(CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga.) — A sweeping 64-count indictment lays out how investigators say pre-trial detainees assaulted, kidnapped, and extorted those they were housed with at a local jail.
The district attorney says she is still getting calls from parents who say they have to pay to protect their loved ones. Channel 2′s Tom Jones was in Clayton County.
“It’s a bunch of people in different incidents,” District Attorney Tasha Mosley told Jones.
Mosley is talking about the dozens of jail detainees, their associates, and a jail security specialist named in this 64-count racketeering indictment.
“Individuals that we did not think would get together, got together and started extorting. Some physical violence against other inmates,” Mosley said.
Mosley said her office started investigating after hearing from family members, defense attorneys and watching news reports about detainees being assaulted, kidnapped, and extorted.
Monica Johnson recently told WSB how her boyfriend was stabbed 18 times at the jail.
“He said I been stabbed in my head, my legs, and my ankles,” Johnson said.
The indictment also lays out how several detainees were forcing families to pay to protect their loved ones.
Interim Sheriff Levon Allen said the indictments came after his office opened an extensive investigation into illegal activity at the jail.
Mosley said it was her office that initiated the investigation.
“I say we got to clean this jail up,” candidate Clarence Cox said.
Cox is running for sheriff against Allen. He said it appears the inmates are running the jail.
“It’s obvious a lot of people are being harmed every day here,” Cox said.
Mosley said her investigation isn’t over.
“We fully expect there will be more individuals charged,” Mosley said.
The indictment alleges a detainee lost an eye. One had his head disfigured. Detainees are accused of bribing a security specialist to bring contraband into the jail.
It’s alleged there was also drug dealing and gang activity, too.