Keep Bailing

Fresno, CA – Budget cuts in Fresno County may lead to the early release of 500 inmates, according to Fresno County Sheriff, Margaret Mims.

The 100 inmates released on Tuesday were reportedly near the end of their sentences or awaiting sentancing. All of them were incarcerated for low-level crimes having to do with narcotics possession and theft.

On Feb. 8th, the layoff of 69 correctional officers has amounted to the shut down of three floors at the Fresno County Jail.

According to a federal consent decree, the county may release inmates early if any part of the jail has reached 90% capacity. When any part of the jail has reached total capacity, they must release inmates early.

This is not the first time Mims has released inmates early. Last July, city and county officials raised concerns about Fresno jail early realeases. Clearly, the Fresno Police Department is not happy with the actions of Mims.