LaPorte Republican State Representative Tom Dermody has authored a House Bill that would place a misdemeanor or felony charge and a fine for anyone possessing or trafficking a cell phone in prison.
Under House Bill 1256, inmates would face a Class A Misdemeanor charge for possession of a cell phone and that inmate could face up to an additional year in prison and up to a $5,000 if convicted. If an inmate is trafficking cell phones, a Class C Felony and a $500-$10,000 fine would be imposed.
Dermody suggested that cell phone trafficking puts employees and other inmates at risk. Cell phones can be used by inmates to harass victims, traffic drugs, monitor staff routine procedures or plan prison escapes.
