Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone, also known as FCI Sandstone, is a low-security United States Federal Prison located in Sandstone, Minnesota. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice. The facility has a capacity of 996 inmates and is designed to house male offenders.
FCI Sandstone was opened in 1989 and has since been a significant part of the federal prison system. The facility offers a range of programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates can also participate in religious services, recreational activities, and mental health counseling.
The Sandstone Federal Correctional Institution has a reputation for being one of the better-run facilities in the federal prison system. The staff is known for being professional and well-trained, and the facility is kept clean and well-maintained. Despite this, like all prisons, FCI Sandstone has had its share of controversies and incidents over the years.
| Security | Low |
| Capacity | 996 |
| Physical Address | 2300 County Rd 29 Sandstone, MN 55072 |
| Mailing Address | P. O. Box 1000 Sandstone, MN 55072 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Sunday, Monday, Saturday, and Holidays: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 320-245-2262 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Location and Contact Information
Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone is located in Sandstone, Minnesota, which is approximately 90 miles north of Minneapolis and 120 miles south of Duluth. The facility is situated in Pine County, which is part of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.
The physical address of FCI Sandstone is 2300 County Road 29, Sandstone, MN 55072. The facility can be reached by phone at (320) 245-2262. For general inquiries or comments, individuals may send an email to [email protected].
When sending correspondence or parcels to staff members at FCI Sandstone, individuals should use the following mailing address:
Staff Name
FCI Sandstone
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 999
Sandstone, MN 55072
It is important to note that all incoming mail must include the sender’s full name and return address.
Overall, FCI Sandstone is easily accessible by car from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and is located in a rural area of Minnesota. The facility’s contact information is readily available for those who need to get in touch with staff members or send correspondence to inmates.
Facility Details
Housing
Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone is a low-security facility located in Minnesota. The facility has a capacity of 996 inmates, and it is comprised of dormitories and two-person cubicles. Inmates are housed in dorms that are designed to hold up to 100 inmates. Each dorm has a common area, and inmates share bathroom facilities. The two-person cubicles are designed for more privacy, and each cubicle has a shared bathroom. The facility provides inmates with basic necessities such as bedding, toiletries, and laundry services.
Operations
The facility is surrounded by electric fences and gun towers to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the community. The facility has a commissary where inmates can purchase items such as snacks, hygiene products, and clothing. Inmates can also participate in educational and vocational programs to help them develop skills that may be useful upon their release. The facility has a visiting area where inmates can receive visits from their friends and family members.
The facility also has a segregated housing unit (SHU) for inmates who require additional security measures or who have violated facility rules. Inmates in the SHU are housed in individual cells and have limited access to programs and services.
Overall, Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone is a well-maintained facility that provides inmates with basic necessities and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Inmate Information
The Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone is a low-security prison for male offenders. Inmates at FCI Sandstone are allowed to receive mail from friends and family members. All mail must be addressed to the inmate’s full name and register number. Inmates can also receive funds from their families, which can be used to purchase items from the commissary.
Notable Inmates
Over the years, FCI Sandstone has housed a number of high-profile inmates. Some of the most notable include:
- Tim Allen: The actor and comedian served over two years at FCI Sandstone in the late 1970s after being convicted of drug trafficking.
- Mike Danton: The former NHL player was sentenced to over seven years at FCI Sandstone for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot.
- David Frost: The Canadian hockey coach was sentenced to 19 years at FCI Sandstone for his role in a sexual abuse scandal involving young players.
- David Brankle: The former CEO of a Minnesota-based mortgage company was sentenced to over five years at FCI Sandstone for his role in a $3 billion mortgage fraud scheme.
- Marc Dreier: The New York lawyer was sentenced to over 20 years at FCI Sandstone for defrauding investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars.
- Rigoberto Yanez-Guerrero: The Mexican drug lord was sentenced to over 20 years at FCI Sandstone for his role in a drug trafficking ring.
Male inmates at FCI Sandstone are eligible for release dates based on the length of their sentence and their behavior while incarcerated. The release date may be subject to change due to changes in federal laws or regulations.
Visitation and Communication
Visiting an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone is subject to specific regulations and procedures, which are outlined in the official policy of the institution. Visiting hours are on Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Visitors are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visiting time to allow for processing. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID and must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. The inmate is responsible for submitting the list of visitors, which must be approved by the institution.
Visitation rules at FCI Sandstone are strict and must be followed by all visitors. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings, including cell phones, cameras, or purses, into the visiting area. Any items brought by visitors, such as money or identification, must be placed in a locker provided by the institution. Visitors are also required to wear appropriate clothing, which must not be revealing or provocative.
Upon entering the visiting area, visitors are required to have their hand stamped with an invisible ink stamp. This stamp is used to verify that they have been processed and prevent unauthorized visitors from entering the area.
