New Sullivan County jail 'couple of weeks' from opening

New Sullivan County jail 'couple of weeks' from opening

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — After years of working towards a brand new jail, the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) told News Channel 11 that the light is finally at the end of the tunnel. "We're a couple of weeks out on completion," said Melissa Copas, the chief jail administrator. "We're just waiting for the final [...]

New Sullivan County Jail almost ready to receive inmates

A new Sullivan County Jail, years in the making, is weeks away from operation. The existing jail has been overcrowded for years. The new jail will have more two-man cells, holding 784 inmates. There will also be new security features with the jail. The biggest upgrade for the jail is the ability to separate inmates, which hasn’t been possible. Once everything is approved, inmates will be transferred into the new jail, located behind the existing…