Justin Kester. Photo from the Iowa Department of Corrections
Inmates at the maximum-security prison in Fort Madison are still on a tight security lockdown following an escape three weeks ago.
Inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary remain on restricted movement status, which means they are confined to their cells for the vast majority of the time.
Prison officials imposed the lockdown July 5, after inmate Justin Kestner escaped from one of the state’s highest-security cells. He was captured several hours later in Illinois.
The 25 year old Kestner had removed the screws from an access cover to a pipe chase in the cell shower and subsequently maneuvered up the chase and through a vent to the roof. Kestner used a rope constructed from torn bed sheets and the drain pipe to make his way to the ground from the roof of the unit to an unfenced area.
Penitentiary spokeswoman Rebecca Bowker says the restricted movement will remain in place “per security concerns and operational needs” but didn’t elaborate. A notice on the prison’s website says visitors will not be allowed from July 31 through Aug. 3.
Iowa ombudsman Ruth Cooperrider says she wants an explanation for the ongoing security crackdown.
The Associated Press Contributed to this report.
