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'''Federal Correctional Institution, Oxford''' ('''FCI Oxford''') is a low-security United States federal prison for male inmates located in Oxford, Wisconsin. It is operated by the [[Index_of_Federal_Prison_Facilities|Federal Bureau of Prisons]], a division of the United States Department of Justice. Located in Adams County, approximately 60 miles north of Madison, the facility opened in 1973 and has housed numerous notable inmates including former Illinois Governor [[George_Ryan|George Ryan]] and former Congressman Dan Rostenkowski.
'''Federal Correctional Institution, Oxford''' ('''FCI Oxford''') is a low-security federal prison for male inmates in Oxford, Wisconsin. The [[Index_of_Federal_Prison_Facilities|Federal Bureau of Prisons]], which operates it, is part of the United States Department of Justice. You'll find the facility in Adams County, roughly 60 miles north of Madison. It opened in 1973 and has held some notable prisoners over the years, including former Illinois Governor [[George_Ryan|George Ryan]] and ex-Congressman Dan Rostenkowski.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==


FCI Oxford is a low-security federal correctional institution housing male offenders. As of December 2025, the facility houses approximately 1,050 inmates. The main institution features one- and two-person cells organized across four housing units. The facility formerly operated an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp, which was closed in 2024.
This low-security facility houses male offenders exclusively. As of December 2025, roughly 1,050 inmates are incarcerated here. The main prison contains one- and two-person cells spread across four separate housing units. An adjacent minimum-security satellite camp used to operate here. It closed in 2024.


The institution is part of the Bureau of Prisons' North Central Region and falls within the Western District of Wisconsin. Its proximity to major Midwestern cities, particularly Chicago (approximately 180 miles away), has historically made it a common designation for white-collar offenders and politicians from Illinois.
The North Central Region of the Bureau of Prisons includes this institution, which falls within Wisconsin's Western District. Being near major Midwest population centers, especially Chicago (about 180 miles away), has made it a common placement for white-collar criminals and political figures from Illinois over its history.


== History ==
== History ==
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=== Establishment and Early Years ===
=== Establishment and Early Years ===


FCI Oxford opened in 1973 as a federal correctional institution. The facility was established to serve the Bureau of Prisons' need for additional capacity in the Midwest region.
Oxford opened its doors in 1973 as a federal correctional institution. The Bureau of Prisons created it to handle capacity needs across the Midwest.


=== Satellite Camp Addition ===
=== Satellite Camp Addition ===


In 1985, a minimum-security satellite camp was added adjacent to the main institution. The camp housed approximately 80-100 male inmates and provided labor support to the main institution as well as off-site work programs.
A minimum-security satellite camp opened adjacent to the main facility in 1985. It held approximately 80 to 100 male inmates and served dual purposes: it provided labor support to the main institution and ran off-site work programs.


=== Mission Change (2023) ===
=== Mission Change (2023) ===


On June 21, 2023, the Bureau of Prisons announced that FCI Oxford would transition from a medium-security to a low-security institution. This reclassification, implemented under BOP Director Colette Peters, was designed to:
On June 21, 2023, everything shifted. The Bureau of Prisons announced FCI Oxford would change from medium-security to low-security status. Under BOP Director Colette Peters, this reclassification aimed to:


* Alleviate the Bureau's growing need for low-security beds
* Reduce the Bureau's critical shortage of low-security beds
* Support the [[First_Step_Act|First Step Act]] by housing individuals closer to their release communities (within 500 miles)
* Support the [[First_Step_Act|First Step Act]] by placing individuals closer to their eventual release communities (within 500 miles)
* Prepare individuals for successful reentry into their communities
* Help people reintegrate successfully after their time inside


FCI Oxford was the fourth facility to undergo such a mission change, following FCI Memphis, FCI Estill, and FCI Estill Satellite Camp.
This wasn't the first facility to make the switch. FCI Memphis, FCI Estill, and FCI Estill Satellite Camp had already gone through it. Oxford was the fourth.


=== Satellite Camp Closure (2024) ===
=== Satellite Camp Closure (2024) ===


In June 2024, the Bureau of Prisons suspended operations at the FCI Oxford satellite camp. The closure was part of a broader BOP initiative addressing critical staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and limited budgetary resources. Inmates from the camp were transferred to other facilities, while staff were reassigned to the main FCI Oxford institution. The main prison continues to operate normally.
By June 2024, the Bureau of Prisons shut down the satellite camp. They were dealing with severe staffing shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and tight budgets. Inmates got transferred elsewhere. Staff members moved to the main institution instead. The main prison kept running without interruption.


