Pandemic causing delay in jail releases, overcrowded prisons, Texas judge and lawyer agree
They say Texas citizens are the ones paying to keep inmates behind bars longer than normal, but the trouble is twofold. Author: Almiya White (KBMT), KBMT (12NewsNow) Published: 10:19 PM CDT June 29, 2021 Updated: 10:19 PM CDT June 29, 2021
BEAUMONT, Texas Texas jails and prisons are both overcrowded. Judges and lawyers are calling it a COVID-19 pandemic side effect.
They say Texas citizens are the ones paying to keep inmates behind bars longer than normal, but the trouble is twofold. County jails are full of defendants awaiting trial, and Texas prisons are housing people who have already been cleared for parole.
2020 brings uptick in homicides, violent crime to SE Texas
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This home at 2517 E. 18th Street in Port Arthur was the scene of a home invasion and shooting, another shooting, and then a fire overnight. Photo made on December 29, 2020. Fran Ruchalski/The EnterpriseFran Ruchalski/The EnterpriseShow MoreShow Less
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Housing Inspector Earl Brown, Sr., a code enforcement officer with the City of Port Arthur affixes a red warning sign to this home in Port Arthur which advises iit is not fit for anyone to enter. This home at 2517 E. 18th Street in Port Arthur was the scene of a home invasion and shooting, another shooting, and then a fire overnight. Photo made on December 29, 2020. Fran Ruchalski/The EnterpriseFran Ruchalski/The EnterpriseShow MoreShow Less