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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