Jefferson County sheriff hosts 'bed and breakfast' jail event

HILLSBORO, Mo. -- Want to spend a night in jail? And how about paying for the privilege?

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department in eastern Missouri has come up with a novel way to pay for mattresses at a new jail addition.

Officials are offering the public a chance to stay overnight July 31 at the recently finished addition. For $50 a person or $90 a couple, people can tour the new facility, learn more about jail, and stay overnight. They'll receive Jefferson County "bed and breakfast" T-shirts, snacks -- and souvenir mug shots.

Also included is a "get out of jail free" card. Those who want to leave early have to give another $10. Proceeds benefit the county's jail maintenance fund.