Dozens could be released from J. Reuben Long Detention Center amid coronavirus concerns
Officials say dozens of low-level offenders could be released from J. Reuben Long Detention Center because of coronavirus concerns.
Horry County Sheriff Chief Deputy Tom Fox said magistrates and others are reviewing cases and some people could see their bails changed so they could be released
Fox stressed that review includes looking at a person’s background report, and not just looking at current cases, to make sure those that could be released are not a danger to the community. He estimated between 40 and 50 people in jail with misdemeanor charges could be released.
“They’re being carefully screened,” Fox said.
The releases come as Horry County closed many government buildings and tries to limit contact between people. Social distancing is more difficult in jail where detainees share small spaces. Some of the people at J. Reuben Long are held in cells, others live in a dormitory setting with bunks.
As of Friday, there are 627 people in J. Reuben Long Detention Center, with 540 of the detainees being men. The jail houses people under arrest, many who have yet to be convicted, in the Myrtle Beach area.
Horry County continues to see increases in the number of COVID-19 cases with at least six confirmed cases as of Friday morning. In South Carolina, there have been more than 80 confirmed cases.
Solicitor for the 15th Judicial Circuit Jimmy Richardson said his office is reviewing cases after defense attorneys ask for a lower bond. While traditionally that might be argued in court, Richardson said now prosecutors agree to the move in certain cases.
“We’re probably pinching our nose a little bit more than usual,” Richardson said.
The focus is on drug arrests, where there isn’t a victim, Richardson said. Other crimes require notifying the victims before any bond changes.
The prosecutors want to ensure bonds remain surety bails, which is when the person has to pay or put up property for their release, Richardson said. For example, the prosecutor might agree to lower a $20,000 bond that a detainee didn’t have enough money to post to $10,000, where they could afford bond.
