Three officials from the Fulton County Jail in Georgia have resigned following an investigation into the death of an inmate, Lashawn Thompson, who was reportedly housed in unsanitary and infested conditions. The resignations, which include the chief jailer and two assistant chief jailers, were requested by Sheriff Patrick "Pat" Labat during an executive staff meeting over the weekend.
Sheriff Labat expressed the need for significant changes at the facility, stating, "It’s clear to me that it’s time, past time, to clean house." This decision comes amid growing scrutiny over the jail’s conditions, particularly after Thompson’s family raised concerns regarding his September 2022 death, which they attribute to the deplorable environment he endured while incarcerated.
Thompson’s family has called for a criminal investigation into his death, asserting that he suffered from insect bites and unsanitary living conditions. Family attorney Michael Harper described the cell Thompson occupied as "not fit for a diseased animal," highlighting the urgent need for improvements in the jail’s standards.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that a full investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death, which the county medical examiner has classified as "undetermined." Sheriff Labat initiated the resignations after reviewing preliminary evidence from an internal investigation, acknowledging that the executive team had over 65 years of combined experience, but suggesting that this experience may have led to complacency.
In response to the ongoing issues, the sheriff’s office is exploring options to change medical vendors and improve healthcare delivery within the jail. Immediate actions have already been taken, including a $500,000 emergency allocation to address a severe infestation of bed bugs, lice, and other vermin. Additionally, plans are in motion to transfer over 600 inmates to other counties to alleviate overcrowding, which is costing the facility approximately $40,000 per day.
Thompson had been incarcerated for about three months prior to his death, primarily in the psychiatric wing due to mental health issues. His family has emphasized that the conditions of the jail and the lack of adequate medical care contributed to his tragic passing.
As the investigations proceed, Sheriff Labat has committed to providing a thorough and transparent account of the events surrounding Thompson’s death, hoping to offer the family the answers they seek. The internal investigation, along with a separate inquiry by the Atlanta Police Department, is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report for review by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations.