The Illinois Department of Corrections has confirmed it will not move forward with plans to house registered sex offenders at the former Enfield Nursing Home.
White County Sheriff Jordan Weiss announced Wednesday that after speaking with State Representative Dave Severin, he was assured the shuttered facility will not be converted into a residence for offenders.
Earlier this year, Chicago businessman Sayid Joyce purchased the building with an initial proposal to house up to 43 adult sex offenders. The idea raised immediate concerns over security at the facility and whether adequate nursing staff would be available for residents.
Had the plan gone forward, the Department of Corrections would have paid the owner $120 per day per resident to house offenders.
The future of the long-vacant and deteriorating nursing home building remains uncertain.