Credit Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus are calling on U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to help with the Oklahoma County Jail. In a letter to Garland, Rep. Jason Lowe (D-Oklahoma City) said 10 inmates have died there since the county’s jail trust took over operations from the sheriff last July, four detention officers were recently charged with assault and battery on inmates, and one detention officer was held hostage. Lowe, a criminal defense attorney, described the day in, day out conditions as "horrendous." "From the bedbugs to mold to lack of access to medical care and basic health and hygiene needs, it is clear that what is taking place at the Oklahoma County Jail is a civil rights violation that deserves the attention of our federal government," Lowe said.