John Ford’s Life In Half-Way House
(Memphis) There is new information about the release of former State Senator John Ford, and the half way house where he may be headed.
Ford is wrapping up a 5 year bribery sentence after he was found guilty in Operation Tennessee Waltz.
The Bureau of Prisons hasn’t released the information about where Ford is headed and News Channel 3 is not sure they ever will.
We found out today, the place where he may be headed, is where another one of his former Tennessee Waltz buddies served out the remainder of his sentence.
Sources tell News Channel 3, Diersen Charities on Winchester is where the former state senator John Ford is likely headed.
It’s right across the street from brother Joe Ford’s funeral home.
It’s the same place where former Shelby County Commissioner Michael Hooks, who also convicted in Tennessee Waltz, was sent after leaving a prison work camp in Montgomery, Alabama.
Hooks didn’t want to talk to News Channel 3 on camera, because he says he’s moved on with his life.
However, he did tell us what the former state senator can expect.
Hooks said for him, the place was worse than prison.
Hooks said in prison, you’re surrounded by inmates with similar convictions.
At the halfway house, you’re in with gang members and all kinds of convicts.
The first week, Hooks said he got all his commissaries stolen.
Our cameras were not allowed on the property, but we saw people coming and going frequently.
Hooks says you must find a job during the day.
There are few to no excuses accepted for being late when you return in the evening.
Ford may be allowed to work in the family business as Hooks was allowed to work in his.
After the half way house, inmates get an ankle bracelet.
Hooks told us that comes with around the clock calls to make sure you’re at home, even in the middle of the night.
There is freedom to go to work, but there’s no socializing.
All meals are drive-through or at home.
Hooks said he was even trailed once, through a McDonald’s drive-thru.
Ford finishes his sentence February 8, 2013, but even then he’ll have to answer to probation officers at the federal building for the next 2 years.
We have however been told Ford could be released before the end of August.
