By Rebecca Boone
Associated Press
BOISE, Idaho — A gang war that appears to have taken over parts of an Idaho private prison is spilling into the federal courts.
Eight inmates at the Idaho Correctional Center are suing the Corrections Corporation of America in Boise’s U.S. District Court, contending the company is working with a few powerful prison gangs to control the facility south of Boise and save money on staffing.
The inmates cite investigative reports from the Idaho Department of Correction that suggest gangs like the Aryan Knights wrested control after prison officials began housing gang members together in some units to reduce violence.
CCA spokesman Steve Owen says safety and security for inmates and employees is the company’s top priority, and that the company takes all allegations seriously and works to swiftly correct problems.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press