Richland County Faces Rising Legal Expenses Amid Ongoing Jail Investigation

Richland County Faces Legal Bills Over Troubled Jail Investigation

In a stunning turn of events, Richland County has been actively investing in legal expertise, pouring more than six hundred thousand dollars into attorney fees since the U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation into the county’s struggling jail last December. Recent reports reveal the county has been billed a staggering $679,331.84 for legal services provided by two well-respected law firms, Maynard Nexsen and the Wyche Law Firm, hired to get to the bottom of the issues plaguing the detention center.

Who Are the Lawyers? And How Much Are They Charging?

From December 4, 2023, to August 5, 2024, the Wyche Law Firm racked up $411,942.82 in bills, while Maynard Nexsen added $267,389.02 from February 12 to August 13, 2024. These lawyers are not just any ordinary attorneys; they are some of the finest in the state. For example, Mark Moore, who used to work as a federal prosecutor, now charges $475 per hour for his legal expertise, while associates from his firm come at a lower rate of $275 per hour. Law clerks are billed between $115 and $125 per hour.

Let’s not forget how the situation escalated. In November 2023, just two weeks after the DOJ announced their investigation, the county officials decided to bring in these heavyweight lawyers to help them navigate the murky waters of scrutiny. Former state representative and attorney Bakari Sellers believes that hiring competent legal minds was necessary. “They have extremely capable lawyers who are worth every penny,” Sellers noted, but he also pointed out a glaring issue. He feels this spending should have come with a parallel focus on fixing the jail’s significant problems.

Understanding the Underlying Issues

The background story here is troubling. The Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center has faced intense criticism over reports of understaffing, violence, overcrowding, and lack of medical care for inmates. There have been heartbreaking incidents, including one inmate’s tragic death from dehydration and another who lost an eye after an alleged attack. Sellers’ remarks reflect a sense of frustration that the county seems more focused on defending itself legally than addressing these dire conditions.

While county officials assert that they are addressing these serious concerns with renovations and additional security measures, many, including Sellers, feel this is merely checking boxes rather than creating meaningful change. “I wish they would have the same level of sensibility and priority to fix the detention center,” he said. Instead, it seems that the county is pouring money into legal battles.

What’s Happening with the Legal Process?

In a recent court hearing regarding a class-action lawsuit centered on the treatment of inmates with mental illnesses, county lawyers and advocates didn’t shy away from addressing the failures in achieving a resolution. Columbia attorney Stuart Andrews, representing Disability Rights South Carolina, expressed his frustration, stating there’s no reason for the county to delay finding solutions to the underlying problems plaguing the facility. However, attempts to mediate have reportedly been unsuccessful.

Adding to the drama, Councilman Don Weaver recently indicated that the county council had never formally agreed to hire these external attorneys, which raises eyebrows about the decision-making process. Interestingly, Richland County officials have defended their actions, arguing that the annual budget does allow the county attorney to engage outside counsel when necessary. They also admonished Weaver for possibly overstepping his bounds in discussing executive decisions—a matter that adds another layer of complexity to this situation.

The Road Ahead

With the Department of Justice’s investigation still ongoing and the spotlight on the county, it’s clear that Richland County has a lot on its plate. While they are racking up legal fees, the question remains: will they shift from a defensive position to actively prioritizing the welfare of their inmates? That seems to be the million-dollar question as concerned citizens watch how this all unfolds.

In these times, the hope remains that all parties involved can sit down together and work towards a comprehensive plan that ensures not just accountability, but also a humane and safe environment for everyone at the detention center. After all, with so many lives at stake, it’s about time for meaningful dialogue and concrete solutions.