The US inmates billed per night in jail

(The obvious answer is to follow the money, but a big part of the problem is the WASPy yuppies that want the homeless people out of sight but will raise a fuss if anyone tries to build affordable housing.)

In the US, everyone thats part of administering our inhumane criminal justice system should be deeply ashamed of their job. Corruption like this is just the tip of the iceberg.

He was thrown in jail on a rape charge. Fought in court, and won his freedom. Then he received a bill for having been in jail.

Making it worse, this was at a private prison, and the sheriff who put him in jail was on the board of directors for the prison. Can you spell "conflict of interest"?

"The cost of running it is almost equal to what they bring in, he says."

"Our goal is to reduce recidivism. If we can use that money to turn around and not see them again it's well worth it"