How women's maximum-security prisons actually work, according to a former inmate

Jacqueline Montanez, formerly known as "Loca D," served 31 years in maximum-security women's prisons in Illinois and Florida.

She was originally sentenced to life in prison as a minor for double murders that she committed at age 15 for the Maniac Latin Disciples, a Chicago gang. Her sentence was later reduced to 63 years after a Supreme Court ruling on life sentences for minors was applied retroactively.

Montanez talks to Business Insider about security, dynamics between inmates and guards, and gang relationships in women's prisons. She also reveals the details of gang violence, prison economies, pregnancy, and how prisoners navigate romantic relationships.

Since her release in 2022, Montanez has been an advocate for prison reform and has worked with several youth advocacy groups, such as Queens for Queens.

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