US Justice Dept. opens investigation into Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)–The US Justice Dept. announced Thursday the opening of an investigation into the conditions at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia.

Officials say an extensive review of both public information and that gathered from stakeholders, the department found “significant justification” to open the investigation.

According to a news release the department received credible allegations that Alvin S. Glenn is structurally unsafe and there have been sexual assaults, murders, and prevalent violence resulting in serious injuries.

The department is also looking into allegations at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston.

“People confined in local jails across our country do not abandon their civil and constitutional rights at the jailhouse door,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are launching these investigations to determine whether the jail conditions in two of South Carolina’s largest counties comply with basic constitutional standards. We are committed to ensuring that people held inside jails and prisons are not subjected to excessive force, violent conditions, inadequate medical and mental health care, and other dangerous physical conditions while in the custody of their local government.”

“Our office is committed to protecting the constitutional rights and ensuring the safety of all people in South Carolina, including those being detained or incarcerated in county detention centers,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We look forward to working with the Civil Rights Division to ensure the safety of those housed in these facilities.”

The family of Lason Butler, a detainee who died at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center released a statement following the announcement of the investigation.

For too long, the officials at Richland County have turned a blind eye to the violence and neglect infesting Alvin S Glenn. They have ignored this death trap and the cries of victims while the cost in lives and suffering continues to rise. It’s disgraceful, it’s inexcusable and it’s downright criminal. Time and again, Richland County has refused to act. Now it’s the Department of Justice’s turn. This investigation is about more than any single incident or the four walls of Alvin S Glenn. It’s about holding the powerful accountable when they treat citizens like they’re less than human. It’s about justice.We stand ready to help the DOJ in any way that we can and we look forward to a swift and comprehensive inquiry.

Lason Butler was found dead at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on February 12th.

The Richland Co. Coroner’s Office ruled his death a homicide.