Sheriff Releases Nonviolent Inmates To Reduce Coronavirus Spread

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister is releasing nonviolent inmates in Hillsborough County jails to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The sheriff announced Wednesday that low-level, nonviolent offenders in the Orient Road and Falkenburg Road jails are being released. In all, 164 inmates have been approved for release.

“As your sheriff, there is nothing I take more seriously than public safety and protecting our community,” said Chronister. “In times of crisis, like the health crisis we are facing, agencies around the country are finding ways to balance public safety and the health of their employees and neighbors. We are no different.”

Chronister emphasized there is no danger to the public.

"These defendants are the lowest public safety risk and many were merely sitting in jail because they could not afford to pay the amount it would take to bond out,” said Chronister. “These defendants will still have to answer for the criminal charges against them.”

By decreasing the size of the inmate population, Chronister hopes to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus to inmates, detention deputies, civilian staff members and their families.

Violent offenders who pose a high risk to the community will remain in jail while they await their trials. Any released inmate who re-offends will be rebooked into the jails.

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Chronister said the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has routinely taken this emergency action in times of crisis. Most recently, in 2017 during Hurricane Irma, low-level, nonviolent offenders were released from custody.

“During this health crisis, we must focus our law enforcement resources on our highest priorities. Public safety and the health of our team are at the top of that list,” said Chronister. “It is my hope that these individuals will make the most of this opportunity to be with their loved ones during this time of uncertainty.”

As of Thursday, there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Hillsborough County Jails.

A copy of the administrative order signed by Chief Judge Ficarrotta can be found below.