Judge rules in local sheriffs favor regarding prisoner transfer delays

Posted on August 5, 2022
A Sangamon County judge has granted a temporary restraining order invalidating two pandemic-era executive orders. (Photo Courtesy of Pixabay)

By News 25

SPRINGFIELD – A win in court today for some local sheriffs in their lawsuit against the governor.

A Sangamon County judge has granted a temporary restraining order invalidating two pandemic-era executive orders.

They allowed the Pritzker administration to extend a 20-day deadline to assign inmates with mental health issues to the Department of Human Services treatment locations upon court order.

Six Illinois sheriffs, including Mclean County’s Jon Sandage, sued claiming these delays have lasted for “many months” with jail operators picking up the cost.

“They have experienced substantial delays in the admission of defendants into DHS custody for court-ordered psychiatric treatment, with delays extending many months,” a release from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office said. “This has caused these counties to incur additional costs while holding defendants awaiting placement in DHS.”

The order remains in effect for now as the litigation continues. Though, the governor’s office can appeal the decision. So far, no comment from the governor.

25 News can be reached at [email protected].

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