More inmates file suit in Maury County - WSMV Channel 4

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (AP) - The number of inmate lawsuits filed against Maury County Sheriff Enoch George and jail administrators has nearly doubled since a federal judge held a hearing on jail conditions last month.

The Daily Herald reports a second pre-trial conference was scheduled for Monday morning in the cases, which have risen to at least 23.

U.S. District Court Judge William Haynes last month gave county officials 30 days to address inmates' complaints. They claim the jail's living conditions violate the U.S. Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Inmates testified in court to problems with the jail's food and sanitation. They also claimed the jail was overcrowded and infested with brown recluse spiders. And they said requests for medical attention were often ignored.

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