State prison barbecue under investigation

Prison officials are investigating a fundraiser at Nevada State Prison last weekend in which female members of a band were allegedly scantily clad and a motorcycle was brought into the yard for inmate pictures.

Nevada Department of Corrections Spokeswoman Suzanne Pardee confirmed Friday that the NDOC inspector general's office is interviewing staff "to find out just what went on" during a barbecue and inmate fundraiser June 26, hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America.

"The event itself was an approved fundraiser," said Pardee. "It is being looked into by our inspector general's office. If we should find out any inappropriate actions were taken by our staff, then they shall be disciplined appropriately."

A copy of the minutes from an NSP staff meeting on Tuesday refer to the barbecue as a "fiasco." There's also mention of the motorcycle being brought onto the yard and used for photographs.

"Information gathered at this juncture point(s) to band members dressing appropriately for entrance into NSP and subsequently changed their attire at the time of performance," the minutes read.

Some who witnessed the band, and asked to remain anonymous, said two female band members wore only bras or bustiers and made sexual remarks during the performance. There are also allegations that some corrections officers were aware of the behavior but refused to put a stop the party.

Associate Acting Warden Traves Roberts declined comment. Warden Greg Smith was on vacation during the barbecue and could not be reached for comment.

NSP is a medium security prison and houses about 700 inmates.

Gov. Jim Gibbons has said he wants to close the state's oldest prison because it costs too much

for upkeep.