Correctional center worker gets probation for aiding inmates

CHICAGO (AP) - A former religious services worker at the U.S. Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago has received two years of probation for violating several security measures, including letting inmates use his cellphone to make calls.

Tommy Haire pleaded guilty in November to a misdemeanor count of conversion of government property and was sentenced Thursday. Haire admitted mailing letters on inmates' behalf without going through the usual screening process and letting inmates "socialize" in his office.

Prosecutors said the information and access Haire provided could have been used by inmates to extort others or commit identity or tax fraud.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Prison, a religious services assistant supports "religious programming of all faiths."

In asking U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Mason to spare the 34-year-old from prison, Haire's lawyers said he'd helped the inmates because he "felt sorry" for them.