Director Says Camp No Threat To Public

Despite three escapes in two weeks from a rehabilitation camp for juvenile offenders, the director maintains the operation is not a threat to the public.

One boy, who fled Monday from the remote Magic Hot Springs Youth Camp 45 miles south of Twin Falls, has escaped twice.

A 17-year-old boy from Hailey and a 16-year-old from Nampa were arraigned Tuesday in Twin Falls County Juvenile Court on charges of grand theft, grand theft by possession, felony attempting to elude a police officer, and criminal conspiracy.

They stole a vehicle from the camp Monday night, then led police on a 27-minute chase nearly to Jerome before they were recaptured. They are being held in the Snake River Juvenile Detention Center in Twin Falls.

The Magic camp contracts with the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections to house nonviolent offenders and rehabilitate them.

“It’s still safer for the community,” camp Director Mike Hutchings said. “These guys could have escaped and gotten into someone’s neighborhood. I think it’s still safer. And we’re making it more and more difficult to escape.”

Hutchings said a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire is being installed around the camp. The staff is receiving training in preventing escapes.

The Nampa boy and another escaped April 8. They were arrested seven hours later on the outskirts of Jackpot, Nev., about 12 miles from the camp.

Three boys walked away from the camp April 9. They were arrested at Cactus Pete’s casino in Jackpot. They were taken to the Snake River center.

They have not returned to Magic Hot Springs, and Hutchings said it is unlikely the Nampa teen will be taken back, either.