By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to remove New Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman’s authority to operate the jail after failing to comply with a 2013 consent decree, the Times-Picayune reports.
The group of inmates who sued over the jail’s condition also is asking a judge to remove Gusman’s authority to run the jail.
Saying violence is still widespread and underreported in the jail, attorneys for the Justice Department and the plaintiff want the court to hand control over to another, unspecified entity.
“Urgent and extraordinary action is required of this Court to address the immediate risk of harm and death to the men, women and youth in the Jail,” the motion says.
Gusmam is not behind the plan and said he plans to “aggressively defend” the progress he has made.
“We recognize there is more work to be done but will not allow this move by the Plaintiffs to undermine the accomplishments and sacrifices of the hard working deputies and staff at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office,” the statement says.
