Authority penalizes private company that runs jail for mistaken releases

The Tulsa County Criminal Justice Authority has penalized the private company that operates the Tulsa Jail for three mistaken releases last month. <br><br>The panel, which oversees the jail, voted unanimously

Saturday, March 23rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Tulsa County Criminal Justice Authority has penalized the private company that operates the Tulsa Jail for three mistaken releases last month.

The panel, which oversees the jail, voted unanimously Friday to reduce compensation to Corrections Corporation of America by $5,625. The authority has paid CCA roughly $2.6 million to operate the jail so far this year.

Two of the erroneous releases involved inmates who were still wanted in other jurisdictions. CCA fired clerk Ahmad Watkins for not entering hold orders on Lance J. Sherwood and Courtney K. Thompson.

Sherwood, who was mistakenly released Feb. 21 after being jailed on counterfeit check charges, is a convicted felon wanted by federal authorities on handgun possession allegations. He was apprehended after being arrested on further charges that occurred while he was at large.

Thompson, was erroneously released Feb. 24 after posting bond on DUI and traffic charges. He was still wanted in Osage County on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Another inmate, Daniel L. Blackford was erroneously released Feb. 5 because of a mistake in CCA's computer information. His release had been ordered on several municipal charges, but the state had ordered he be held on the same charges. Blackford bailed out on a DUI charge.

``We do take responsibility,'' said CCA Warden Don Stewart, who took over in January. ``We support the action you need to take.''

Tulsa County Commissioner Bob Dick said Stewart's attitude was refreshing, and Mayor Susan Savage said he inspires confidence.

``I think he's on top of things and will correct the problems,'' Savage said.