AURORA | Six more inmates have been released early from the Adams County Jail as county and city officials continue to feud over jail space for low-level offenders.
Since April 18, six additional inmates have been turned away from the jail, according to John Leavitt, spokesman for the city. The six inmates were serving time on shoplifting, failure to obey a lawful order, motor vehicle theft, driving without insurance and theft.
In early March six inmates were released well before their sentences were up. Leavitt said none of the 12 inmates released early in recent months has gone on to be arrested again.
Citing resource issues, Adams County Sheriff Doug Darr has limited the number of inmates from municipal courts he will accept at the county jail in Brighton. Darr said that once he has a larger staff ready to work in the jail, he may be able to lift the cap.
City officials in Aurora and other municipalities around Adams County have said the jail has an obligation to take the inmates and have filed a lawsuit asking a judge to compel Darr to accept the inmates.