Audit: Violations abound at Ohio private prison

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The operator of the nation's first privately owned state prison is working to correct dozens of safety, health and security issues uncovered in a recent audit.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Corrections Corporation of America has been firmly rebuked by Ohio officials for conditions identified at Lake Erie Correctional Facility, along the shores of Lake Erie.

The September management review was released to The Associated Press on Friday. It says auditors found mildew in showers and an unmarked urine specimen on a desk. It says inmates operated a meat slicer with no safety guards.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction says the audit results are unacceptable.

The company took over the prison on New Year's Eve in a deal worth $73 million. It says it's taking corrective steps to ensure the prison meets state and national standards.