My brother is incarcerated in Middle River Regional Jail in Staunton Va. He did not pay the daily charge imposed when he was there a year ago. If we send money for his commissary, he says the jail will use it toward paying this previous expense. Is this true? Also, how are letters sent from this "inmate aid" site delivered to him in jail? Do you type and mail it via US Mail? Or is it emailed to the jail where they print it and deliver it to him? Thanks for helping!

It is true that if there is any sort of balance from a previous charge or any fine or restitution they will deduct it from the commissary. If there is a stipulation as to a percentage, that might be good information to know. But if the amount is substantial, they might take all that you deposit. InmateAid's service is not email; it is with the US Postal Service. Inmates do not have Internet access. We estimate that it takes 2-3 business days to make it to the jail. Once there, the staff opens and reads each piece of mail and inspects it for contraband. Once they decide the mail is fit to be handed out at mail call, your inmate will receive it. Any delay that occurs at the facility is out of our control. We make no guarantees as to how long it will take as there are thousands of facilities and none of them do things the same way. Please be patient, if the ID number and facility are correct we are 100% reliable. Mail call is Monday - Friday in most places.