Stories about Alabama sheriffs getting rich off of money allocated for jailed inmates’ food have sparked a lawsuit by two advocacy group, according to WBRC FOX6 News.

“Our ultimate goal is to make sure money earmarked for jail food is spent on jail food,” said Frank Knaak, executive director of Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, one of two organizations that brought the suit. “There have been disturbing stories of sheriffs becoming rich off of money for jail food.”

Appleseed and the Southern Center for Human Rights allege in their lawsuit that 49 Alabama sheriffs are violating Alabama’s Public Records Laws by failing to disclose how they have profited from the funds meant to feed inmates, according to the article.

“Feeding inmates and illegal immigrants that are in this facility is my responsibility,” Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin told WBRC. “At times, my wife and I have had to take out loans for the cost of these meals.”

“64% of California’s jail population is awaiting trial or sentencing as of December 2016.” Most remain in pretrial custody because they cannot afford bail.  Jail Profile Survey, http://www.bscc.ca.gov/

Sheriff Matt Gentry, who works in Alabama’s Cullman County, told WBRC he supports changing the law that allows sheriffs to keep funds meant for inmates. But, he said ultimately that is an issue for voters to decide at the ballot box.

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https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/overcrowding-in-county-jails-changes-bail-practices/