More Jail Space Badly Needed At Iberia Parish Jail

By Jailbirds Fly Free Around Here
Published/Last Modified on Friday, March 14, 2008 5:16 AM CDT

Has everyone noticed how our local parish jails are very overcrowded? If you watch the news, you can't help but notice. To ease overcrowding at the Lafayette Parish Jail, the sheriff had a policy to let OWI drivers go without booking them into jail. The Lafayette City Marshall had to sue the sheriff to get him to change this dangerous policy.

Recently, Louisiana Wildlife Agents publicly accused Sheriff Hebert of refusing to book six OWI boaters into the Iberia Parish Jail. According to news reports, the Iberia Parish Jail is also very overcrowded. Hmmm...

It appears jail overcrowding is a political hot-potato that the local politicians don't want to deal with, but it's long past time to build more jail space. Do our Iberia Parish politicians, like Parish President Freyou, Mayor Curry and Sheriff Ackal, have the political courage needed to join together and champion this safety issue? Will the taxpayers punish them for proposing new taxes for new jail space at the Iberia Parish Jail, or will taxpayers recognize this as a safety issue and pass the needed taxes? What do you think? Do Iberia Parish voters value their money more than their lives?

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Comments

    Tommie Miller wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:51 AM:

    " Please check out this web page:
    http://www.prisonlegalnews.org/displayArticle.aspx?articleid=19048&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

    For everyone who thinks it's really cool to abuse fellow human beings in prison, here's the news: this breeding ground of disease you've so cheerily designed eventually comes home to roost. You are endangering the lives of your own children. "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 26, 2008 2:00 PM:

    " I want everyone to know on this forum that yes, I am an active member of this community watching what does go on with our community. More of you should trying doing this. You would be very surprised at how interesting and educating this can be for a member of this community.

    One other thing people who read this forum needs to know is this. When I make a statement, you can book it, it is a fact and I can always back up what I say. "

    There's A Way wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:18 AM:

    " If you ask Sheriff Joe Arpio of Arizona what he does to house inmates he'll tell you put up tents just like he does. Criminals do not want to reoffend in his county. Maybe it's time to do the same thing with the inmates in Iberia Parish. Dirt floors a cot, pink underwear and the Disney Channel. I do believe they would not want to pass a summer outside under a tent with our heat, humidity and mosquito population. No more crime in Iberia Parish after that. "

    Being in public eye has consequences wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:41 AM:

    " For many years, Deborah has publicly disclosed details of her problems with- her neighbor's business; with the Iberia Parish Council and City Council; with zoning; with Sheriff's Office; with District Attorney's Office; with the Sugarcane Festival; with Catholic High School; and with her son's termination from CHS. Because of this numerous public activity, for better or worse, Deborah has become a public figure and learned she is no different from the public figures she has publicly criticized for years. Political lesson #1: Be careful what you seek. The End. "

    Deborah has become a public figure wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:32 AM:

    " Deborah has sought public attention and has labeled herself a Governmental Watchdog with many public appearances at Parish Council meetings. She has been quoted often in the newspaper and reports call her a "familiar resident." She publicly sought a government Nuisance Committee position and was in a public group to oppose Bedminster. She has publicly disclosed personal details of her life, including career, health problems, children, grandchildren and personal living arrangements. -continued- "

    Deborah is correct about one thing wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:29 AM:

    " It's not possible to slander an anonymous person in the eyes of the law. Anyone can call an anonymous person untrue names and make untrue accusations against them and legally there will be no slander. But after reading Deborah's bitter remarks about our public figures in the newspaper archives, she must also know there is a very high legal threshold required to slander a public figure. But from reading her comment to the editor to "be careful" about what is printed about her, she obviously does not realize she has become a public figure. Continued "

    LifeTraveler wrote on Mar 24, 2008 4:26 AM:

    " This is quite an interesting "discussion" concerning Iberia Parish Jail. It's a filthy, disgusting place, not that a jail is supposed to be paradise, but there are human beings that are being held there. Don't worry that the inmates are being coddled. Three ice cold meals a day, and enough mold to make post Katrina New Orleans look like paradise doesn't sound like my idea of fun. Check out the leaky toilets and water puddles. Could make for an interesting lawsuit should an inmate fall and break a few bones. "

    think about it wrote on Mar 21, 2008 6:16 PM:

    " For all we know, this anonymous unverified person signing as "Deborah White" could be a cowardly crazy person who has stolen Deborah White's identity. Could be because name unverified. I really don't believe anyone would have the nerve to sign so many hypocritical comments with a real name and then be so self-righteous to blame and threaten the Daily Iberian editor and publisher when people point out her hypocrisy.

