State audit uncovers dozens of issues at the nation's first privately-owned state prison

CONNEAUT, Ohio - The operator of the nation's first privately-owned state prison is working to correct dozens of safety, health and security issues uncovered in an Ohio audit.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Corrections Corporation of America was rebuked by Ohio officials for conditions a September review identified at Lake Erie Correctional Facility in Conneaut. The audit said cells were dirty, inmates lacked clean laundry and blankets, pots and pans weren't clean, and keys were missing.

CCA purchased the prison from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in a January deal worth $72.7 million.

Department spokeswoman JoEllen Culp said Ohio let CCA know it finds the audit results unacceptable.

A CCA spokesman said the company takes Ohio's expectations seriously and is working to get the matter resolved.