Time Sheet Abuse Reported At Mule Creek State Prison

IONE (CBS13) --  Dozens of state employees at a local state prison are being accused of being time sheet cheats.   A state audit shows highly paid physicians at Mule Creek Prison have been getting paid for hours they never worked.

"You know, employees need to understand the expectations here, what the laws are, what the policies are regarding time-keeping," says on CDCR official.

But, at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, some prison employees have apparently been opting for their own early release from their jobs.

A special report released by the State Inspector General found some of the highest paid state employees, prison psychiatrists averaging $245,000 a year, have been arriving late for work and leaving early everyday.

In fact, the report shows it's become so routine it's likely to cost the state $1 million over a year's time.

The Inspector's report shows the average state psychiatrist at Mule Creek worked just 34 hours a week, not the 40 hours which they are paid for.  The report also shows that one employee averaged just six hours a day in a four-day work week, which amounts to 25 hours a week, and is still bringing in a hefty state salary.

Officials say that some punishment has been handed down, but the report shows employees questioned their timecards, and justified the empty hours by saying they sometimes work at home, although that too is against policy.

CDCR says this report will have ripple effects outside of Mule Creek State Prison.

CDCR would only say every facility will receive training to prevent further abuse, but when pressed, couldn't say exactly what that training would entail.