Fergie's Tech Blog

Cell Phones Becoming New Prison 'Cash'

An AP newswire article, via MSNBC, reports that:

Cell phones are becoming a contraband problem in Texas prisons, leaving authorities to worry they may be used to plot escapes or conduct criminal business behind bars.

Last year, investigators seized 135 cell phones, and the number was 90 through mid-April this year. While other contraband items are seized more often, phones have become valuable to prisoners who can sell minutes to other inmates.

"It's just like American Express — it's good as cash," said John Moriarty, inspector general of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

posted by Fergie @ 4/26/2006 05:06:00 PM