New England News

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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Sheriff wants inmates to pay fees while in jail

DARTMOUTH, Mass. -- A sheriff has a controversial plan to make inmates pay for their time in prison.

Bristol County sheriff Thomas Hodgson has a problem with inmates squandering canteen money often provided by loved ones on candy and fancy sneakers.

"The government needs to look for ways to support people who are doing the right thing and send a clear message that if you don't, yes, you're going to get treated in regards to paying your way like everybody else," Hodgson said.

In 2002, he began charging inmates fees for everyday services. Rent was $5 a night, and a haircut was also $5. Medical visits required a $5 co-pay, and inmates had to pay $12.50 to take the GED test.

Hodgson ran the program for two years and got $750,000 in escrow.

A superior court judge ordered him to stop, but the sheriff has appealed and now the case is before the Supreme Judicial Court.

"It's time inmates start paying their way," Hodgson said.

Justices heard opening statements Monday.

The sheriff's attorneys told them that inmates without canteen money still get a bed and medical treatment.

"No one has to spend any money and no one would be deprived of medical services," said Bruce Assad, the sheriff's attorney.

A lawyer for the inmates said that the sheriff is ripping them off.

"Many of them are in prison for taking other people's money and they don't think it's right that the sheriff would unlawfully take theirs, said James Pingeon, inmates' attorney.

The justices are now considering the case and a ruling is expected before the new year.

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