A Purdue North Central (PNC) instructor who teaches classes at the Westville Correctional Facility (WCF) has been “locked out from” all Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) facilities after a handgun in his possession was confiscated on Tuesday as he was entering the facility.

According to a statement released by the WCF, shortly after 12 p.m. Jeffrey Grupp, carrying a milk crate filled with books, was attempting to enter the facility. Security ran the milk crate through the X-ray machine and “noticed an outline that did not appear normal.” On further investigation, the statement said, a handgun was discovered inside a hollowed-out book and Grupp was stopped by the officers.

Maj. Daniel Forker secured the evidence, a member of WCF Internal Affairs was called to the scene, and the Indiana State Police was notified and responded immediately, the statement said.

“Though faced with the daunting task of checking literally hundreds of items and individuals entering the facility every day, they realize the importance of their duty and never drop their attention to detail,” WCF Superintendent William Wilson said. “Their diligence in performing their duties today prevented a significant threat to our security.”

“The Indiana Department of Correction is committed to maintaining a safe prison environment,” DOC Commissioner Ed Buss said. “We will not tolerate any attempt to compromise the safety and security of any of our facilities.”

PNC provides instructors to teach college courses at WCF, the statement said, and Grupp had just begun teaching at WCF when the semester started in January. The ISP in conjunction with WCF Internal Affairs and the LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is continuing the investigation.

“Jeff Grupp is locked out from entering any Department of Correction facility,” the statement said.

Posted 2/25/2009