7-31-2009 Michigan:
Mich. Prisoner ReEntry Initiative behind issue
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - If it weren't for the Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative, one sex offender said he would be living in one of the state prisons. Instead, he lives at a Grand Rapids motel.
James, who did not want to provide his last name, stays at the Grand Inn, 3221 Plainfield Ave., NE.
He was convicted of indecent exposure, but after spending 9 1/2 years in prison, was released in October. James attends college, and told 24 Hour News 8 about his attempt to make something of his life.
"Well, I'm going to school, so I can have a business of my own," he said. "Now, I'm trying to move on and put my best foot forward."
Without the help of the state, he wouldn't be able to try, James said.
"What they do, they give us housing, like motels (and) we go out, try to find jobs or try to go to school," he said. "Try to better ourselves.
"I didn't have no place to go to. No family or nothing."
Michigan receives a discounted rate to house multiple sex offenders in hotels. It costs about $18 per night per person.
But the other guests of the hotels are notified of the arrangement. The offenders aren't allowed in the lobby, or anywhere else the guests go, including the pool area or online.
The sex offenders stay in a separate wing, monitored by a video surveillance system.
"This is a blind spot, and this is a blind spot," said Jamie Wilder, the hotel manager at the Grand Inn as she pointed to different spots in the hallway. "So, therefore, rooms like this, being that (they're) not on camera, (we) won't rent to any (criminal sexual conduct) case."
James understands the restrictions he faces.
In addition, he wears a tether when venturing outside motel grounds. He views it as a tool to help, and for society to regain its trust in him.
"I have to rebuild that by staying positive, looking for a job," he said. ..Source.. by WOOD TV
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