Avalon halfway house reopens after investigation ends

The facility was shut down more than two months ago after cell phone video came out showing organized fighting among inmates.

The Department of Corrections stepped in, shutting the place down to see if guards at the facility were responsible for organizing the fights.

Avalon President Brian Costello said at the time, “We have no credible evidence whatsoever to indicate that our staff was involved in any way in promoting, sanctioning or urging on any of these fights.”

The DOC is now allowing inmates to be moved back in 25 at a time. They will do so until they reach 150 inmates. Before closing, Avalon housed more than 200.

In order to reopen, Avalon had to add security cameras, drug testing and a full-time monitor on-site appointed by the DOC who will report directly to them.

Inmates began moving back in Monday afternoon.