Inmates Used To Harvest Wine Grapes In California

REDWOOD VALLEY, Calif. (AP) -- Jail inmates in Northern California are getting paid to harvest wine grapes as part of a new program that seeks to connect them with private companies seeking workers.

Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman says he launched the program after hearing local employers complain that the county's illegal marijuana business was snatching up most available labor.

Sheriff's officials tell the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa it helps the inmates make some money before they get out, and gives employers a much needed labor supply.

Inmates generally work inside the jail and perform public service outside, but not for money.

There are currently nine inmates in the program -- all of them considered low risk. They are monitored using GPS tracking devices.

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Information from: The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, http://www.pressdemocrat.com

California