FORT MADISON – The Iowa State Penitentiary and Clinical Care Unit were placed on restricted movement at approximately 12:30 P.M. Monday following a routine search of the upper cell house 218 Unit. During the search of an attic space a 17 foot rope and a bottle containing an unknown substance were discovered. While staff were conducting a second search of the area, another 10 foot rope was discovered and another bottle of an unknown substance. The ropes were fashioned with braided sheets. Other items discovered were sheets, blankets, gloves and sand paper.
The incident remains under investigation which will include testing to identify the unknown liquid substances. The institution will remain under restricted movement until such time as the investigation is completed.
No additional information is available at this time.