Taxpayers have spent $6.6 million already/JIM PANYARD
The chairman and a member of the state House Judiciary Committee are calling for a state investigation into continuing problems at the MinSec security facility, a for-profit corrections operation in downtown Hazleton.
Since MinSec opened in 2008 as a facility for offenders completing jail sentences, there have been “repeated incidents of offenders leaving the facility and never coming back,” state Rep. Tarah Toohill (R-Luzerne) said. “Offenders are committing crimes, including retail theft, bank robbery and aggravated assault in the Hazleton area.”
Ms. Toohill joined Judiciary Committee Chair Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) in sending a letter to Auditor General Jack Wagner stating state taxpayers have pumped $6.6 million into the MinSec operation thus far, and that a full investigation by the Department of Corrections (DOC) into the MinSec operation is required.
Mr. Marsico said former Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard acknowledged the problem last April.
“The former secretary’s acknowledgement about offenders escaping from MinSec-Hazleton raises serious red flags about security at this facility.”
He said “crimes allegedly committed by the offenders have created a paradox where the offender(s) enjoy unlimited freedom, while the law abiding citizen is forced to lock himself in his home.”
Residents and merchants have been complaining about the problem for several months to everyone from Hazleton police to the local chamber of commerce.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the DOC said, “A number of DOC officials visit all contract facilities each year via planned and unplanned visits. MinSec is no different. We are aware of the concerns of the citizens of Hazleton.
“In light of recent incidents involving residents from MinSec, we have conducted a number of additional visits and inspections. The operation of the facility, including its security, is in line with our contract,” the statement continued.
The DOC is working to make certain offenders placed in the facility are from Luzerne and surrounding counties, because “the concept of community corrections is to help individuals transition back into their communities after incarceration,” the statement concluded.