    Mr. Will Chapman is a good Christian, so nothing said hiding behind an unverified name can change that. "

    glad sid is going wrote on Mar 20, 2008 7:37 PM:

    " When are the people of Iberia going to wake up? Since when is new orleans people our problem if we took everyone out of the jail that did not commit a crime in iberia parish we would have a working jail. its that $35 dollars they get a day from the state to house prisoners, IN OUR TOWN! stop being greedy and take care of our selves. "

    waste of time wrote on Mar 20, 2008 6:48 PM:

    " agree, thanks for your words, however I have to disagree with the Ackal going to be tougher part. The Sheriff (who ever he or she may be) is powerless in this respect. They are just the inn keeper. It's up to the DA and the Judges to be tough, and that ain't changing. "

    EGN wrote on Mar 18, 2008 11:02 PM:

    " Why not keep the OWI in jail where they need to be for being stupid, and take all the drug dealers who want to get out their and live a life of luxury without paying taxes on what they or making, put them in a halfway house and put them to work for city or parish. Putting them in jail is only educating them on how not to get caught so easy the next time. Let's do away with the probation if the charge is a misdemeanor. Get caught with drugs; instead of jail time, work time. "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 18, 2008 3:57 PM:

    " To The Editor,

    How long are you going to allow this topic to go on with people putting me down on here? It is plain as day that you can see what is happening to this thread. Presently, there is no dialog as to this topic only insults. I wonder if these people that are hiding know that a person can find out who they are and from your computer? I suggest a stop be put to this thread unless it finds some constructive dialog instead of insults. I am guilty but not alone. Be careful! "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 18, 2008 3:44 PM:

    " Continued

    Hypocrisy and slander? I never said anyone of you were a criminal. Criminal lovers maybe but not a criminal. First off, you show me where this is slandering anyone. People are too coward, yes I will say again, too coward to expose themselves and stand behind what they say. How can that be slandering anyone because first off I don't who I would be slandering but some annonymous person or made up name. You tell me how that is slander. I don't have to hide. Sorry for some of you. "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 18, 2008 3:36 PM:

    " Continued

    By the way, ask a deputy about Island Boats. You don't have to I will tell you. A deputy came to my house and he did not want to so his job, stated he could not do anything about it. What I did tell that deputy was they were breaking the law and he would do his job. Yes, he did finally do the job he should have done from the beginning. Continued "

    Deborah's well known foolish Forum behavior wrote on Mar 18, 2008 12:58 PM:

    " There she is....Iberia Parish very own ray of sunstroke. She's insulting people again when she should be taking notes and learning about mature public decorum and debate. With her poor judgement and smart mouth when confronted with authority...ask a deputy about Island Boats.. .it is good she wasn't appointed to any government committee. Unless my hunch is wrong, many are finding out that decision was correct. She's whining about Christians and Jesus's teachings now. She can't even get along with Jesus Christ, our Lord. whew! Pray for her. "

    Robert wrote on Mar 18, 2008 10:28 AM:

    " Debbie is on the right track. We have too many prisoners in our jail from Utah, Texas and all over. They use them to get money from the state to help pay for the jail. We need to just put short term LOCAL prisoners in our local jail. Our kids are getting a jailhouse education from some of these trashy lifer convicts. I say turn the jail over to a private group . Run it right ! "

    Agree wrote on Mar 18, 2008 9:39 AM:

    " Thank you "waste of time" at least someone sees that there will be very little changes within the department when Ackal comes to office! There will still be the same deputies, the same amount of crime, and everything else. But guess what Ackal is going to be tougher on you people who break the law. Think you have it bad now. Sit back and watch! "

    waste of time wrote on Mar 18, 2008 7:23 AM:

    " Ackal will have about the same number of cops, and mostly the same ones as you have today, and his jail will be just as full. After the honeymoon, the only thing that will have changed is who you ignorant people complain about. Moreover, if they could, either sheriff would GLADLY hand off the jail to anyone who legally could take it off his hands. Finally, a tent jail will never happen here. This isn't the Arizona desert. Get over it. "

    Ms. White, stop slandering parish people who only disagree with you. wrote on Mar 17, 2008 11:25 PM:

    " Ms. White doesn't want prison Tent City in her backyard, but SHE DOES WANT IT IN YOUR BACKYARD. More hypocrisy. Iberia Parish residents better start protesting this now. Coteau, Lydia, Jeanerette - wake up! Ms. White slanders people who disagree with her by calling them criminals and criminal lovers to silence them. What gives her the right to slander? Nothing. Where is her proof? She has none, but she does have big piles of hypocrisy and hubris. The moral highground belongs to her slander victims with anonymous free speech against corruption. "

    Ms. White, you're standing in a big pile of your hypocrisy and slander. wrote on Mar 17, 2008 11:12 PM:

