x
Breaking News
More () »

Pregnant inmates not treated differently, jail administrator says

The mother accused of murdering her 10-year-old daughter gave birth to her fourth child Wednesday, which caused many people to ask if pregnant inmates are treated any differently.

WISCASSET (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- The mother accused of murdering her 10-year-old daughter gave birth to her fourth child Wednesday, which caused many people to ask if pregnant inmates are treated any differently -- the answer is no.

Sharon Carrillo is being held at Two Bridges jail in Wiscasset until her trial. The jail's administrator James Bailey says pregnant inmates don't get any kind of special treatment.

"We actually handle them like anybody else that comes in with a medical condition because that's really what a pregnancy is." Bailey said.

He says pregnant woman do occasionally get sent to his facility, but its rare for them to be there long enough to come to full term. Unless an expectant mother is experiencing severe symptoms, he says his staff is prepared to take on most medical emergencies.

"We may have to treat that person differently for their medical condition, to make sure that they are getting everything that they need," Bailey said. "Other than that they are treated like everyone else."

Sharon Carrillo's lawyer says even though his client gave birth in a hospital, she didn't get the same experience as other mothers.

"I strongly encouraged them to allow Sharon to be able to hold the baby and have that moment of bonding, the way it typically works." Bailey said.

However, little about this pregnancy and delivery has been typical. Carrillo is going right back to jail as soon as she is medically sound.

Many times the new baby is placed into foster care by the Department of Health and Human Services. In Carrillo's case, her newborn son will be raised by his grandparents in New York.

"There are people out there that want to take care of this baby," MacLean said. "With any luck this baby will lead a full and rich and loving life."

Before You Leave, Check This Out