Illinois Inmates Made to Wash Cars and Shine Shoes at Prison Worker Events

[Nevilledog]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-ig-penal-system-investigation-20220129-amfosiwuhzcj3npdlccgwfpe7i-story.html

No paywall
https://archive.fo/VuWI0

The Illinois penal system improperly used prisoners to wash cars, shine shoes and perform other tasks at employee-led fundraisers to benefit prison workers for private use, a government watchdog investigation into the fund’s mismanagement revealed Friday.

The investigation by the state’s executive inspector general’s office led to an overhaul of the Illinois Department of Corrections’ use of so-called “employee benefit funds,” or EBFs.

This money allowed prison guards and other IDOC employees to throw a holiday party, pay for a golf outing, pay for floral arrangements for the funerals of colleagues’ loved ones, and other private functions.

Prison inmates were used to wash cars, shine shoes, give haircuts, and sell wood and plants as part of these EBF activities, which is against state rules, the IG found. One IDOC employee offered a negative sentiment about this practice in an interview with investigators.

*snip*

[cbabe]

1. US Constitution 13th amendment:.. neither slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment

for a crime…’

Why we have never healed.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

2. K&R.

[Hortensis]

3. Good. This abuse has now lead to tighter regulations.

I notice the investigation started over four years ago into abuses while a Republican was governor. The new Democratic governor in 2019 replaced guy who'd directed the program during its abuses.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Thanks For The No Paywall Link, ND

I was reading it hoping there'd be some location information. But, there was none.
The problem must be systemic.
There's a very large prison here, about 10 miles north of where I grew up. It wasn't mentioned specifically. Folks not from these parts might recall it as the place Richard Speck & John Wayne Gacy both died.
There's a women's, medium security place about 30 miles south of her, and a juvenile corrections center about 20 miles north.
That's why I was intrigued as to which locations.