Ione Jail (Preston Youth Correctional Facility) - California
Overview of the Facility
The Ione Jail, officially known as the Preston Youth Correctional Facility, was a juvenile correctional facility located in Ione, California. It was operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) until its closure in 2011.
Contact Information
Address: 201 Waterman Road, Ione, CA 95640
Note: As the facility is now closed, there is no current contact information available.
History of the Facility
The Preston Youth Correctional Facility was established in 1894 as the Preston School of Industry. It was one of the oldest and best-known reform schools in the United States. The facility operated for over a century before its closure in 2011 as part of California's effort to reduce its youth prison population and budget.
Security and Management Information
When operational, the Preston Youth Correctional Facility housed juvenile offenders and provided various rehabilitation programs. The facility was managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Division of Juvenile Justice.
Booking and Release Process
As a youth correctional facility, Preston housed juveniles who were committed by the juvenile courts. The booking and release processes were handled in accordance with California's juvenile justice laws and CDCR regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Preston Youth Correctional Facility still operational?
No, the Preston Youth Correctional Facility was closed in 2011 as part of California's efforts to reduce its youth prison population and budget.
What has happened to the facility since its closure?
Since its closure, parts of the facility have been repurposed. The Preston Castle Foundation now manages the historic Preston Castle building, offering tours and hosting events to preserve its history.
Can the public visit the former Preston Youth Correctional Facility?
While the correctional facility itself is closed, the historic Preston Castle offers public tours. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about its history as part of the former Preston School of Industry.
Famous Prisoners
While specific information about famous prisoners at Preston Youth Correctional Facility is limited due to juvenile privacy laws, the facility was known to have housed many troubled youths over its long history. Some notable individuals who reportedly spent time at Preston include:
- Merle Haggard - Country music legend, spent time at Preston as a juvenile for theft and truancy.
- Neal Cassady - Writer and icon of the Beat Generation, was at Preston in his youth for car theft and shoplifting.
Note: Due to the nature of juvenile records and the facility's long history, verifiable information about famous inmates is limited.
