DAWSON, Ga. (WALB) — A woman whose husband is incarcerated at the Terrell County Jail claims he has told her inmates are dealing with flooding from plumbing problems and widespread mold inside cells — allegations the sheriff addressed in part during a walkthrough of the facility.

The woman previously told WALB her husband said water from flooding was sometimes left for hours before being cleaned. She also said her husband and his cellmate reported mold on cell ceilings, sleeping mats and pillows. The woman said an attorney advised they are not allowed to discuss the underlying case.

During the sheriff’s walkthrough, he described inmate movement and cleaning practices inside the jail. He said some areas are “more or less high security,” and inmates typically get about an hour out of their cells for recreation, including time on what he called the “red yard.” He also said inmates come out to “clean up,” adding the jail tries to clean every other day.

In another housing unit, the sheriff pointed out new writing on a wall and said it can be difficult to keep clean. He also said showers are sprayed down every morning and disinfected with bleach, and inmates are given a chance to clean the shower area.

The sheriff also discussed capacity and daily schedule. He said one dorm he identified as “D dorm” holds 12 inmates per block, with a maximum jail population of about 60 to 65. During the walkthrough, he said 12 inmates were in that block and indicated inmates can be out in common areas at points during the day, including until early afternoon and again after count into the evening.

The walkthrough also included the jail’s intake area. The sheriff said people are booked in that space and, on weekends, may be housed there until a nurse can assess them.

The woman said she wants problems addressed and conditions improved.

“I would like for them to go in and fix these problems and get this jail into better care for these inmates,” she said. She also alleged her husband told her jailers “pick and choose who can get what,” claiming favoritism.

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