Willacy County prison contract nixed after inmate riot and fires set

[TexasTowelie]

RAYMONDVILLE — The Federal Bureau of Prisons has canceled its contract with the company that operates the tent-city prison, leaving the facility’s future in limbo, officials said Monday.

The announcement stunned local officials who believed the 3,000-bed Willacy County Correctional Center could reopen with about 1,000 inmate beds within six months.

“It’s devastating,” Willacy County Sheriff Larry Spence said.

The prison had employed about 400 workers, about half of whom live in this rural county that struggles with one of Texas’ highest jobless rates.

Read more: http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/willacy-prison-contract-nixed/article_a70c6078-cc48-11e4-9e81-93685bc2d49e.html

[font color=green]This is the prison where about 2,000 prisoners rioted last month over sanitary conditions and medical care. The inmates set fire to several of the tents.[/font]

[williesgirl]

1. They actually lived in tents in Texas? I'd riot too!