Freddy Krueger isn't just a character in a movie. It's also the nickname of a Las Vegas inmate who participates in a Scared Straight program for troubled teens.

"The burly, bald criminal with the intense stare seems to enjoy frightening troubled youngsters, many of whom have been forced by court order to visit him, with graphic tales of the very unpleasant things he'll do to them if they ever end up near him in grown-up jail."

While the threats may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, it doesn't detract from the very real, and grim, picture that's painted of life behind bars. Many parents consider it their last best shot at keeping their kids from living lives of crime. Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal

Labels: criminals, juvenile_crime, role_models