Feds plan to transfer hundreds of pre-trial detainees in private prison dispute
Summary
The U.S. Marshals Service plans to move about 400 pre-trial detainees from a private prison in Georgia to a facility nearly 200 miles away. This decision follows concerns about unsafe conditions at the current prison but has raised worries about how the move could affect court cases in Atlanta.Key Facts
- The detainees are currently held at the Robert A. Deyton Detention Facility in Lovejoy, Georgia.
- The new facility is about 188 miles from Atlanta, making travel to the courthouse much longer.
- The transfers will start the week of September 21 and continue until the end of October 2026.
- Problems at the current prison have not improved, prompting the Marshals Service not to renew the contract with the GEO Group.
- Pre-trial detainees are people awaiting trial who judges believe might not show up to court or could be dangerous.
- Critics worry that moving detainees farther away will make it harder for lawyers and family to visit and for detainees to attend court on time.
- Chief Judge Leigh Martin May and other officials say the current facility is best because it is close to the courthouse.
- The move could increase costs and make it more difficult for detainees to get fair legal representation.
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