CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Leaders in Jim Wells County are seeking more solutions to alleviate jail overcrowding.
This comes through a new agreement with Zapata County to transport inmates to its facility, which provides more bedding than Jim Wells County can provide.
"We have the capacity of 80 beds here in Jim Wells County, and we sometimes have a population of 87-90," Jim Wells County Sheriff Daniel Bueno said.
The issue of inmate overpopulation is something Bueno has been grappling with for quite some time. He said that a new cooperative agreement with Zapata County will help alleviate some of that pressure.
"They just built a new facility of 192 beds and they have more space over there for housing," Bueno said.
He said that the cost will vary depending on the current inmate count.
"The agreement came out to $75 a day per inmate," Bueno said. "We have a transport unit that makes a trip out there 2 to 3 times a week."
Jim Wells County Judge Pete Trevino said neighboring counties are also experiencing the strain.
"It's not just Jim Wells County, it's all the counties around us that have dilapidating sheriff departments and jails," Trevino said.
The county judge said that the jails in Kleberg, Bee, and Live Oak counties are all at full capacity, underscoring the significance of their new agreement with Zapata County.
"The last couple of weeks, we've been at capacity because we've been very active," he said. "That plays a big part in it too."
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Kingsville police arrest man who called them to confess in murder case, then reportedly punched officer after questioning
- MasterChef Junior winner serves up pasta and smiles at Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Texas
- CCISD one of two Texas schools being accused of discrimination among other violations
- Texas State Aquarium otters make Super Bowl predictions known
- Former Coastal Bend priest ordered to pay victim $4 million as civil suit wraps Friday
- Boat washes up south of Bob Hall Pier, after investigation, gets new home
- Families, Medical Examiner's office enter mediation for botch autopsies accusations
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.