Jeffco Sheriff Announces Release Of Prisoners Due To Coronavirus

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has announced the early release of eligible inmates in an effort to combat the spread of the new coronavirus, officials announced Thursday.

No inmates or prison employees have tested positive for the virus, the office said.

"Reducing the jail population helps reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19," the sheriff's office said in a tweet.

The release of inmates will begin Thursday, and continue daily until "the risk of COVID-19 spread is mitigated," the tweet read.

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The inmates who have served at least 50 percent of their sentences and met all other early release program requirements will be released, officials said.

None of the prisoners who will be released have committed a violent crime against a victim.

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