Serial rapist John Spires is among the inmates who was moved from the Tamms Supermax prison downstate Thursday, as the prison prepares to close. (Credit: Illinois Department of Corrections)
Reporting Bob Conway
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TAMMS, Ill. (CBS) — Eight of the state’s more volatile criminals were moved Thursday from the Tamms Superman prison downstate.
As WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Conway reports, the Associated Press says the move happened the same day a lawsuit was filed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – or AFSCME – the union that represents prison guards, over Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to close six state facilities – including Tamms and another prison in Dwight.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Conway reports
Illinois Department of Corrections notifications reviewed by the AP show transfers from Tamms of inmates such as John Spires, 57. The serial rapist took a Dixon prison psychologist hostage in May 2006 and repeatedly raped her.
Seven inmates went to the maximum-security prison at Pontiac. Another went to the Menard prison.
Meanwhile, the union’s suit argues plans to move violent inmates to facilities not prepared to handle them poses a danger to guards and inmates.
As many as 5,000 prisoners are to be moved, and the union wants to negotiate safety concerns with the Illinois Department of Corrections before the closings take place.
The system is already overcrowded and the union says the plan will just make things worse, the suit said.
A Quinn spokesman rejects the union’s claims.
In addition to the Tamms and Dwight facilities, the state plans to close youth prisons in Joliet and Murphysboro, and halfway houses in Chicago, Decatur and Carbondale.
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