UPDATE INFORMATION
BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo – At the time of this update, prisoners at the Autauga County Metro Jail are being transported to other facilities. (Photo by Malia Riggs – EAN)
The Autauga County Commission has released an official statement regarding black mold in the Autauga Metro Jail, which has forced prisoners to be evacuated today.
“The County Commission is aware of certain facility issues at the Autauga County Metro Jail. We have been working diligently, and in good faith, with Sheriff Harrell and his staff to address their important concerns; we will continue to do so and ask him and his staff to do the same. Just this week the County Commission had workers in the building to assess and attempt to address those concerns. We have also had multiple experts inspect the facility.
We will persist to make improvements, but within the scope of the law and the resources available to us, to ensure the wellbeing of anyone – inmate, staff, law enforcement officer, or member of the public – who enters the jail.” – Autauga County Administrator Scott Kramer
Earlier this morning, we confirmed that a major issue with the Autauga Metro Jail is the presence of black mold. This is what has caused the evacuation which will continue until all prisoners are moved to other facilities. We are told officials have until Saturday to clear the jail.
The Autauga County Commission oversees the Autauga Metro Jail as far as maintenance and building issues. Sheriff Harrell praised his jail staff and warden, but said it is imperative that the issue be addressed quickly. Until that time, he can no longer allow the public, or the employees, to be in danger. The mold was detected in early April within the HVAC system of the jail.
We are also told that an inspection will be made of the entire courthouse facility, to check for other areas where there could be issues.
We reached out to District Attorney CJ Robinson who responded saying, “I would anticipate an assessment to be done. I know the commission would want to protect the daily employees and public (jurors and citizens) just as much as they need to protect the inmates. The Autauga Commission has always been helpful with us and we are happy to help in any way we can.”
Area officials were being notified Wednesday late afternoon that the jail would be closing because of black mold, and other issues. However, discussions between Sheriff Harrell and the Autauga County Commission began weeks ago. We are told there is also a concern with the sprinkler system not functioning properly. We could not determine exactly how long these issues have been known but are working on those answers.
A meeting was held Wednesday and a plan has been laid out, according to Prattville Police Chief Mark Thompson.
“We had a meeting with the court department, and our finance director, among others. We are working on a plan on how to handle arrests, including misdemeanors and felonies. There will still be arrests made, but there may be different facilities involved. I have offered my department’s assistance to Sheriff Mark Harrell, and anything we can do to help through this process will be done.”
Our reporter Malia Riggs is on scene at the Autauga Metro Jail and reports that transport vans have begun arriving to the facility. It is expected the movement of prisoners is beginning this morning.
We will be reaching out to Autauga County Commissioners this morning, to try and learn what they know about this situation and what steps, if any, have been taken toward removing the mold.
We have been contacted by former employees of the Autauga County Jail who say the mold issue is not a new one, and complaints were made as long as five years ago.
We reached out to Sheriff Harrell, and he said more information will be forthcoming. He referred to an attorney he has hired. We have reached out to the attorney and hope to have an update soon.
He did confirm he has been speaking with the Autauga County Commission on this issue, so they are aware of the problem. He said he could no longer continue to put anyone in danger and had to make this tough decision.
FROM SHERIFF MARK HARRELL
AUTAUGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
On January 16, 2023, I was appointed as Sheriff of Autauga County by Governor Kay Ivey. On that day, I swore an Oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the State of Alabama and the United States.
I have a moral obligation for the safety, health and security of all individuals who come through the doors of the Autauga County Metro Jail, whether it’s my staff, law enforcement officers or inmates.
Effective today, June 6, 2024, I will be evacuating the Autauga County Metro Jail. It will be up to the County Commission to properly and adequately fix the issues to prevent health and safety issues before I, as the Sheriff of Autauga County, will place another individual in the jail.
We have worked out the logistics with several agencies to house inmates.
We have made arrangements to process individuals quickly and house them in a safe environment. I am aware of the ramifications of this decision but it is my obligation by State and Federal Law to do so as Sheriff of this great County.
Further information on when these issues will be resolved needs to be addressed to the Autauga County Commission.
Thank you,
Sheriff Mark Harrell.
