Traficant decides he won't come to CCA in March

YOUNGSTOWN — James A. Traficant Jr. will not leave federal prison and report to Community Corrections Association, a halfway facility on Market Street, on March 9, said Richard J. Billak, CCA chief executive officer.

The Bureau of Prisons last week denied the imprisoned ex-congressman’s request for another facility, which left him with two options — come to CCA in March or stay in prison until September. The 67-year-old convicted felon’s eight-year federal prison sentence expires Sept. 2, and then he’ll serve three years’ supervised release.

Billak said today that he received an e-mail from the Bureau of Prisons that cancels Traficant’s placement.

“All we know for certain is that he’s not coming here,” Billak said. He doesn’t think the bureau made other arrangements for placement at another halfway facility.

The Bureau of Prisons typically sends inmates to halway facility up to six months before their scheduled prison release date to allow them to transition back into society and reconnect with family.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com