Associated Press
LEBANON, Ohio — Judges in a western Ohio county say they are frequently releasing female drug offenders without punishment because the county jail is at capacity.
The Dayton Daily News reports the Warren County jail holds 280 inmates with 66 beds designated for females.
Officials say the jail is currently full and won’t accept new inmates, which had led to leniency in the courtroom.
Judge Rupert Ruppert says it’s frustrating that criminal offenders who should be imprisoned can’t be sent to jail because there’s no room.
Warren County Sheriff Larry Sims says the county has increased its number of offenders on house arrest from about 400 in 2008 to over 1,000 this year.
Judge Gary Loxley says the overpopulation of jails is a national problem and Warren County is doing its best.