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Sheriff says SAFE-T Act release let suspect go; committee debates jail staffing, overtime and future costs
Summary
Lee County Sheriff reported a suspect released under Illinois' SAFE-T Act was later linked to a shooting; the finance committee discussed overtime, staffing shortfalls in patrol, the jail's long-term costs including a $1.8 million balloon bond payment and possible regional consolidation study.
Lee County Sheriff Clay told the finance committee that a suspect captured in the county was released under provisions of the Illinois SAFE-T Act and later fled the region; he said federal marshals later located the suspect in Florida. The account prompted renewed committee discussion about staffing, overtime and the county jail's future costs.
Sheriff Clay described the sequence: deputies arrested a person after a vehicle pursuit; the suspect was charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon and fleeing to elude but was released the next day under the SAFE-T Act. Clay said the person was later linked to a shooting of his daughter and was captured days afterward by the U.S. Marshals in Florida. "So another incident where the safety act failed to provide safety," Clay said.
Committee…
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