Macomb County Sheriff: Jail Overcrowding Eases After More Than 100 Freed
MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ/AP) - There's a little wiggle room at the Macomb County jail after the sheriff says 100 prisoners were released — easing a jail overcrowding emergency.
A judge earlier approved the release of prisoners who hadn't been charged with or convicted of "a violent or assaultive crime, a sex offense, breaking or entering, drug dealing, or any other major felony."
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham says his department early Friday processed the release of 104 prisoners, bringing the jail's population in compliance with state law. The jail has a maximum capacity of 1,193 inmate and, as of Tuesday, according to the Macomb Daily, its population was at 1,260 — 67 inmates over the limit.
Names were given to the judge who ordered a maximum sentence reduction of 25 percent for sentenced prisoners and release on personal bonds for those awaiting sentencing.
Typically, those released in instances likes these includes inmates convicted of crimes such as marijuana possession, driving offenses and disorderly conduct, as well as inmates scheduled to be released at the end of the month.
Wickersham said this was Macomb's 15th jail overcrowding emergency declaration since 2003. The last emergency occurred in November 2014, when a judge ordered the early release of 71 inmates.
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