Don’t believe that the kidnapping of Frank Arthur Janssen, a prosecutor’s father, was orchestrated via cell phone from prison? How is it possible for inmates to get their hands on and use cell phones, anyway? http://people.howstuffworks.com/prison-telecommunication3.htm describes the widespread problem and lack of solutions. It’s an interesting read.
However, the article glosses over the role of prison guards. As a person who has visited and written to state prison inmates for many years, I hear things from the mouths of those who live it. I’ve been told again and again how some guards run a cell-phone business. A guard brings in a phone and charger, sells it to Joe in cell D222. After awhile, there’s a search of Joe’s cell and the phone is confiscated. Then, that phone is sold to Sam in cell 114. And so it goes. What, the prisoner is going to complain to the warden that a guard stole his illegal cell phone? I don’t think so.
Cell phones are a lucrative business for cell phone companies and for unscrupulous prison guards.