Number Of Phelps Inmates Cut In Half

DEQUINCY, La. (AP) — In less than a week, the inmate population at Phelps Correctional Center in DeQuincy has been cut by half.

The American Press reports another 229 inmates were moved to the LouisianaState Penitentiary at Angola on Wednesday, leaving Phelps' population at 386. On Monday, 232 inmates were bused to Angola.

The state announced in mid-September that the medium-security prison would close by Nov. 1. The move will save $2.6 million this fiscal year and $11.85 million in the next fiscal year/

Phelps Warden Robert Henderson says most of the prison staff is expected to lose their jobs, and some have already left.

Henderson said he now expects the transfer of prisoners to slow down.