== Programs and Services ==
== Programs and Services ==
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=== Drug Treatment Programs ===
=== Drug Treatment Programs ===


FCI Oxford offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment options:
Several substance abuse treatment options exist at FCI Oxford:


* [[Residential_Drug_Abuse_Program_(RDAP)|Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)]] - intensive 9-month program with potential sentence reduction of up to 12 months
* [[Residential_Drug_Abuse_Program_(RDAP)|Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)]] - a nine-month intensive program offering up to 12 months off sentences
* Drug Abuse Education Program
* Drug Abuse Education Program
* Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP)
* Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP)
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=== Educational Programs ===
=== Educational Programs ===


The facility provides various educational opportunities:
The facility offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Inmates can pursue literacy programs, GED prep and testing, English-as-a-Second Language courses, Adult Continuing Education classes, parenting education, high school diplomas, and post-secondary correspondence courses.


* Literacy programs
The TRULINCS Electronic Law Library sits in the Education Department. Prisoners access legal resources there for case research and document preparation.
* GED preparation and testing
* English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) courses
* Adult Continuing Education (ACE) classes
* Parenting education programs
* High school diploma programs
* Post-secondary correspondence courses
 
The TRULINCS Electronic Law Library, located in the Education Department, provides inmates access to legal materials for research and document preparation.


=== Vocational Training ===
=== Vocational Training ===


FCI Oxford offers several vocational training programs and apprenticeships:
Job training programs and apprenticeships are available here:


* Certified Production Technician
* Certified Production Technician
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=== Mental Health Services ===
=== Mental Health Services ===


All inmates receive an intake interview with a psychologist. Mental health services include:
Every inmate gets evaluated. A psychologist conducts an intake interview for each person. What's available after that includes:


* 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention
* Crisis intervention and suicide prevention, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
* Individual counseling for family, interpersonal, adjustment, or personal concerns
* Individual counseling for family issues, interpersonal problems, adjustment difficulties, or personal matters
* Educational and therapeutic groups (stress management, anger management)
* Educational and therapeutic groups covering stress management and anger management


=== Health Services ===
=== Health Services ===


Health services cover routine medical and dental care, including physical examinations, emergency treatment, and medication distribution. Inmates can access routine care by submitting a triage form, while emergency medical care is available through any staff member.
Medical and dental care covers routine exams, emergency treatment, and medication management. Inmates submit a triage form for routine visits. Emergency care is available through any staff member at any time.


== Notable Inmates ==
== Notable Inmates ==


FCI Oxford has housed several high-profile inmates, particularly politicians and public figures from the Chicago area:
Several high-profile prisoners have served time at Oxford, many of them politicians and public figures from the Chicago region:


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
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! Name !! Offense !! Sentence !! Dates at FCI Oxford !! Notes
! Name !! Offense !! Sentence !! Dates at FCI Oxford !! Notes
|-
|-
| '''[[George_Ryan|George Ryan]]''' || Racketeering, bribery, fraud, tax fraud || 6.5 years || November 2007 - February 2008 || Former Illinois Governor (1999-2003). Transferred to FCI Terre Haute after Oxford stopped housing inmates over 70. Released July 2013. Died May 2025.
| '''[[George_Ryan|George Ryan]]''' || Racketeering, bribery, fraud, tax fraud || 6.5 years || November 2007 - February 2008 || Former Illinois Governor (1999-2003). Transferred to FCI Terre Haute after Oxford stopped accepting inmates over 70. Released July 2013. Died May 2025.
|-
|-
| '''Dan Rostenkowski''' || [[Mail_Fraud|Mail fraud]] || 17 months || 1996-1997 || Former U.S. Congressman (D-IL), Chairman of House Ways and Means Committee. Pardoned by President Clinton in 2000. Later joked about receiving "my Oxford education."
| '''Dan Rostenkowski''' || [[Mail_Fraud|Mail fraud]] || 17 months || 1996-1997 || Former U.S. Congressman (D-IL), Chairman of House Ways and Means Committee. President Clinton pardoned him in 2000. He later joked about getting "my Oxford education."
|-
|-
| '''[[George_Papadopoulos|George Papadopoulos]]''' || Making false statements to FBI || 14 days || November 26 - December 7, 2018 || Former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser. Pardoned by President Trump in December 2020.
| '''[[George_Papadopoulos|George Papadopoulos]]''' || Making false statements to FBI || 14 days || November 26 - December 7, 2018 || Former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser. President Trump pardoned him in December 2020.
|-
|-
| '''Jesus Cortez Zambrano''' || Murder || 27 years || Current || Serving lengthy sentence for murder conviction.
| '''Jesus Cortez Zambrano''' || Murder || 27 years || Current || Currently serving a lengthy sentence for murder conviction.
|}
|}


