Bloods Street Gang Calling Shots in N.J. Prisons
Investigation says it found leaders are using cell phones to run their organizations
Updated 10:06 AM EST, Wed, Nov 19, 2008
Leaders of the Bloods street gang are still calling the shots from behind the walls of New Jersey's prisons.
The State Commission of Investigation says it found leaders are using cell phones to run their organizations and the gang controls the flow of drugs, phones and cash in prisons.
SCI agents say Bloods use inmate accounts to transfer money to buy drugs and phones behind bars. The panel says gang members are helped by corrupt corrections officers, prison staff and visitors.
One corrections officer told the panel he was paid $600 to smuggle a cell phone to a gang member.
The SCI says the Corrections Department doesn't have the staff and expertise to detect cell phones in prisons.
The SCI expects to issue a series of recommendations to stem gang activities in the spring.
Copyright Associated Press
First Published: Nov 19, 2008 9:58 AM EST
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