When the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. built its plant in rural Wilson County 25 years ago, it was the beginning of the drive toward economic diversity in a county heavily dependent on farming. Nearly 250 male and female inmates squeeze into accommodations for 117 at the Aiken County Detention Center. They sleep on mattresses on the floors, three to four per cell. The building is 35 years old. The plumbing handles twice the waste it was designed for.
Tempers are short.
Many of the inmates have been jailed for serious charges - drugs, murder and criminal sexual conduct. I know people who have vivid dreams - scary dreams, exciting dreams, fantasy dreams. I am not one of them. While I'm sure I dream, I never really remember what happens. It's like falling asleep in a movie theater.