What are Female Prisons Like in New York State if You're Rich: The Case of Ghislaine Maxwell

In New York State, whether you are rich or poor, the treatment and facilities in female prisons are generally similar. The state does not differentiate between prisons for affluent individuals and those for those of lower socio-economic status. However, individual circumstances and legalities can play a significant role in where a person is incarcerated.

What about Ghislaine Maxwell?

Media reports indicate that Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of federal crimes, will serve her sentence at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Danbury, in Connecticut. Maxwell, like any other federally convicted individual, can be assigned to a federal prison deemed suitable by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

FCI Danbury is a low-security federal prison that houses both male and female inmates in separate facilities. Approximately 20% of the inmate population at FCI Danbury consists of women. Notably, FCI Danbury is also the setting for the television series Orange Is the New Black.

Living Conditions at FCI Danbury

Although the living conditions at FCI Danbury can be seen as relatively comfortable by some standards, it is certainly not a desirable vacation destination. Here are some of the rules and conditions that inmates face:

All personal property must be stored in a locker or foot locker. Commissary sales of clothing are limited to pastel green, gray, and white. An inmate may possess up to three pairs of shoes, one athletic, one work, and one shower, with a combined maximum value of $100. An inmate may possess one radio or MP3 player. The only permitted non-religious jewelry is one plain wedding band. Smoking is prohibited. Wake-up time is 6:00 a.m. All beds must be made by 7:30 a.m. Showers are available every day. Inmates are provided with enough clothing to allow five changes of clothes weekly. Inmates are permitted to spend up to $360 per month in the prison commissary. Inmates are permitted up to 300 minutes of telephone time each month.

The item list for the commissary can be found here.

Conclusion

While FCI Danbury may offer relatively comfortable living conditions, it is far from ideal. Ghislaine Maxwell, being in a federal facility, can be assigned a prison anywhere the BOP deems appropriate. Her long sentence means she is more likely to serve her time in a federal prison, which, while not the best option for anyone, may provide her with certain privileges due to the nature of her case.