vocational Programs:

Environmental Services
Masonry
PC Support Services

Wellness Education Services:

Fresh Start Smoking Cessation
Wellness Education
Weight Training
Sports Leagues
Aerobics

Library Services:

Library Program
Minor Law Collection

Substance Abuse Programs:

None at this time

Chaplaincy Services:

Active T.D. Jakes Satellite
Bill Glass Weekend of Champions
Chapel Library Program
Kairos Week-ends
Religious Education
Worship Services

Institutional Betterment Programs:

None at this time

Other Ongoing Programs:

Art Class
Corrections Distance Learning Network

P.R.I.D.E. Assignments:

None at this time

Community Work Squads:

	Dept. of Transportation	No
	Public Work Squads	Yes

Homestead Correctional Institution

arhunt — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:09:06 GMT

19000 S.W. 377th Street
Florida City, Florida
33034-6409

(305) 242-1700
Suncom: 478-1700
FAX: (305) 242-2424
E-Mail: dadeci@ mail.dc.state.fl.us

Chaplain's Office
(305) 242-1810

Directions: Take Turnpike to last exit south (to Florida City); turn right at first light (W. Palm Drive), go straight for two miles to 4-way stop (Tower Road). Turn left on Tower Road and drive for 1½ miles to the next 4-way stop (SW 376th Street). When you pass that stop sign, you will see the institution on left side of the road. Make a left at 377th Street onto institutional grounds.

Historical Information: This facility was established in 1976, originally to house minimum and medium custody adult male inmates. In September 1999, it was converted to a female facility to house minimum, medium, and close custody.

Total Staff (on 1/07): 173

Type of Housing Units:
Open Bay Housing Units	2
Cell Housing Units	0
Room Housing Units	6
Total Capacity	553
Other Information:
Population Gender	Female
Adult or Youthful	Adult
Facility Level	4
Self Contained Housing Units	Yes
Designated Confinement Space	Yes
Custody Grades	Close, Medium, Minimum, Community
Medical Grades	1 through 4
Psychological Grades	1 through 3
Wheelchair Capabilities	Yes
Hearing Impaired Capabilities	Yes

Academic Programs:

Adult Basic Education
General Educational Development
Mandatory Literacy Program
Volunteer Literacy Program

Vocational Programs:

Automotive/Autotronics Service Technology
PC Support Services

Wellness Education Services:

Fresh Start Smoking Cessation
Wellness Education
Sports Leagues
Aerobics

Library Services:

Library Program
Major Law Collection

Substance Abuse Programs:

None at this time

Chaplaincy Services:

Chapel Library Program
Kairos Week-ends
Religious Education
T.D. Jakes Satellite Location
Worship Services

Institutional Betterment Programs:

Anger Management
Family Development I & II
Volunteer Program
Women Helping Women

Other Ongoing Programs:

Aerobics
AM/PM Walking
Art Class
Band Program
Creative Writing
Dancing Inside/Out
Four Softball Teams
Glee Club
Golden Girls Club
Life Skills
Parenting
Pre-Release Counseling
Spanish Class
Yoga
Corrections Distance Learning Network
Transition Skills Program