How to Send Money to Lake Erie Correctional Institution | Pigeonly
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How to Send Money to Lake Erie Correctional Institution

OffenderConnect handles inmate deposits at Lake Erie CI. Deposit online at offenderconnect.com or use the kiosk in the front entry building.

Overview

Lake Erie Correctional Institution uses OffenderConnect (a GTL service) for inmate trust account deposits. You can send money online at offenderconnect.com with a credit or debit card, or deposit at a kiosk inside the front entry building using cash, credit, or debit. Funds go into the inmate’s trust account for commissary purchases. Phone call credits run through a separate ConnectNetwork account. For help, call GTL customer service at 800-231-0193 or visit offenderconnect.com.

Quick Facts

  • Online deposits: go to offenderconnect.com, find the inmate by name or ODRC number, and pay with a credit or debit card.
  • Kiosk deposits: available in the front entry building at Lake Erie CI. Accepts cash, credit, or debit. Government-issued ID with a magnetic strip is required.
  • Funds go into the inmate's trust account for commissary purchases.
  • Phone call credits are funded separately through your ConnectNetwork account at connectnetwork.com.
  • Transaction fees apply to both online and kiosk deposits.
  • GTL customer service: 800-231-0193. Website: offenderconnect.com.

Online Deposit via OffenderConnect

Online deposits are the fastest option and typically post within hours.

  1. Go to offenderconnect.com and log in or create an account.
  2. Search for the inmate by full legal name or ODRC offender number.
  3. Choose a deposit amount and pay with a credit or debit card.
  4. Review the transaction fee before confirming. Save the confirmation number.

OffenderConnect also lets you view prior payments and a full statement history for your account. If a deposit doesn’t post after 24 hours, check your account history, then contact GTL customer service at 800-231-0193.

Kiosk Deposit

Kiosks are available in the front entry building at Lake Erie CI. They accept cash, credit card, and debit card. To use the kiosk:

  • Bring a government-issued ID with a magnetic strip. Manual entry is not available.
  • The machine will prompt you to swipe your ID during the transaction.
  • A transaction fee applies regardless of the payment method or amount.

The kiosk is an option if you’re visiting the facility or prefer not to use the online platform.

What the Money Covers

Funds deposited go into the inmate’s trust account. The inmate uses this account to:

  • Shop at the commissary (food, hygiene products, writing supplies, clothing, electronics)
  • Pay medical and dental co-pays
  • Cover other approved facility expenses

Phone credits are separate. See the Phone Calls guide for how to fund phone time at Lake Erie CI.

Deposit Limits and Garnishment

ODRC-contract facilities may have monthly deposit limits. If the inmate has court-ordered fines, restitution, or other financial obligations, a portion of each deposit may be garnished automatically. The inmate can ask their case manager about any garnishment orders on the account.

Getting Help

  • OffenderConnect website: offenderconnect.com
  • GTL customer service: 800-231-0193
  • Lake Erie CI main number: (440) 599-4100

Families Also Ask

6 of 8 questions

Q

How do I send money to an inmate at Lake Erie CI?

Go to offenderconnect.com and deposit with a credit or debit card. Kiosks in the front entry building also accept cash and card (government-issued ID with magnetic strip required). GTL customer service: 800-231-0193.

Send Money
Q

How long does an online deposit take to post?

Online deposits through offenderconnect.com typically post within a few hours. If funds don't appear after 24 hours, check your account history and contact GTL at 800-231-0193.

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Q

Does the money I send cover phone calls?

No. Commissary deposits go into the inmate's trust account. Phone credits are funded through your personal ConnectNetwork account at connectnetwork.com. These are separate accounts.

Send Money
Q

Are there fees for deposits at Lake Erie CI?

Yes. OffenderConnect charges a transaction fee for online deposits. Kiosks also charge a transaction fee regardless of payment method or amount. You'll see the fee before confirming any transaction.

Send Money
Q

What ID do I need for the kiosk?

A government-issued ID with a magnetic strip. The kiosk will prompt you to swipe it during the transaction. Manual ID entry is not available.

Send Money
Q

What does commissary money cover?

Commissary purchases (food, hygiene, writing supplies, clothing, electronics), medical and dental co-pays, and other approved facility expenses.

Send Money
Q

What happens if the inmate has outstanding fines?

Court-ordered fines, restitution, or other financial obligations may be garnished from each deposit automatically. The inmate can ask their case manager about any garnishment orders.

Send Money
Q

Who do I contact if a deposit doesn't post?

First check your account history at offenderconnect.com. Then call GTL customer service at 800-231-0193 or Lake Erie CI at (440) 599-4100.

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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 6, 2026.