Graterford Inmate Who Stole $1 Of Lemonade Almost Couldn't Come Home To Die: Report

SKIPPACK, PA — When an inmate at Graterford State Prison found out he was going to die, all he wanted to do was go home.

That's allowed in Pennsylvania, under something called the compassionate-release law. The paperwork, however, can be unbelievably slow.

This was what happened this summer with 57-year-old Frank Rodriguez, Philly.com reports. Rodriguez, of Bethlehem, who was dying of colon cancer, petitioned months before his death to be allowed to return home to die. But his case was so administratively tangled that he wasn't allowed to come home until Aug. 25.

He died Aug. 27.

His crime? He stole $1 worth of lemonade, and then was caught smoking marijuana while on parole, the report states.

For that, Rodriguez was imprisoned until just two days before his death.

It costs more than $42,000 per year to house an inmate in the Pennsylvania state prison system, according to studies conducted by the Vera Institute of Justice.

Rodriguez's full obituary is included below, courtesy of Cantelmi-Long Funeral Home:

Frank Rodriguez, 57, of Bethlehem passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at St. Luke's Hospice House. Born in Fountain Hill, he was the son of the late William and Maria T. Rodriguez. Frank was an avid Eagles fan. He will be lovingly remembered for his infectious smile and dimples. Frank was a member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

Surviving: sons, Phillip and Michael, daughter, Jenny; three grandchildren; siblings, Alex Ramos of Hellertown, David Ramos of Easton, Elzy Garcia and her husband Angel of Parrish, FL, Gilbert Rodriguez and his wife Diane of Bethlehem, Mirna Barbosa and her husband Jose of Baltimore, MD, William Rodriguez Jr. and his wife Kathy, Miriam Rodriguez, Lillian Rodriguez and Danny Rodriguez all of Bethlehem.

Services: A funeral service was held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Cantelmi Funeral Home, 1311 Broadway, Fountain Hill. Burial followed at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, LV Unit, 3893 Adler Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Image via Cantelmi-Long Funeral Home