NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Tuesday morning, Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman will host a press conference to discuss ongoing issues concerning the Orleans Justice Center.
The Department of Justice wants to strip Sheriff Gusman of his authority over the jail, saying he has not complied with the 2013 Federal Consent Decree.
Gusman argues he’s made significant progress and the Feds are asking for too much, too soon.
A hearing on the case was set for today in Federal Court, however, a status hearing was scheduled in its place.
At this morning’s press conference, it’s expected Sheriff Gusman will announce a deal has been reached concerning control of the jail.
In fact, Congressman Cedric Richmond sent out a statement before the press conference saying:
“Finding common ground was always the best possible outcome. Continuing a long and costly receivership process would have been harmful to the Sheriff’s office and the city as a whole. Now that both sides have reached an agreement the focus can shift back to ensuring that conditions at the Orleans Justice Center are compliant with the requirements of the consent decree. I will remain engaged with the Sheriff’s office and the Department of Justice so that we continue to make progress and ultimately resolve all remaining issues.”