Largo Work-Relase Center Dogged by Problems, Complaints

A crowded Largo work release center with a history of problems is under scrutiny as information emerges about inmates failing to go to their jobs, roaming nearby neighborhoods and engaging in sexual activity with staff.

The Tampa Bay Times reports  on a  pattern of problems at the Largo Residential Re-entry Center – the largest of its kind in the state – which is run by Goodwiil Industries-Suncoast of St. Petersburg.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast received $9.6 million in corrections-related revenue from the government in 2012. 

But it has been plagued by complaints about lack of oversight. The highly publicized double murder of two St. Petersburg homeowners by a work-release center inmate originally brought the problems to light a year ago.

The Tampa Bay Times reports:

• Nearly half of inmates with substance abuse problems did not receive treatment for addictions in 2012;
• Work-release inmates who sign out to go to work sometimes do not go to their jobs;
• There have been reports of sexual activity by inmates, including with work-release staff;
• Inmates reportedly leave the facility without authorization to wander in neighborhoods nearby.

For the complete Tampa Bay Times article, see Inside Goodwill's Work Release Centers: Sloppy Supervision, Ongoing Complaints.