Move Meant To Ease Crowding

POSTED: 10:32 a.m. EDT May 19, 2003

AUBURN, Me. -- There's a new cash machine in Auburn -- at the county jail.

Cash-strapped inmates can now use bank cards to come up with bail money.

Officials believe their ATM is the first in the state behind bars.


Jail administrator Capt. John Lebel said the jailhouse cash machine is especially useful for people arrested on minor offenses. He noted that the charge of driving without a license usually carries a $50 bail, plus $40 for the bail commissioner's fee.

That's $90, more than most people typically carry.

Lebel said he proposed the ATM to ease jail crowding, so prisoners wouldn't have to stay overnight until the banks open.

What will they think of next?[rolleyes]

Bad sheeple!  Now to swipe your credit card so you can leave.  Could they make it look any more like being a tax?

- Matt