ATLANTA — According to officials from the U.S. Justice Department, jail officials in Georgia’s most densely populated county are infringing upon the constitutional rights of individuals in their care by failing to safeguard them from violence, employing excessive force, and subjecting them to filthy and hazardous living conditions. These statements were made on Thursday, accompanied by a stern warning that legal intervention could be sought if immediate corrective measures are not implemented.
A detailed federal report alleges that the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office does not sufficiently protect jail inmates from violence inflicted by fellow detainees, which may include stabbings, sexual assaults, and homicides. The report highlights that vulnerable groups, such as individuals identifying as gay, transgender, youth, or those with severe mental health issues, face heightened risks of violence that can lead to both physical harm and enduring psychological trauma.
The findings stem from a federal inquiry initiated in July 2023, aimed at investigating the living conditions within the jail, access to medical and mental health services, instances of excessive force by personnel, and circumstances that might lead to violence among inmates in the county jails, a region encompassing much of Atlanta.
Among the severe issues cited is the tragic death of Lashawn Thompson, who was found deceased in a bedbug-infested cell within the psychiatric wing of Fulton County Jail in September 2022. An independent autopsy requested by Thompson’s family indicated that neglect led to his passing. Images shared by attorneys for his family depicted a horrific scene, showing his body covered in insects and the cell littered with trash.
Sheriff Pat Labat, elected in 2021 and recently reelected, has voiced continuous concerns regarding overcrowding, deteriorating facilities, and inadequate staffing in county jails. He has advocated for the construction of a new jail, though county officials have yet to act on this proposal. Upon the commencement of the federal investigation, Labat expressed his openness to the process and assurance of full cooperation.
The investigation’s findings reveal a troubling pattern, stating that jail officers routinely employ excessive force against detainees—an act that infringes upon constitutional protections. The report criticizes the lack of adequate training for officers regarding the use of force, the inappropriate frequency and unsafe deployment of Tasers, and inconsistent disciplinary actions against staff who misuse their authority.
Additionally, the primary structure of Fulton County Jail has been reported as unsafe and unsanitary, characterized by flooding due to malfunctioning toilets, infestations of pests like roaches and rodents, and cells in disarray with perilous exposed wiring. The report raises significant concerns over insufficient food availability and unsanitary distribution practices, leaving detainees vulnerable to health risks.
The healthcare services provided to individuals held in Fulton County have also been deemed grossly inadequate, exposing them to higher risks of injury, severe illness, and mental deterioration—all reported as violations of their constitutional rights. Specific populations, including seriously mentally ill individuals and juvenile offenders, are subjected to rigid housing conditions that escalate their risk of self-harm and exacerbate mental health issues, violating rights set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The report includes an extensive list of minimum corrective actions that jail officials are urged to adopt. It concludes with explicit warnings that federal authorities may pursue legal actions if these critical concerns remain unaddressed. Within 49 days, the attorney general could file a lawsuit to rectify these issues and may involve herself in any current private legal actions within a 15-day timeframe.