Film company wants Mercer jail for series

MERCER, Pa. -- An independent film company wants to use Mercer County's new jail in a reality series it is developing.
Samurai Films, with headquarters in California, is working with Sharon native Bob Golub, now living in California, to develop the series which may be called "First Time Offender."
James Epstein, Mercer County's district attorney and president of the county prison board, said Golub and Samurai have approached the board about filming the first prisoner to be incarcerated at the new jail when it opens in 2005.
Golub grew up in Sharon and went through the county's judicial system as an offender in 1977, according to a synopsis of the show provided to the prison board.
He is an accomplished standup comedian and has developed and produced a variety of shows in his 23 years in the entertainment business.
The reality series would feature a first-time offender and focus on that individual entering jail all the way to his or her release.
It will show the offender dealing with his or her family, lawyer, parole officer and the court.
It also will depict how the offender's family deals with the incarceration.
The synopsis said Mercer County was chosen as a potential site because of Golub's involvement.
Epstein said the request has been referred to the appropriate county agencies to determine if it should be granted.