A taxpayer-funded investigation is underway by the Department of Corrections for what it calls a “potential data breach” after an Alpha News story exposed how multiple inmates at the men’s-only prison in Lino Lakes are provided with “women’s undergarments” as part of the prison’s accommodations.
Earlier this month, Alpha News reported that at least seven inmates serving sentences for criminal sexual conduct or predatory offender violations were also provided with items such as hairspray, mascara, and women’s shoes. One inmate was provided with a “packing device.”
The DOC previously said the accommodations are provided for under the department’s policies on transgender inmates.
Now, Alpha News has learned the DOC is investigating where that list came from.
Lino Lakes Associate Warden Mary McComb issued an email to staff, telling them to “provide the business reason for accessing this file within the last 30 days.” Alpha News is also aware of staff at the prison who have been questioned.
JUST IN: It appears Minnesota’s Dept. of Corrections did not want its list of accommodations (women’s undergarments, mascara, etc) in men’s prison to be exposed. The Associate Warden issuing this email to staff this week after our story ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/g9FLnsvb39
— Liz Collin (@lizcollin) March 14, 2025
Alpha News Attorney Chris Madel sent a letter to Commissioner Paul Schnell defending our reporting and informing staff that “the Minnesota Department of Corrections has falsely represented facts to persons.”
“If the Minnesota Department of Corrections genuinely stands behind its above-described policy, it should have no issue with any media coverage of it for all to see. A government that believes in its actions should welcome scrutiny rather than avoid it. Transparency fosters trust, allowing the public to fully understand and evaluate the policy’s intent and impact. Accordingly, why are you so concerned about the disclosure of this document, unless, of course, you know the underlying policy is groundless, senseless, and, indeed, stupid?” Madel wrote.
In a statement to Alpha News, the Department of Corrections confirmed the internal investigation, saying the list contained “private data about multiple inmates.”
“Because the document contained private data, it’s [sic] disclosure to Ms. Collin constituted a potential data breach under Minn. Stat. § 13.055, which the DOC is legally required to report to the Office of the Legislative Auditor and investigate to determine whether that data was improperly accessed or acquired and by whom.”
For months, Alpha News has exposed safety concerns surrounding the department’s policies on transgender inmates, leading to testimony at the capitol and proposed law changes.
Liz Collin
Liz Collin has been a truth-teller for 20 years as a multi-Emmy-Award-winning reporter and anchor. Liz is a Worthington, Minnesota native who lives in the suburbs with her husband, son and loyal lab.
