x
Breaking News
More () »

Judge signs motion ordering city officials to repair Portsmouth City Jail

After city leaders tried to condemn the Civic Center Complex, a judge signed a motion to keep Portsmouth City Jail open and start repairs on the facility.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A lengthy legal battle over whether to keep the Portsmouth City Jail open or condemn it, a judge signed a motion forcing city leaders to repair issues with the jail.

Last July, the Civic Center Complex was officially condemned after it was deemed unsafe. Sheriff Michael Moore filed an injunction against the city to keep the jailhouse open, noting there was no warning before the official notice was posted.

Moore claimed that it's the city's responsibility to maintain the building. A judge approved his injunction and decided in January that the city must find out what to do with the jail.

RELATED: What's next for Portsmouth City Jail? City Council members discuss next steps

RELATED: Judge rules Portsmouth must repair and maintain its city jail; HRRJ inmate dispute still pending

Portsmouth City Council mulled over a few scenarios on what to do with the building, including building a new jail, making repairs to the current facility or closing the jail and sending inmates to Hampton Roads Regional Jail.

But on Friday, a judge signed a motion forcing the city to repair the jailhouse.

However, there's still the issue of where to send inmates while repairs are being made. The city wants to send 200 inmates to HRRJ, but Sheriff Moore argued against the suggestion, said citing recent deaths and a critical Justice Department report.

RELATED: City of Portsmouth files lawsuit against sheriff

RELATED: Time is ticking. Portsmouth City Officials required to relocate offices in 30 days.

Before You Leave, Check This Out