== Notes from Alumni ==
== Notes from Alumni ==


We have not yet heard any notes or tips from alumni of FCI Oxford. Have something you'd like to contribute? Log in above and then tap Edit at the top of this page to get started.
We haven't received any notes or tips from people who've been here. Got something to share? Log in above and then click Edit at the top of this page to start adding content.


''Please remember that experiences are unique and may not reflect today's experience.''
''Keep in mind that everyone's experience is different and conditions may have changed since someone was incarcerated.''


== Location & Visitation ==
== Location & Visitation ==
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:Oxford, WI 53952
:Oxford, WI 53952


FCI Oxford is located in Adams County, in central Wisconsin, approximately 60 miles north of Madison and 180 miles northwest of Chicago. The facility is accessible via Interstate 39, exiting at County Road G.
You'll find FCI Oxford in Adams County in central Wisconsin. It's about 60 miles north of Madison and roughly 180 miles northwest of Chicago. Interstate 39 gets you there. Just exit at County Road G.


<html>
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'''Visiting Hours:'''
'''Visiting Hours:'''
* Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
* Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
* Friday: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
* Friday: 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM


Visits can last up to five hours, depending on the visitor's arrival time and facility capacity. All visitors must be pre-approved before visiting an inmate during authorized hours.
Visits can run up to five hours. It depends on when you arrive and how full the facility is that day. All visitors need pre-approval before they can see an inmate during visiting hours.


There are many specific rules and procedures to be aware of when visiting. Read more on our [[Visiting_Policies_and_Procedures|Visitation Guide]].
Specific rules and procedures apply when visiting. Check out our [[Visiting_Policies_and_Procedures|Visitation Guide]] for the details.


For full, current visiting rules and scheduling, always check the institution's official page on the Bureau of Prisons website: [https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/oxf/ Official BOP Page].
For the most current visiting rules and to schedule a visit, consult the institution's official page on the Bureau of Prisons website: [https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/oxf/ Official BOP Page].


=== Sending Money ===
=== Sending Money ===


'''Important:''' Do NOT send money to inmates at the facility address. All funds sent through the mail must be addressed to the Federal Bureau of Prisons processing center:
'''Important:''' Don't send money directly to inmates at the prison address. All funds sent by mail go through a Federal Bureau of Prisons processing center instead:


:Federal Bureau of Prisons
:Federal Bureau of Prisons

Latest revision as of 17:41, 23 April 2026

MALE
Gender
LOW
Security Level
~1,050
Population (Dec. 2025)

Federal Correctional Institution, Oxford (FCI Oxford) is a low-security federal prison for male inmates in Oxford, Wisconsin. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, which operates it, is part of the United States Department of Justice. You'll find the facility in Adams County, roughly 60 miles north of Madison. It opened in 1973 and has held some notable prisoners over the years, including former Illinois Governor George Ryan and ex-Congressman Dan Rostenkowski.

Overview

This low-security facility houses male offenders exclusively. As of December 2025, roughly 1,050 inmates are incarcerated here. The main prison contains one- and two-person cells spread across four separate housing units. An adjacent minimum-security satellite camp used to operate here. It closed in 2024.

The North Central Region of the Bureau of Prisons includes this institution, which falls within Wisconsin's Western District. Being near major Midwest population centers, especially Chicago (about 180 miles away), has made it a common placement for white-collar criminals and political figures from Illinois over its history.

History

Establishment and Early Years

Oxford opened its doors in 1973 as a federal correctional institution. The Bureau of Prisons created it to handle capacity needs across the Midwest.

Satellite Camp Addition

A minimum-security satellite camp opened adjacent to the main facility in 1985. It held approximately 80 to 100 male inmates and served dual purposes: it provided labor support to the main institution and ran off-site work programs.

