The Redemption Project Newsroom

The Redemption Project Newsroom

Season 3: Systems Explained

Follow the Dollar: Grandma Sent $20 to Jail. What Happens to It Next?

Tennessee records show that money sent by families can move through deposit fees, phone charges, commissary sales and, in some county jails, commissions that flow back to the facility.

The Redemption Project's avatar
Newsroom TRP's avatar
Brandon Burley's avatar
The Redemption Project, Newsroom TRP, and Brandon Burley
Aug 26, 2026
∙ Paid

Tennessee records show that money sent by families can move through deposit fees, phone charges, commissary sales and, in some county jails, commissions that flow back to the facility. The person incarcerated uses the service. Someone outside often supplies the money.

By Brandon L. Burley
Systems Explained

The money might come from a mother.

A wife.

A grandf…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of The Redemption Project.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Brandon L. Burley / The Redemption Project · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture