Indiana
FAMM calls for investigation into death of Joshua McLemore
For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org
FAMM calls for investigation into death of Joshua McLemore
INDIANAPOLIS – FAMM sent letters today to Attorney General Todd Rokita, Executive Director Indiana County Jail Services Division Chance Sweat and Jeff Groh, Jail Inspector – Southern Region calling for an investigation and audit of the Jackson County Jail.
“Joshua McLemore’s death was a tragedy, and all the more sad because of how preventable it was,” FAMM President Kevin Ring said. “It is vitally important for an investigation to be conducted – the public deserves to know if the Jackson County jail is properly caring for their incarcerated loved ones, and the McLemore family deserves to have those who committed criminal or civil rights violations held accountable.”
FAMM advocates the creation of independent prison and jail oversight bodies in states nationwide. Indiana has more oversight than most states. Indiana’s County Jail Services Division conducts annual audits of jail facilities in Indiana, and the Department of Corrections Indiana Ombudsman Bureau has authority to inspect facilities and investigate complaints about state prisons, but not county jails.
For more than three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM has led the fight to reform extreme mandatory sentencing laws and to promote rehabilitation and dignity for all people in prison, 94 percent of whom will return to our neighborhoods one day.
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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safely reduce incarceration, save taxpayer dollars, and keep families together. Founded in 1991, FAMM has secured bold sentencing and prison reform across the country while elevating the voices of directly impacted individuals and families.