Female inmate overcrowding problem for Ohio jails

ATHENS, Ohio (AP) - The warden of a regional jail in southeast Ohio says overcrowding of female inmates is becoming more of a problem there and at other county and regional jails.

Warden Jeremy Tolson to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail told The Athens Messenger that there are 32 beds available for women at the jail in Nelsonville and they often are all occupied.

Tolson and the executive director of the Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association say a factor contributing to the overcrowding is a 2011 state legislative change allowing fifth- and fourth-degree felons to be incarcerated in county jails.

Jail officials say it was seen as a way to save the state money and reduce the prison population. But it can put a burden on local jails.