Before You Mail That Money Order to an Inmate at Christina Melton Crain Unit: A Checklist

The payee line matters. Make your money order or cashier's check payable exactly to:

Before you seal the envelope, double-check that the offender’s full name and TDCJ offender number are included on the deposit (your money order or cashier’s check). Missing or incorrect identifying information is one of the easiest ways for a deposit to be delayed.

You’ll also need a deposit slip. The simplest route is to get deposit slips directly from the offender - many families ask their loved one to mail a few home so they’re ready when it’s time to send funds.

1. Prepare a self-addressed, stamped envelope - this is what TDCJ uses to send deposit slips back to you.
2. Mail your request envelope to the Inmate Trust Fund - address it to: Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060.
3. Wait for the deposit slips to arrive - once you have them, fill one out completely each time you mail a deposit.

What to Include and Where to Send

• ✓ A completed deposit slip
• ✓ A money order or cashier’s check made payable to “Inmate Trust Fund for Offender Name and Number”
• ✓ The offender’s full name and TDCJ offender number included on the deposit
• ✓ Your full name and return address (required)

Mail the completed deposit slip together with the money order or cashier’s check to: Inmate Trust Fund, PO Box 60, Huntsville, TX 77342-0060. This is the mailing address used for requesting deposit slips and for sending the actual deposit.

Prohibitions and Account Expectations

• ✓ Do not send cash, stamps, or personal items for offenders to either the unit or the Inmate Trust Fund
• ✓ Do not send funds to offenders you do not know, and don’t send money as a favor for another offender

If your mailed deposit doesn’t show up or you have questions about making a deposit, contact the Inmate Trust Fund at 936-438-8990. Have the offender’s name and TDCJ number handy when you call.

If anything about a money request feels off - especially if you suspect pressure or threats - don’t send the funds. Report suspected extortion to the unit warden or the TDCJ Office of Inspector General, and avoid sending money to people you don’t know or “as a favor” for someone else.