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Witnesses tell committee contraband often arrives through staff at some facilities; private out‑of‑state sites described as more permissive
Summary
Formerly incarcerated witnesses told the committee that contraband—phones and cash—frequently entered facilities with staff involvement, that privately run out‑of‑state facilities showed different cultures and vulnerabilities, and that providing secure tablets could reduce illicit smartphone use.
At an Institutions Committee hearing April 28, multiple witnesses described how phones, cash and other contraband often reach incarcerated people through staff or outside arrangements, and how those dynamics differed between state‑run Vermont facilities and privately run out‑of‑state prisons.
Eugene Coteira, a formerly incarcerated man who has served multiple terms, told the committee that in his experience “90% of the stuff coming in is through staff.” He said staff were sometimes paid by people outside the facility to smuggle phones and other items, and that large sums could change hands to guarantee delivery: “If you go to Grand, you have a phone,” he said, describing high street values for contraband devices.
Witnesses contrasted Vermont facilities with privately run sites out of state. One speaker said out‑of‑state placements sometimes provided more steady work and library access, but also mixed populations from multiple states and had staff cultures that made contraband easier to move. Committee members asked whether increased screening, cameras or staff accountability had reduced contraband; witnesses responded that cameras and policy are not enough when staff participate in smuggling and that investigations catch some, but not all, offenders.
Members discussed policy options including secure tablets and reduced cost telecom to limit the incentive for illicit phones. Several witnesses said tablets could reduce demand for illicit devices but emphasized the need for controlled access and content moderation.
Committee members acknowledged the problem and noted ongoing investigations and that accountability is difficult when staff are implicated. They said they would continue oversight and consider whether procurement of secure tablet programs or revised staff screening and monitoring practices could help reduce illicit contraband flows.
The hearing produced testimony but no immediate administrative action; members said they will follow up with corrections administration and with any investigators handling staff‑involvement allegations.
