Comment on Sullivan sheriff: 'We're violating Constitutional rights'

BLOUNTVILLE — Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy and Mayor Richard Venable have been meeting regularly — perhaps weekly — with District Attorney General Barry Staubus and local judges to seek a solution to ongoing overcrowding at the Sullivan County jail and its secondary “expansion” facility, Cassidy told the Sullivan County Commission last week. The commission has been debating a request for more funding to pay for additional employees at the jail, a move proponents say would make it safer for both inmates and officers. Increasing the jail staff could also ultimately save money if it reduces overtime, which Cassidy said has cost at least $71,500 just since Jan.