Official announcements from Fulton County or related government bodies

DOJ Report Reveals 'Death Sentence' Conditions at Fulton County Jail

Nov 15, 2024, 02:38 PM

Federal investigators have concluded a more than year-long civil rights probe into the Fulton County Jail, revealing detainees are subjected to 'dangerous and unsanitary' conditions, including pest infestations and malnourishment. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Kristen Clarke, stated that the investigation found longstanding, unconstitutional, unlawful, and dangerous conditions that jeopardize the lives and well-being of the people held there. The Department of Justice (DOJ) report described the jail as a 'death sentence' for its inhabitants, highlighting the case of Lashawn Thompson, who was found dead in his cell, malnourished and covered in bugs. Senators and representatives, including Sen. Raphael Warnock, Sen. Jon Ossoff, and Rep. Nikema Williams, had previously urged the Justice Department to prioritize this investigation. The findings have been described as disturbing and heartbreaking, with calls for immediate action to end the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment. Additionally, the police force has been criticized over 'dirty cells'.