Fort Wayne Jail Releases 25 Inmates Early Amid Pandemic

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — Twenty-five jail inmates in Fort Wayne have received early releases amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.

The Allen County Prosecutor's Office agreed to release certain inmates with less than 30 days remaining on misdemeanor convictions to ease crowding at the Allen County Jail, WPTA-TV reported.

Allen County Sheriff's Capt. Steve Stone confirmed 25 inmates were released on Wednesday.

Allen Superior Court Executive John McGauley said the court consulted with the prosecutor’s office on ways to manage the jail population during the pandemic. The prosecutor’s office agreed to release low level, non-violent offenders who had less than 30 days to serve.

The court said it was unaware of any COVID-19 cases at the jail.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, such as pneumonia, and death.