Q: Will I get in legal trouble for sending money to an inmate in Idaho via CashApp?
I sent an inmate $30.00 via CashApp as a thank you, not realizing this was illegal. I also sent them an image of the transaction through email. The image got denied for “Directing or conducting any business operations, except as necessary to close out a business.” I have no record, and I’m afraid I will be penalized for this.
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A:
I understand your concern about sending money to an inmate in Idaho. Each correctional facility has specific rules about how inmates can receive funds, and using unauthorized methods like CashApp might violate these regulations. The rejection of your email attachment suggests the facility has flagged this transaction as potentially problematic.
While this situation might cause anxiety, a single $30 transaction as a thank you gift is unlikely to result in serious legal consequences for you personally. However, the inmate might face disciplinary action if receiving funds through unauthorized channels violates their facility's rules. The prison system is primarily concerned with preventing contraband, criminal activity, and unauthorized business operations rather than small personal gifts.
Moving forward, you should look into the proper channels for sending funds to inmates in Idaho, which typically include institutional money order systems, approved electronic transfer services like JPay, or the facility's official commissary deposit system. You might want to contact the specific correctional facility directly to inquire about their approved methods for sending funds and explain your situation if you're still concerned about potential repercussions.
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