ANGOLA, La. (AP) — Men who may never get out of the Louisiana State Prison are getting state licenses as landscape contractors and pesticide applicators.

Some also are teaching other long-term inmates and short-timers who are serving their time in the maximum-security prison so they can get that training.

Forty-seven-year-old Michael Costello added four licenses to the landscaping license he had when he went to prison. He's now working for a pool and spa company owner who's starting a landscaping business.

Costello says he must check in weekly with the court and meet twice weekly with other former inmates and counselors.

He had an outside job lined up before his 18 months were up in October.

His boss, Kenny Demoran, says he met Costello during visits to his own twin brother.

(Story by: Janet McConnaughey, The Associated Press)

 

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