    " Forum Feb 9, 2008, Deborah White wrote, "Don't your mother teach you not to call people names? Yet you read this forum and try to knock people down for taking an active stand." But now Ms. White calls people names for only disagreeing with her, writing they are cowards with no guts for exercising their right to anonymous free speech. That's hypocrisy. But she does not call anonymous people who agree with her bad names. More hypocrisy. Has Ms. White ever written any anonymous forum comments? You guessed it? More... "

    Ryan C. wrote on Mar 17, 2008 5:49 PM:

    " Deborah is correct. Taxpayers are getting robbed by the cost of running that jail. When the Louisiana Constitution was written in 1921 and revised in 1973 the Parish Jails were not meant to be long-term penal lock-ups. Local jails are for 6-12 months jail sentences. All longer prison terms need to go to the DOC. The Parish Council needs to break that agreement with the sheriff(Hebert or Ackal) and let a private company run it. When we get rid of the long-term convicts only a small jail population will remain. Ackal will have plenty cops for the street partols. "

    Ashley Orduna wrote on Mar 17, 2008 3:52 PM:

    " Not paying your child support is CRIMINAL. The person who loses is the CHILD, who is the most important victim to begin with!

    Let's be real, they don't stick men in jail for owing 1 or 2 dollars, nor do they stick them in jail of being a day or two late with their payments!

    REAL MEN DO NOT NEED a COURT ORDER to take care of THEIR RESPONABLITIES! "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 17, 2008 3:36 PM:

    " How many in this parish are aware of why we truly do no have money for improving roads. I will fill you in if you don't know. When Iberia Parish started receiving royalties it was put into a Royalty Fund to be used for roads. Then the state mandated a piece of legislature that the parish had to support the jail. Our only way to do this was using the Royalty Fund. So our criminals are cared for and we have no funds for road improvement. Does anyone need road improvements? "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 17, 2008 3:31 PM:

    " Part 2 continued.

    It is not only my idea of a tent city as I have also heard public officials speak of the same thing. Since I seem to have hit that bad nerve and you have a love for the criminals think of this. Maybe this should be put next to someone like you and your family since you want to defend the criminals. Think about that because it sure sounds good to me. You do the time if you do the crime and not in a place of comfort. "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 17, 2008 3:25 PM:

    " Poster at 3:44pm on Mar. 16, Debbie's Hair Brained Idea

    My, my, did I stike a nerve with you? I can't help it if I can call a spade a spade and sign my name but you can't. You should try it sometime, instead of hiding. Call me what you want, cruel and vindictive or whatever it makes me no difference. I don't need you preaching the bible to me either. If criminals did not commit crimes we would not be discussing this type of problem. Part 2 continued. "

    No Sympathy wrote on Mar 17, 2008 2:46 PM:

    " Oh well if the jail is overcrowded! No one made them commit the crime to serve the time! I think they have it too good anyways! What happened to growning your own food and "making big rocks, into little rocks, into sand"?? "

    Amy wrote on Mar 17, 2008 7:12 AM:

    " If they would stop trying to put men in jail for being a little behind for child support because these women are crying like babies because they are to lazy to go out and get jobs. How in the world is it better for a man to be locked up for that then it is for the system to try and help theses men to be productive child support payers.The only thing they are doing is using up good space for the real criminals like drunk drivers who are actually killing people.....Wake Up People "

    Ashley Orduna wrote on Mar 17, 2008 6:49 AM:

    " If you CAN'T DO the TIME, then DON'T do the CRIME. I am sick of prisoners having more rights then the victims.
    Whether you are in jail, for DWI, no inusrance, suspended license, drug charges, assualt or not paying child support.
    Jail and prisons are not vacation hot spots!
    You get served food and water and they can buy more food, if it's not enough. They have a roof over their head, a bathroom, shower, and a TV. What else do they need? Cable TV, message tables, play station, internet access, four star dinner accomadations? Seriously, it's jail! "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:40 PM:

    " To the person that posted on March 15, 2008 at 9:16 pm.

    Since you do not identify yourself(no guts), I want you to know the following. The person questioning Sheriff Joe from someone that is "in the know" and can't wait to hear is not an annonymous friend of mine. What they are is someone that has an opinion which they are entitled to. I know what you asked me to read up on so do not accuse me of anything else I have nothing to do with. I can read! I just love cowards. "

    In response to Debbie White's latest hair-brained idea wrote on Mar 16, 2008 3:44 PM:

    " I vote to put Debbie White's flimsy tent jail right next-door to her family's parish property because it's her dumb idea ... let her live with it. How can she refuse? She doesn't want the meanest convicts to stay any longer in the secure parish jail when hot, moldy, West Nile virus mosquito-invested tents could be available to punish them now, with only a fence between them and herself. She is vindictive and cruel, which is not very Christian! Jesus said to hate the sin, not the sinner! God bless all in New Iberia. "

