- Adaptación Social is investigating a powerful network that operates in La Reforma prison
Well known entrepreneurs, television personalities and models are part of the “pre-pagos” (paid sex workers) for inmates at the La Reforma prison.
These women provide sexual services for a variety of prisoners, some well off, able to afford “top shelf”, while others more modest, have to do with less quality.
The prison system is said to be investigating this group of women who “take care” the needs of the men, who depending on their wallet in addition to sexual services on the inside, manage their affairs on the outside that can include collecting rents on rental properties and business affairs.
Costa Rica’s (self billed) best selling newspaper , the Diario Extra, claims to have a list of women among which are TV presenters, models, professionals and dancers who regularly visit prisoners in exchange for hefty sums of money.
Although mostly wives, mothers, sisters and girlfriends of the inmates visit on visiting day, the rules allow anyone to visit.
The newspaper says it has records that among the women, posing as relatives, who visit on Saturdays and Sundays are prostitutes who charge ¢50.000 (US$100) to have sex with prisoners. Some waive the cash payment in return for protection and whatever.
The “business partnership” is apparently known to prison authorities. La Reforma prison manager, Manrique Sibaja, confirms that there is an ongoing investigation, of what is not a secret.
“We have suspicions but have to yet prove anything or identify the group(s) behind it”, says Sibaja.
Presumed is that the inmates can choose from a “catalogue” consisting of photographs of women who allegedly work in real estate, and charge a fee for the prison visit, which is arranged through intermediaries.
The Diario Extra says it was contacted by an inmate, an alleged drug trafficker, who confirms he has a network of women providing sexual services to inmates and that the cost depends on the inmate and their needs.
The publication said it is withholding the name of the drug trafficker, nor did it publish the name of a “famous and well known model” that is a regular visitor.
Prison authorities say that up 1.300 visitors are admitted between Saturday and Sunday each week to visit a loved one. And that some women arrive dressed very provocatively. Women dressed “too provocative” are asked to change.
“Many women arrive for the visit in skimpy clothes. Our job is to ensure that there are no minors”, said Sibaja.
