Deadline approaches for Hennepin Co. Jail to cut 150 inmates after deaths, staffing violations
MINNEAPOLIS — The Hennepin County Jail has until Thursday afternoon to slash nearly 20% of its population, but the sheriff's office says it needs more time to move the nearly 150 inmates.
The reduction order from the Minnesota Department of Corrections comes in the wake of the deaths of at least eight inmates either in the jail or after being transported for treatment since 2022, and from chronic failures to meet well-being checks and staffing requirements.
As of Thursday morning, there are about 880 inmates in the jail. The order calls for a maximum of 600 inmates at any given time.
The sheriff's office was granted an extension on Nov. 8, and asked for a second extension on Wednesday, saying the delay is to "protect inmate health and safety" and to have more time to make arrangements with other counties.
The county recently paid a $3.4 million settlement to the family of Lucas Bellamy. The son of Lou Bellamy, founder of St. Paul's Penumbra Theater, was seen on video begging for medical help while an inmate in 2022. He was ignored and later died in his cell from a perforated bowel.
It is unclear if a judge will rule on the extension before the noon deadline.
This is a developing story. Stay with WCCO.com for more.