Republican legislators continue concerns over drugs in Illinois prisons

[November 27, 2024]  By Greg Bishop | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A state lawmaker said at least nine inmates have died in Illinois prisons since May, with half being linked to fentanyl overdoses.

Last week, House Republicans urged the Illinois Department of Corrections to halt physical mail after reports of paper being laced with illicit substances was being smoked by inmates. State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said he was given the “Springfield two step” with no answers by department officials.

“They’re putting the cost of a copy machine ahead of the health and safety of their employees and it is unacceptable,” Niemerg said last Wednesday.

IDOC said in a statement they have a suspicious substance emergency procedure in place, are intensifying mail screenings and encourage the use of personal protective equipment when handling mail.

“While we are actively exploring additional options to enhance safety, measures are in place to address potential risks associated with mail handling in our facilities,” the department said in a statement last week.

On Tuesday in Springfield, Republican state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said IDOC Acting Director Latoya Hughs should resign.

“But more than that, if she doesn’t resign, we’re going to come back in lame duck, she should not be confirmed,” Bryant said.

Legislators return to Springfield for lame duck session Jan. 2.

Bryant said she can’t get information from IDOC and claimed “there is a massive cover up” of how the department is handling the situation.

“All of the deaths that happen after this press conference, the blood is on the hands of everyone pushing back against this conspiracy,” Bryant said Tuesday.

The sale of illicit drugs is big business. Bryant said millions of dollars are involved.

Recently, retired IDOC Maj. Marvin Bochantin said it’s a big market.

“That’s why it’s a big push and like I said, the past six months it has been getting increasingly worse,” Bochantin said.

Bryant said IDOC must stop physical mail and tighten up screening of staff, vendors and visitors.

When contacted Tuesday, IDOC didn’t immediately provide further comment.

Legislators shared that the department told them they will have a pilot program to scan mail up and running in around seven months, but Republicans say IDOC should just use a copy machine with copies of mail going to inmates until a more sophisticated system is set up.

Even then, Senate Republicans said laced mail is still getting through as people are counterfeiting privileged mail to appear as if it is coming from an inmate’s attorney when it isn’t.