Among the auditors’ observations: “Even though the scores do not reflect that DCI had a good audit, there has been a vast improvement in the morale, condition of the facility, the completion of tasks, etc. within the last year. Staff are aware of the expectations and have embraced the changes that have taken place at DCI.”
State Rep. Niraj Antani, R-Miamisburg, who has been calling for improvements at DCI, responded to the report saying, “I’m happy they’re making strides in some areas and I’m disappointed they’re not making strides in other areas.”
“Every prison is going to have issues, but … we are above the acceptable dosage and we have been for at least a year and a half,” he said.
Antani noted the report appears to show improved compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act. This newspaper reported in 2014 that improper relationships between staff and inmates surged after DCI became an all-female prison. Three additional employees were removed in 2015 for this, and another this year.
Former DCI chaplain Kenneth Bozeman was indicted in April on nine counts of sexual battery after he was accused of engaging in sexual conduct with an inmate in August 2015. His case is pending in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.
No DCI employees have been disciplined for bringing contraband into the prison since at least the beginning of 2015, according to state prison officials. But that has been identified as a problem in previous state audits, and is common according to those who've been inside.
“Drugs, cigarettes, sex, cellphones, panties, lingerie. Just whatever you want you can get it in DCI,” Charlotte Saunders told the I-Team in an interview in February, weeks after she was released from DCI.
Saunders, who served nearly seven years for aggravated robbery, said staff members brought contraband in for her.
“I feel like they’re supposed to be there to help people rehabilitate themselves,” she said.
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