    Ms. White, I didn't ask you to believe me or anyone. wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:16 PM:

    " I asked you to go read the factual report at the Phoenix New Times webpage. You can't wait to hear what someone who is "very up on Sheriff Arpaio" says about it? I would believe reporters documented facts more than your anonymous friend with a personal opinion. "

    By-you self wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:15 AM:

    " All of that is fine and good for you bleeding heart liberals, but check the return rate of prisoners to Sheriff Joe's county and you'll see the lowest in the nation. As far as prisoners go, results is what I care about, not methods. If it works for Joe it'll work for us. "

    checking wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:54 AM:

    " Not that I don't believe you but I am contacting someone in Glendale, AZ outside of Phoenix who is very up on Sheriff Joe A. I can't wait to hear what he says about it. "

    Ms. White, go educate yourself about the face of government corruption. wrote on Mar 15, 2008 12:41 AM:

    " Go to http://truthinjustice.org/phoenix-constitution.htm to see the corrupt methods of Sheriff Arpaio, his prosecutors and county officials. They attempted to have all 93 county judges removed because they didn't like some rulings against Sheriff Arpaio. People continue to die in Sheriff Arpaio's care. One Phoenix attorney has collected $20 million in damages from the county over mysterious murders in Sheriff's Arpaio's jail. Ms. White, our so-called local government watchdog, praises Sheriff Arpaio but apparently doesn't care about his corrupt methods or murdered inmates who were not sentenced to death. "

    Ms. White, Can't you recognize government corruption when you see it? wrote on Mar 15, 2008 12:35 AM:

    " Dougherty discovered that in twelve years overseeing a $140 million law enforcement empire, Sheriff Arpaio had never been audited by the county, so there has been no accounting for the millions of dollars that have flowed through his hands or the jail vending machines. After the Phoenix New Times editors questioned Sheriff Arpaio's personal hidden investments and undisclosed money sources, he arrested them both, then began investigating their newspaper and tried to subpoena the personal information of all the Internet users who had ever visited their newspaper's website or visited their Internet forum. "

    Ms. White, go educate yourself about Sheriff Arpaio's methods.. wrote on Mar 15, 2008 12:31 AM:

    " Phoenix New Times reporter John Dougherty discovered that Sheriff Arpaio had hidden over one million dollars in cold hard cash in nine commercial real estate investments. Dougherty wondered how Sheriff Arpaio with a $78,000 salary purchased a million dollar investment portfolio and then hid it so well. Sheriff Arpaio used an arcane statute meant to conceal home addresses of law enforcement officials to hide his commercial investments (and even the money sources which are not under the statute), even though his home address has been widely published often and is public knowledge. "

    Fighting Back wrote on Mar 14, 2008 4:19 PM:

    " Your would be speaking of Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County Arizona. Yes he has the right idea. I have hoped for years one of our sheriffs would have the guts to do something like he has done. I knew Romo wouldn't and for sure Sid wouldn't. Here's hoping that Ackal has the guts. We will see...... "

    Remy McSwain wrote on Mar 14, 2008 3:10 PM:

    " Remember the "great savings" from the law enforcement consolidation were earmarked for street repairs. Where is that money? "

    To Deborah White wrote on Mar 14, 2008 1:52 PM:

    " To say that the living conditions are too good is ridiculous of you. Sure, they are not there for a vacation.. but they are HUMAN BEINGS! Some maybe innocent. You have 15+ men living in a small pod together. Sharing diseases and germs. The rules are extremely strict, as they should be. Even for family member's visiting, it is no picnic. How about you dine on 2 tbs of rice with hydrated smothered potato (2 small slices of hydrated potato) and a half of wiener, for supper and see if you think those living conditions are too good! "

    Mark wrote on Mar 14, 2008 1:22 PM:

    " I think if new taxes are needed they should be spent on repairing roads. We pay enough for jails. We need road repair. "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 14, 2008 10:56 AM:

    " Part 2....continued.
    This sheriff has been in office for a long time therefore people must be satisifed with the way he takes care of business. Maybe we need to try some of his methods of taking care of criminals. A good start would be a "Tent City", this might help eliminate the over-crowding of the jails. This parish has plenty of available property for a tent city. "

    Deborah White wrote on Mar 14, 2008 10:52 AM:

    " We hear this word "OVER-CROWDING" within the jails all the time. In my opinion I consider this to be a lame excuse for allowing criminals to be turned loose into our community. I believe the living conditions at the jail are way to good for criminals. They live better than some of our Senior Citizens which our government does nothing to make things better for our Seniors but they sure cater to the criminals. I say it is time to follow the way Sheriff Joe from Arizona run his jail. Continue to part 2. "

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