CHARLESTON, S.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated civil investigations into two detention centers in South Carolina following reports of multiple inmate deaths resulting from various forms of mistreatment and unsafe living conditions, the department announced on Thursday.
The investigations are focused on the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston and the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia. Both jails are operated by the respective counties where they are located, making them individually funded and operated, with Charleston County overseeing the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center and Richland County managing the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
The probes were launched in response to credible allegations, including claims of deaths from use of force, medical neglect, and suicide at the Charleston jail, and reports of structural unsafety, sexual assaults, homicides, and widespread violence at the Columbia jail. The federal investigation will also examine potential discrimination against inmates with disabilities at the Charleston detention center.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in jails and prisons, stating that the investigations are aimed at preventing excessive force, violent conditions, inadequate medical and mental health care, and other dangerous physical conditions within the custody of local governments.
The department is also looking into alarming reports of stabbings, escapes, rapes, and cases of neglectful medical treatment and security at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. In addition, Clarke highlighted specific cases of mistreatment, including the deaths of two inmates at the Charleston jail due to excessive force and medical neglect.
Sheriff Kristin Graziano released a statement in response to the Justice Department’s announcement, denying allegations of lack of transparency and expressing willingness to cooperate with the investigations.
The Justice Department will collaborate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina, with local officials in both Charleston and Richland counties agreeing to assist in the investigations. The department’s efforts reflect a commitment to holding detention facilities accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals.