COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland County deputies say a detainee at the county jail had to be hospitalized following an assault at the facility over the weekend.
Richland County deputies say the assault took place on Saturday at the Alvin S. .Glenn Detention Center. According to deputies, the 40-year-old was attacked by multiple detainees. Deputies say it began after the victim used the restroom, and was at first attacked by one detainee, but others soon joined in on the assault.
Deputies say the victim suffered injuries to her face, head, and arms. The victim was taken to the hospital with what are described as non life-threatening injuries.
The jail is currently under a U.S. Department of Justice federal investigation over claims it violates inmates' civil rights. The Justice Department said it had received credible allegations that the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center is structurally unsafe and that there have been sexual assaults, homicides, and prevalent violence resulting in serious injuries.
Earlier this month, there was what deputies called a riot at the jail, which led to 14 detainees facing charges.
The DOJ says six inmates have died at the jail since the beginning of 2022. In May and June alone, nine people were injured in violent incidents, the agency said. Additionally, they said there have been concerns about the physical conditions at the jail, including reports of rats and mold.
The jail is operated by the county. County Administrator Leonardo Brown told reporters weeks ago that the county council has allocated funding to increase staffing and upgrade facilities. In mid-November, the county hired former federal prosecutors to independently review the Detention Center and the allegations against it.