United States Penitentiary (USP) - Marion Medium, Illinois
Overview of the Facility
USP Marion is a medium-security federal prison for male inmates located in Southern Illinois. It was originally opened as a maximum-security facility in 1963 but was downgraded to medium security in 2006. The prison is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice.
Contact Information
Address: 4500 Prison Road, Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 964-1441
Website: https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/mar/
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at USP Marion, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Inmate Locator tool available at https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. You will need the inmate's full name and registration number or date of birth.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visiting hours are typically on weekends and federal holidays. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list. Contact the facility directly for specific visiting hours and procedures, as they may change.
How to Send Money
Money can be sent to inmates through the following methods:
- Online: MoneyGram or Western Union
- By Mail: Send a money order to the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates have access to telephones and can make collect calls or use pre-paid phone accounts. Video visitation may be available, but you should check with the facility for current options and procedures.
Inmate Services and Programs
USP Marion offers various educational, vocational, and recreational programs for inmates, including:
- GED programs
- Vocational training
- Drug abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious services
History of the Facility
USP Marion was built to replace Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which closed in 1963. It was the first control unit in the United States and housed some of the most dangerous federal inmates. In 2006, it was downgraded to a medium-security facility.
Security and Management Information
As a medium-security facility, USP Marion employs various security measures, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and controlled movement of inmates. The prison is managed by a Warden and a team of correctional officers and administrative staff.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family and friends must be on the inmate's approved visitation list to visit. All visitors are subject to security screening procedures.
Booking and Release Process
Inmates are typically transferred to USP Marion from other federal facilities. Upon arrival, they undergo intake procedures, including medical screening and orientation. Release procedures vary depending on the inmate's sentence and conditions of release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What security level is USP Marion?
USP Marion is currently a medium-security federal prison. It was originally a maximum-security facility but was downgraded in 2006.
Can I send packages to inmates at USP Marion?
Generally, inmates are not allowed to receive packages from family or friends. Only certain items from approved vendors may be sent, subject to strict regulations.
How often can inmates make phone calls?
Inmates typically have access to telephones during designated hours. The frequency and duration of calls may be limited and are subject to monitoring.
Famous Prisoners
Some notable inmates who have served time at USP Marion include:
- John Gotti - Former boss of the Gambino crime family, convicted of racketeering and murder.
- Pete Rose - Former professional baseball player and manager, incarcerated for tax evasion.
- Theodore Kaczynski - Known as the "Unabomber," convicted for a series of mail bombings.
- Edwin Edwards - Former Governor of Louisiana, imprisoned for racketeering charges.
- Tommy Silverstein - Convicted of multiple murders, spent decades in solitary confinement.