Communication with inmates at FCI Sandstone can be done through the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS). This system allows inmates to send and receive electronic messages, which are monitored by the institution. Inmates can also make phone calls, but they are subject to monitoring and recording. Inmates can only call numbers that are on their approved contact list, which is maintained by the institution.
Overall, communication with inmates at FCI Sandstone is subject to specific rules and regulations, which must be followed by all visitors and inmates.
Inmate Services and Programs
The Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone offers a range of services and programs to inmates to help them prepare for their successful reintegration into society once they are released. These services and programs are designed to provide inmates with the opportunity to develop new skills, pursue education, and engage in recreational activities.
Educational Programs
The educational programs at FCI Sandstone are designed to provide inmates with the opportunity to earn their GED or high school diploma. In addition, inmates can also take courses in vocational training, apprenticeship, and English as a Second Language. The vocational training program offers courses in various fields, including carpentry, electrical work, and HVAC repair. The apprenticeship program allows inmates to gain on-the-job training in a particular trade.
Recreational Programs
Recreational programs at FCI Sandstone are designed to provide inmates with structured activities that promote physical and mental health. Inmates can participate in various sports leagues, including basketball, softball, and volleyball. The facility also offers wellness programs, including yoga and meditation classes.
In addition to these programs, FCI Sandstone also provides access to a law library and a general library. Inmates can also participate in the Residential Drug Abuse Program, which provides counseling and support to individuals struggling with addiction.
Commissary services are also available to inmates, allowing them to purchase a variety of personal items, snacks, and other goods. Inmates can access these services through their commissary account.
Overall, the services and programs offered at FCI Sandstone are designed to help inmates prepare for a successful return to society.
Legal and Security Procedures
The Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone, follows strict legal and security procedures to ensure the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors. The institution operates under the Department of Justice, which oversees all legal activities within the federal prison system.
The facility has a High-Security Wing, which houses inmates who require maximum security due to the nature of their crimes or their behavior while incarcerated. The Snitch Unit is another unit within the facility that houses inmates who have provided information to law enforcement agencies. These inmates are kept separate from the general population for their safety.
To prevent the entry of contraband into the facility, the institution limits the amount of property inmates may have and the types of publications they can receive. The facility issues clothing, hygiene items, and bedding and provides laundry services. Inmates may purchase other personal care items through the commissary.
Visitors must follow strict security procedures before entering the facility. They must provide identification and pass through metal detectors and other security measures. Additionally, the Warden may restrict or cancel visiting for the sake of safety and security, such as in cases of severe weather or other incidents that will impact normal operations at the facility. Therefore, it is recommended that visitors call the facility to confirm the visiting schedule before departing for their visit.
In conclusion, the Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone, follows strict legal and security procedures to ensure the safety of its staff, inmates, and visitors. The institution operates under the Department of Justice, which oversees all legal activities within the federal prison system. The facility has a High-Security Wing and a Snitch Unit to house inmates who require maximum security or have provided information to law enforcement agencies. To prevent the entry of contraband, the institution limits the amount of property inmates may have and the types of publications they can receive. Visitors must follow strict security procedures before entering the facility.
Mail and Money Procedures
At Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone, there are specific procedures that must be followed when sending mail and money to inmates. These procedures ensure that all mail and funds are processed efficiently and securely.
Inmate Money
Inmates at FCI Sandstone have access to a bank-type account, which they can use to purchase items from the commissary. To deposit money into an inmate’s account, there are several options available:
- Money Order: Money orders can be sent through the United States Postal Service or other reputable providers like Western Union or MoneyGram. The money order should be made payable to the inmate and include their full committed name and register number. The sender’s name and address must also be included on the money order.
- Electronic Deposit: Family and friends can deposit funds into an inmate’s account electronically through the Bureau of Prisons’ website. Electronic deposits can be made using a credit or debit card, and the funds are typically available within one hour.
Mail Procedures
All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by staff to ensure that the content does not pose a threat to the safety and security of the institution. Inmates are allowed to send and receive mail, but there are specific guidelines that must be followed.
Incoming Mail: All incoming mail must include
- Inmate Name & Register Number
- FCI Sandstone
- Federal Correctional Institution
- P.O. Box 1000
- Sandstone, Mn 55072
- Mail that does not include this information may be returned to the sender. Incoming mail will be opened and inspected for contraband, but the contents will not be read unless there is suspicion of illegal activity.
Outgoing Mail:
- Inmates are allowed to send mail to family and friends, but there are restrictions on the types of content that can be included. Inmates are not allowed to send mail that contains threats, information about criminal activity, or sexually explicit material. Outgoing mail must include the inmate’s full committed name and register number, as well as the recipient’s name and address.
Overall, the mail and money procedures at FCI Sandstone are designed to ensure that inmates can maintain contact with family and friends while also maintaining the safety and security of the institution. By following these guidelines, family and friends can stay connected with their loved ones while they serve their sentences.