ATL Standard

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division have released a report revealing constitutional and statutory violations at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia. The investigation found that conditions at the jail, operated by Fulton County and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, endanger incarcerated individuals.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “In Fulton County, people in custody awaiting formal charges or trials frequently must protect themselves from brutal physical attacks, endure frequent excessive force, manage their wellbeing with inadequate food and unsanitary living conditions, and hope they can find access to a strained medical and mental health care program. This is unacceptable.”

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted issues identified in the report: “Lashawn Thompson’s horrific death was symptomatic of a pattern of dangerous and dehumanizing conditions in the Fulton County Jail.” He added that these conditions led to harms such as pest infestation and malnourishment among those incarcerated.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that detention conditions amounted to "a death sentence for dozens of people." She noted that many detainees are awaiting trial or serving short sentences for misdemeanors.

The 97-page report details deficiencies including failure to protect inmates from violence, excessive use of force by officers, unsanitary living conditions, inadequate medical services, restrictive housing practices harmful to minors and those with mental health disabilities, and lack of special education services for minors.

Since 2022, six deaths due to violence occurred at the jail. In 2023 alone, over 300 stabbings involving contraband weapons were reported. Four suicides have taken place over four years.

The investigation was conducted under several federal statutes aimed at protecting institutionalized persons' rights. The U.S. Attorney's Office collaborated with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section on this case.

For further information or to provide details related to this investigation, contact information has been provided by authorities.