Louisiana’s troubled teens unwelcome in Alabama after causing riot at facility this week

DOTHAN – At the least 14 troubled teenagers from Louisiana have been kicked out of an Alabama jail geared toward rehabilitating youngsters following a riot they precipitated this week.

District Legal professional Tony Clayton and the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Workplace stated they have been notified Thursday to come back choose up the juveniles. Over the previous couple of years, native jurisdictions have been sending troubled teenagers to Alabama as a result of there are not any amenities in Louisiana to take them.

“Basically, they advised us our children are too unhealthy to be housed there,” stated Main Zack Simmers with the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Workplace. “Too unhealthy for jail, and our palms are tied behind our backs. We do not know what to do.”

One of many teenagers that was arrested is a 14-year-old accused of murdering a teen in Plaquemine. The sufferer, Tramone McGinnis, was shot within the head in January.

District Legal professional Tony Clayton stated he needed to have an emergency assembly with a choose Thursday to determine what to do with the teenagers.

Clayton stated the state of affairs highlights the enormity of the state of affairs between troubled teenagers and the shortage of a spot to deal with them. A set of failures by the state allowed this to occur. Clayton stated the quantity of escapes and the shortage of management on the Workplace of Juvenile Justice amenities in Louisiana exhibits one thing wants to vary.

“I am starting to assume that OJJ stands for ‘oh, it is only a joke,’” Clayton stated. “The best way that they deal with juveniles on this state, it is time for them to be held accountable for his or her job.”

Clayton and others are pleading for lawmakers to take motion. Out of the 14 juveniles that needed to be picked up from Alabama, two are from Clayton’s jurisdiction. One was launched on an ankle monitor. The 14-year-old accused of homicide was despatched to the Baton Rouge juvenile jail — a facility that has it is personal issues. The WBRZ Investigative Unit has been logging escapes and riots there, too.

“Come on, legislature. We have some huge cash, give us some,” Clayton stated. “West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, Iberville, Assumption and Ascension, we do not have a spot to deal with our juveniles. As soon as they’re adjudicated, they go to the state, however previous to that, they belong to us, and we have now to do one thing.”

Till one thing modifications, Clayton says his plan would possibly get the state to lastly hear their pleas.

“Look, choose, ship them to the OJJ workplace in Baton Rouge,” Clayton stated. “Ship them on the steps there, and depart them. It is their job to do one thing with these youngsters. We’re in a disaster.”