Mission Change (2023)

On June 21, 2023, everything shifted. The Bureau of Prisons announced FCI Oxford would change from medium-security to low-security status. Under BOP Director Colette Peters, this reclassification aimed to:

  • Reduce the Bureau's critical shortage of low-security beds
  • Support the First Step Act by placing individuals closer to their eventual release communities (within 500 miles)
  • Help people reintegrate successfully after their time inside

This wasn't the first facility to make the switch. FCI Memphis, FCI Estill, and FCI Estill Satellite Camp had already gone through it. Oxford was the fourth.

Satellite Camp Closure (2024)

By June 2024, the Bureau of Prisons shut down the satellite camp. They were dealing with severe staffing shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and tight budgets. Inmates got transferred elsewhere. Staff members moved to the main institution instead. The main prison kept running without interruption.

Programs and Services

Drug Treatment Programs

Several substance abuse treatment options exist at FCI Oxford:

  • Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) - a nine-month intensive program offering up to 12 months off sentences
  • Drug Abuse Education Program
  • Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP)
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Educational Programs

The facility offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Inmates can pursue literacy programs, GED prep and testing, English-as-a-Second Language courses, Adult Continuing Education classes, parenting education, high school diplomas, and post-secondary correspondence courses.

The TRULINCS Electronic Law Library sits in the Education Department. Prisoners access legal resources there for case research and document preparation.

Vocational Training

Job training programs and apprenticeships are available here:

  • Certified Production Technician
  • Culinary Arts
  • Carpentry apprenticeship
  • Dental Assistant apprenticeship
  • Maintenance Repair (formerly at camp)
  • Painting (formerly at camp)
  • Stationary Engineering (formerly at camp)
  • Wastewater Treatment (formerly at camp)
  • Welding (formerly at camp)

Mental Health Services

Every inmate gets evaluated. A psychologist conducts an intake interview for each person. What's available after that includes:

  • Crisis intervention and suicide prevention, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Individual counseling for family issues, interpersonal problems, adjustment difficulties, or personal matters
  • Educational and therapeutic groups covering stress management and anger management

Health Services

Medical and dental care covers routine exams, emergency treatment, and medication management. Inmates submit a triage form for routine visits. Emergency care is available through any staff member at any time.

Notable Inmates

Several high-profile prisoners have served time at Oxford, many of them politicians and public figures from the Chicago region:

Name Offense Sentence Dates at FCI Oxford Notes
George Ryan Racketeering, bribery, fraud, tax fraud 6.5 years November 2007 - February 2008 Former Illinois Governor (1999-2003). Transferred to FCI Terre Haute after Oxford stopped accepting inmates over 70. Released July 2013. Died May 2025.
Dan Rostenkowski Mail fraud 17 months 1996-1997 Former U.S. Congressman (D-IL), Chairman of House Ways and Means Committee. President Clinton pardoned him in 2000. He later joked about getting "my Oxford education."
George Papadopoulos Making false statements to FBI 14 days November 26 - December 7, 2018 Former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser. President Trump pardoned him in December 2020.
Jesus Cortez Zambrano Murder 27 years Current Currently serving a lengthy sentence for murder conviction.

Notes from Alumni

We haven't received any notes or tips from people who've been here. Got something to share? Log in above and then click Edit at the top of this page to start adding content.

Keep in mind that everyone's experience is different and conditions may have changed since someone was incarcerated.

Location & Visitation

Contact Information

Type Information
Phone 608-584-5511
Fax 608-584-6314
Email [email protected]

Location

Physical Address:

FCI Oxford
County Road G & Elk Avenue
Oxford, WI 53952

Mailing Address (Inmates):

Inmate Name, Register Number
FCI Oxford
P.O. Box 1000
Oxford, WI 53952

You'll find FCI Oxford in Adams County in central Wisconsin. It's about 60 miles north of Madison and roughly 180 miles northwest of Chicago. Interstate 39 gets you there. Just exit at County Road G.

Visitation

Visiting Hours:

  • Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Friday: 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Visits can run up to five hours. It depends on when you arrive and how full the facility is that day. All visitors need pre-approval before they can see an inmate during visiting hours.

Specific rules and procedures apply when visiting. Check out our Visitation Guide for the details.

For the most current visiting rules and to schedule a visit, consult the institution's official page on the Bureau of Prisons website: Official BOP Page.

Sending Money

Important: Don't send money directly to inmates at the prison address. All funds sent by mail go through a Federal Bureau of Prisons processing center instead:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Inmate Name, Register Number
P.O. Box 474701
Des Moines, IA 50947-0001

See Also

References


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