Indiana prisoners fight price fixing

Dear MIM,

Here is the text of a petition we have begun circulating in Indiana to protest the inflated prices for consumer goods in prison.

To:	James M. Griffin, Chief

US Department of Justice
c/o Anti-Trust Division
600 The Rookery Building
209 S La Salle Street
Chicago, IL 60604

The undersigned are seeking an investigation pursuant to the Sherman Anti-Trust Act 15 U.S.C. §1b the Robinson-Patman Act 15 U.S.C.§13, against Keefe Commissary Network Sales Company and Indiana State Prison officials for engaging in illegal monopoly that forces Indiana
prisoners to pay exorbitant prices for the same name of unnamed brand food, hygiene, clothing, etc; commodities sold by Keefe Company to non- incarcerated persons at a much cheaper and affordable price.

Example of Price Discrepancies:

Prisoner Commissary Prices - 2001
13" Color TV - $200.00
Zest Soap, 3.2 oz - $0.95
6-Pack, 12 oz can Sprite - $2.94
Ramen noodle soup - $0.25/each
KEEFE Peanut Butter 18.02 oz jar - $2.15
Starkist Tuna 6 oz - $1.20

Compared to Societies' Price - 2001
13" Color TV $84.00
Zest Soap, 3.2 oz $0.43
6-Pack, 12 oz can Pepsi - $1.29
Ramen noodle soup - 10 for $1.00
KEEFE Peanut Butter 18.02 oz jar $1.56
Starkist Tuna 6 oz - $0.69

These excessive and discriminatory prices imposed upon Indiana
prisoners are the result of exclusive commissary contract agreement entered into by State Prison officials and the KEEFE Company. KEEFE pays the state prison officials substantial kickbacks skimmed from these exorbitant prices that they charge prisoner consumers. We urge your immediate intervention in this most serious matter!

--A prisoner in Indiana


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