Inmates in DuPage County Jail Removed Gang Tattoos, Tried to Cut ties with Beast – CBS Chicago
WHEATON, Ill. (CBS) – Inmates with ink will get their old prison tattoos removed as part of a new program at the DuPage County Jail.
We met former gang member Erick Eck, whose entire body was covered in symbols of loyalty to the Latin Kings. Eck is one of dozens of inmates who have signed up to have their gang tattoos removed or removed.
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It was an attempt to cut ties with their violent past and get a job when they got out of prison.
“This was the first time I actually had a chance to get out of it,” Eck said.
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“It was a material commitment,” said DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. “It’s not just saying, ‘I’m going to do something.’ Is not. I am doing that. I will go out today. ‘”
The prison’s new tattoo removal wing is part of a job training program.
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Graduates receive help finding jobs and relocating from their old neighborhoods.
