Recent Civil Rights Investigations Reveal Alarming Accusations of Inmate Deaths and Mistreatment at Two South Carolina Jails

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Federal authorities have initiated civil investigations into two jails in South Carolina, prompted by reports of multiple inmate deaths resulting from mistreatment or unsafe living conditions. The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Thursday that the civil rights division is looking into allegations at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston and the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia.

The investigations come after reports of incarcerated individuals dying from excessive use of force, medical neglect, suicide, and a variety of unsafe living conditions at the jails in question. The Charleston jail is funded and operated by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, while the Columbia jail is funded and operated by Richland County. The federal investigations will focus on issues such as isolation, use of force, medical care, living conditions, and the protection of inmates from violence.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the need to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in local government custody, stating that the Department of Justice is committed to preventing excessive force, violent conditions, inadequate medical and mental health care, and other dangerous physical conditions within jails and prisons. The investigations are also seeking to confirm reports of stabbings, escapes, rapes, and other violent incidents at the Columbia jail.

At the Charleston jail, inmate Jamal Sutherland died after being subjected to tasing, pepper spraying, and restraint before becoming unresponsive. At the Columbia jail, reports indicate that staff failed to secure cell doors, leading to the brutal death of one inmate by fellow incarcerated individuals. Additionally, the jails have faced allegations of neglectful medical care, with one inmate at the Columbia jail dying from dehydration due to lack of proper care, and another inmate in the Charleston jail allegedly dying from medical neglect.

Sheriff Kristin Graziano of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the need for improvements in mental health care within the detention center, while also denying allegations of lack of transparency. Officials from both Charleston and Richland counties have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations.

The Justice Department continues to work alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina to conduct thorough investigations into the conditions at these South Carolina jails. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in addressing the troubling allegations of mistreatment and unsafe living conditions within the detention centers.