'Serious and urgent concerns': Lawmakers call for action, oversight on Butler County Jail conditions

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Some state lawmakers are calling on the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) “to immediately exercise its oversight authority” regarding conditions at the Butler County Jail.

In a letter sent to the ODRC Director, Annette Chambers-Smith, Representatives Christine Cockley, D-Columbus and Mark Sigrist, D-Grove City, as well as State Senator Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, expressed their concerns about the jail, which also houses U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees.

Specifically, the lawmakers expressed concerns over “dangerous and deteriorating conditions,” overcrowding, poor food service and inadequate heating.

“These are not minor inconveniences but conditions that pose genuine risks to human health and dignity,” the letter reads.

The lawmakers also said they were troubled to hear reports that ICE detainees were being housed alongside the jail’s general population inmates. The state, they said, assumes liability for these detainees by agreeing to house them in these facilities.

“If individuals suffer harm from overcrowding, poor heating, lack of medical care, or other care failures, the state and its taxpayers will almost certainly face litigation and possible judgments,” the letter reads. “The legal and financial risks Ohio faces are very serious. We are responsible for those in custody and to Ohio’s citizens, and therefore must avoid preventable legal and fiscal liability from state operations.”

Here are the five actions the lawmakers believe the ODRC should take, according to a press release they issued regarding this letter:

• “Implement unannounced inspections of the Butler County Jail focused on population levels, environmental conditions, medical care, and housing classifications - with legislators included in the inspections;
• Conduct a full review of capacity and create an action plan to bring the facility back into compliance with recommended population limits within six months;
• Identify and fix heating deficiencies so that all housing units meet basic health and safety standards throughout the winter;
• Explain why ICE detainees are housed with the general population and detail what safeguards are in place to protect both groups; and
• Prepare a report on the state's potential legal liability related to current conditions and recommend strategies to reduce that risk”

“Ohioans expect humane and constitutional treatment for everyone held in custody, no matter their location, immigration status, or detention reason,” the letter reads. “Current conditions at the Butler County facility appear to fall short and thus put the state at legal and moral risk. We trust you share our dedication to dignity for those in custody and ensuring that the law is upheld in Ohio.”

Spectrum News 1 Ohio has reached out to the Butler County Sheriff's Office for their response.