By HOI ABC

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said Tuesday “social justice warriors” have crossed the line in their methods to push for the release of jail inmates who can’t afford to post bond before their trials.

Advocates are lobbying for their release to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19. Speaking during Tuesday’s virtual meeting of the McLean County Board’s Justice Committee, the Republican sheriff said groups with the support of some county board members are creating an unsafe and tense environment at the jail.

“I have received repeated demands and even threats to free prisoners by those claiming to be social justice warriors who don’t even know how the justice system works,” Sandage said.

Sandage said he would be found in contempt of court orders if he randomly released inmates.

According to the sheriff, “multiple” inmates have brought their concerns to judges about potential exposure to the coronavirus, and judges told them “COVID is not a get-out-of-jail-free card.”

The number of jail inmates is the lowest in over 20 years, and in the last month, Sandage said the inmate population has been reduced by about a third by suspending the sentences of defendants given periodic imprisonment. There’s sufficient unused space now to isolate inmates with coronavirus symptoms, the sheriff said.

Sandage said inmates with preexisting medical conditions or are at high risk for contracting COVID-19 are constantly checked, and correctional officers have their temperatures taken, and they’re questioned if they’re feeling well.

“I am confident in the abilities of our jail medical staff in dealing with any potential cases of COVID-19 that may arise,” Sandage also said.

The sheriff noted the current jail population includes 15 inmates facing murder or attempted murder charges, and many more facing serious drug, illegal weapons, and domestic violence charges. Not one of those inmates would Sandage feel comfortable releasing to the general public.

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