BOLIVAR, Tenn. — Loved ones of inmates in the Hardeman County Jail said there is no running water, inconsistent meals and mistreatment.
“The jail was without water for seventeen days," community organizer Brenda Woods said. "I also was told that the toilets were stopped up. The odor was so horrendous that it’s almost despicable.”
They have gone to the mayor and other officials over their concerns, but they said they've gotten no answers.
It's important to note that many people locked up in the Hardeman County jail haven't even been convicted of their accused crimes.
“I’ve talked to Sheriff Doolen," the mother of an inmate Laquida Woods said. "I've talked to state [representatives]."
Woods said her son is currently in the county lock up, and she describes the conditions as beyond “cruel and unusual punishment."
“It was terribly cold, and the water barely runs in the showers," Woods said. "And my number one concern is about the food.”
Woods and others claimed a lack of consistent meals and no running water for over two weeks contributed to a long list of issues.
We reached out to Hardeman County Sheriff John Doolen. He provided the following statement:
"On May 23, 2024, at 9:47 am there was a water leak reported in M4 pod of the jail. Maintenance was notified and the leak was fixed. Water was restored at 3:26 pm. The inmates were provided water coolers for drinking while the water was cut off."
But Hardeman County residents still want more transparency. They say maintenance issues and the mistreatment of inmates have been going on for a while.
Woods has referenced the case of Brian Lawler (son of Memphis wrestling legend Jerry “the King” Lawler) who died in a Hardeman County Jail in July 2018.
Jerry Lawler’s attorney reacting today to this jail’s latest complaints.
“It’s an ongoing issue for us," he said. "They think they’re just trying to get out and go to the hospital. These are real complaints, these are real people these are sons, and husbands, children and fathers that deserve care.”