FCI Waseca (low-security)
Federal Correctional Institution, Waseca (FCI Waseca) is a low-security federal prison for women in Waseca, Minnesota. It is run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, part of the U.S. Department of Justice. The prison sits about 75 miles south of Minneapolis. It held roughly 728 inmates in early 2023.[1][2]
Overview
FCI Waseca houses adult female offenders at the low-security level. The facility belongs to the Bureau's North Central Region. Inmates are assigned to housing units, and the prison operates the standard range of Bureau programs, including education, work assignments, and substance-abuse treatment.[2]
The prison offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program, known as RDAP. RDAP is a voluntary nine-month treatment program. Inmates who complete it may qualify for a sentence reduction of up to twelve months.[3]
A 2023 inspection by the DOJ Office of the Inspector General found the prison generally well run, with staff and inmates reporting that they felt safe. The same report flagged building problems. Some inmates were housed in basements. Beds in those areas sat close to pipes that leaked at times. Roofs across the institution were in disrepair and leaked. The report also noted heavy reliance on overtime due to correctional officer shortages.[1]
History
The Waseca site began as a college campus. The land and buildings once served as a University of Minnesota technical campus. In 1992 the property was converted into a federal prison, and many of the former college buildings were kept in use.[3][4]
FCI Waseca opened in 1995 as a facility for men. It operated that way for more than a decade. In 2008 the Bureau converted it into an all-female prison. Male inmates were transferred out, and the institution has held women since.[3][4]
The conversion to a women's facility came during a period when former Enron chief executive Jeffrey Skilling was briefly held at Waseca following his 2006 conviction. When the prison shifted to female inmates, Skilling and other male prisoners were moved to other Bureau facilities.[4]
Notable Inmates
| Name | Register Number | Offense | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holly Ann Grigsby | 42508-086 | Murder | Serving a life sentence[4] |
| Catherine Greig | 57820-112 | Harboring a fugitive, identity fraud | Released July 2020[4] |
| Lisa Biron | 12775-049 | Child exploitation offenses | Projected release 2047[4] |
| Shelley Shannon | 59755-065 | Arson and attempted murder | Released 2018[4] |
Catherine Greig was the longtime companion of Boston organized-crime figure James "Whitey" Bulger. She pleaded guilty to helping him evade capture during his years as a fugitive.[4]
Location and Visitation
FCI Waseca is located at 1000 University Drive SW, Waseca, MN 56093. Waseca is a small city in south-central Minnesota, in Waseca County. The prison is about 75 miles south of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.[3][2]
Visiting days, approved-visitor requirements, and mail rules are set by the Bureau of Prisons and posted on the facility's official page. Inmate mail is addressed to the inmate's committed name and register number at the Waseca post office box or street address listed by the Bureau. Visitors should confirm current hours and procedures before traveling.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Inspection of the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Federal Correctional Institution Waseca". U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. Retrieved 2026-06-03.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "FCI Waseca". Federal Bureau of Prisons. Retrieved 2026-06-03.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "FCI Waseca Prison Guide". Prison Professors. Retrieved 2026-06-03.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 "Federal Correctional Institution, Waseca". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2026-06-03.