Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Friday, May 09, 2008

Rock County allows inmates to work off sentences

JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) — A new program in Rock County allows inmates to leave jail on weekends to work in order to pay off fines.

Sheriff Robert Spoden says instead of having an inmate sitting in a cell or watching TV at a cost of $64 a day, non-violent offenders can report for work assignments on weekends.

Sheriff's Lieutenant Russ Steeber says the Workender program allows inmates to hold a job, stay with their families and take care of basic needs, yet work off their sentence.

Officials say the county will start with a group of about 20 inmates next month, with hopes of expanding the program in the future.

The sheriff's department is currently looking for nonprofit groups that need workers.

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