Ep 13. Million Dollar Prison Kickback

In season 15 episode 13 of American Greed, titled "Million Dollar Prison Kickback," viewers delve into the corrupt world of prison contractors who operate under the guise of providing necessary services for federal facilities. The episode follows the criminal case of Matthew B. Paul, a former executive for a private prison health care company.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the process of awarding contracts for prison healthcare services, and how companies such as Paul's would submit bids. When a company is awarded a contract, they are expected to abide by certain standards and regulations to ensure that the health and well-being of the inmates are taken care of adequately.

However, Paul's company was found to have been falsifying information and cutting corners to maximize their profits. In one instance, they were accused of lying about the qualifications and experience of their medical staff, hiring unlicensed individuals to perform medical procedures on inmates. In other cases, employees were accused of purchasing expired medication and storing them in unsanitary conditions, putting inmates' health at risk.

What makes this particular case so egregious is the fact that Paul's company was also found to be offering bribes to prison officials to secure contracts. In exchange for large sums of cash, expensive gifts, and other favors, officials would give Paul's company the winning bid. Paul would then pocket the profits from the contract and offer a kickback to the official who helped secure it.

The episode explores how the investigation unfolded and how federal agents were able to gather evidence to bring Paul and his co-conspirators to justice. It also delves into the impacts of this type of corruption on the prisoners themselves, as well as the public's trust in government officials and the private prison system in general.

Overall, "Million Dollar Prison Kickback" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and corruption in the prison system. It sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of profit-driven companies operating in the criminal justice system and the dire consequences that ensue.