By Pat Culverhouse

Families of inmates at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center reportedly are the targets of a scam claiming to offer the inmate a conditional release from the prison.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said the caller claims to be from a bail bond agency.

“The caller tells the family that a Sgt. Stewart from the Sheriff’s Office says that due to overcrowding at the prison, inmates will be released if they get an ankle monitor,” Parker said. “The alleged agency caller gives the family a price for the monitor and tells them where to send money.”

Parker said the Sheriff’s Office has received calls from several individuals seeking information on the call. One family apparently sent the money, he said.

“There is no Sgt. Stewart in our office and we would not offer such a release of inmates, especially through a third party,” he said. 

BDCC Warden Scott Tucker said there is no truth to the information given during the call that the prison is overcrowded.

“We do not have that problem here,” Tucker said. “We are not overcrowded and if anyone receives such a call they should discount it and  immediately get in touch with the Sheriff’s Office.”