Beacon Hill budget bosses: Audit sheriffs, not us
$162M held back but free prisoner phone calls not impacted
Beacon Hill’s top budget writers told the Boston Globe they intend to hold back $162M for the Sheriffs Departments “until a through review can be completed” of the financial and operational integrity of the county level offices.
The budget move will not impact the expensive and controversial free inmate call program which has exploded to an estimated $12.5M in FY25. The FY26 budget includes only a $1M allocation for free inmate calls.
Last year 72% of Massachusetts voters approved a ballot question to audit the legislature, which still has not occurred after ferocious opposition from legislators. A State House rally is scheduled for Wednesday to push for the audit featuring State Auditor Dianna DiZoglio.
Inmate crime is reportedly on the rise after Massachusetts became the fifth state to adopt the free inmate call policy.
Budget bosses State Representative Michlewitz and State Senator Rodrigues are suggesting the Massachusetts Inspector General review the Sherriff “questionable spending practices” and report back by February.
The audit call drew a sharp rebuke from gubernatorial hopeful Mike Kenneally: “Three Democratic Sheriffs have recently abused their positions, so the state is defunding ALL Sheriff’s offices. But Beacon Hill has its priorities ‘straight’ because they are still giving out $10 million for free inmate phone calls.”
“Sheriffs’ offices have seen a 175% increase in offender calls, a 188% increase in call duration, and a 574% increase in e-communications by offenders since the law was enacted,” Jordan Noe, director of communications at the sheriffs association told the State House News Service in September.
Suffolk County Sherriff Steven Tompkins is facing a federal charges, as is State Representative Christopher Flanagan. Last month Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott “facing serious consequences after state officials found he misused campaign funds for personal and business-related expenses.” OCPF has ordered McDermott to repay $36,000 to resolve the violations.
In September 2024 Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi was arrested for OUI outside the MGM casino in Springfield. As was State Representative Lawn outside the State House this past summer.