NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — The Newton County Sheriff's Office is working to finalize an agreement that would help the overflow of inmates at their jail.
On Dec. 5, 2023, Sheriff Robert Burby submitted a proposed inter-local agreement to be entered between Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office and Newton County to house overflow of jail inmates, according to a news release from Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby.
This proposal was submitted before a Newton County Commissioner’s Court Special Session.
This inter-local agreement was approved, signed and sent to Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office for their approval and signature.
Once the paperwork is complete, Newton County will make the arrangements to transport inmates and relieve the overcapacity in the Jail, according to the release.
On Nov. 28, 2023 Texas Jail Commission conducted an on-site inspection at the Newton County Jail. At that point in time, they had 20 inmates on sit and eight inmates at the Jasper County Jail.
The final inspection report documented that the Newton County Jail was six inmates over their capacity and they had to reduce the total number not to exceed 14, according to the release.
Sheriff Burby says jail overcrowding is a "major issue" throughout Texas.
"For the record, the inmates that are in our custody are serious offenders and are classified as medium or maximum security and are by no means low level offenders. Their charges and bond amounts and various holds keep them from being able to make bond," Burby said in the release.
The cost to house Newton County inmates in Beauregard Parish would be $60 per day, per inmate plus medical costs.
Starting Jan. 1st, 2024, Newton County will have to pay $45 per day, per inmate to Jasper County, according to the release.
"Jasper County has assisted us in many different facets over the years, and especially regarding our jail management program. We always contact Jasper County as our first option to take our overflow, but they are experiencing the same problem with limited space," Burby said in the release.
