Twardoski undergoing classification at Graham Correctional

<span>On Oct. 8, five days after Derrick J. Twardoski was sentenced to 53 years in prison by Judge Richard A. Brown at the Randolph County Courthouse, Illinois Department of Corrections Spokesman Tom Shaer updated the Herald Tribune on Twardoski's status.</span>

<span>Shaer said Twardoski is at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro, where he is undergoing the reception and classification process of his incarceration.</span>

<span>"It's a weeks-long process," Shaer said. "We will assess whether he is a security risk, escape risk and whether he should be maximum-security or medium-security."</span>

<span>Shaer said Twardoski's parole date is October 3, 2067 with a discharge date of October 3, 2070.</span>

<span>He will be 86 years old by the time of his parole date.</span>

<span>"This is the interesting thing," Shaer said. "They've already been judged, they've already been prosecuted and they've already been sentenced.</span>

<span>"We don't have any other focus other than safety and security. As long as (Twardoski) follows the rules, he's just another prisoner."</span>

<span>When asked how much awareness inmates have regarding high-profile cases such as Twardoski's, Shaer said inmates don't get daily newspapers, but can get reading material delivered to them.</span>

<span>"Any reading material they get, goes through the mail room and is screened," Shaer said. "They do have the option to purchase a small television, only certain ones are allowed by IDOC, and can plug it into the house antennae."</span>

<span>Shaer said inmates are not allowed to have individual antennas in their cells due to the possibility of them being fashioned into weapons. The Inmate Benefit Fund pays for the televisions.</span>

<span>"Legally, we have no control over (the fund)," Shaer said. "Television keeps them occupied and keeps them quiet."</span>

<span>Inmates do not have internet access, according to Shaer.</span>

<span>"If they watch local news, (the inmates) would know about (the case)," Shaer said.</span>

<span>Shaer was not able to say where Twardoski could possibly be sent once he finishes the classification process, but did say Twardoski would not be housed with someone who has a connection to the crime.</span>

<span>"His crime might have drawn a lot of attention on the outside, but if he's smart, he'll be low-profile on the inside," Shaer said of Twardoski.</span>

<span>In a release from IDOC, some distinguishing physical features of the 5-foot-8, 185-pound Twardoski were also revealed.</span>

<span>Twardoski has tattoos on both arms, as well as on his chest, abdomen, back and right leg. He has the word "Family" tattooed on his left arm, along with his daughter's name on his right.</span>

<span>On his chest, bat wings with a grenade. His first name is tattooed on his abdomen, while his back features a Celtic cross and a snake.</span>

<span>There is also a tattoo of a heart on his right leg.</span>

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