The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said: “First and foremost, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend condolences to the family Lashawn Thompson.
“A full investigation was launched into the circumstances surrounding Mr Thompson’s death. The ongoing investigation is examining details regarding the medical care provided and ultimately will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted in this case.
“The health, well-being, and security of inmates in our care is our top priority. It’s no secret that the dilapidated and rapidly eroding conditions of the current facility make it incredibly difficult to meet the goal of providing a clean, well-maintained, and healthy environment for all inmates and staff. That is precisely why Sheriff Labat continues to call building a new Fulton County Jail and Criminal Justice Complex which will provide an elite level of care, mental health services, security, and cleanliness.”
It added that it has approved an additional expenditure of $500,000 to address the infestation of bed bugs, lice, and other vermin within the Fulton County Jail. But this doesn’t go far enough for Mr Thompson’s family, who are asking for the prison to be shut down, according to reports.
This is not the first time Fulton County Jail has been criticized for the condition of the prison, with “outbreaks of scabies and lice” in the “dangerously understaffed and overcrowded” facility, according to the Southern Center for Human Rights. At least ten people died in custody at the jail last year, it added.
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