Inmate transfers from Ill. prisons almost complete

Illinois prison officials are moving quickly to empty correctional facilities that are slated to be closed.

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Stacey Solano said Monday that 124 inmates have been moved from the high-security Tamms prison since Thursday. The inmates, who've been called “the worst of the worst,” are moving to the maximum-security Pontiac prison.

Twelve inmates remain at the state's “supermax” and 48 in Tamms' minimum-security unit.

Solano says all residents also have been moved out of three halfway houses targeted for closing.

Gov. Pat Quinn ordered the transfers after a judge on Wednesday lifted an injunction blocking the shutdowns. A union representing correctional employees had sued to stop the closings, but the Illinois Supreme Court ordered the injunction lifted.

The facilities are scheduled to close by Jan. 4.