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Investigation into 7 inmate deaths at county jail finds violations of state standards – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

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DAYTON – A state investigation into the deaths of seven inmates at the Montgomery County Jail has found that the prison violated state standards.

As News Center 7 previously reported, the Montgomery County Jail Coalition submitted a petition signed by 300 people to the state in June demanding transparency and accountability for the seven deaths in 2023 and a thorough investigation.

News Center 7 obtained the letter from the Ohio Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to the coalition outlining the findings of the investigation.

“As part of the FBI’s review of the deaths, the prison was found to be in non-compliance with several applicable prison standards,” state officials said.

>> PREVIOUS REPORTING: Coalition calls for investigation into deaths in prisons after publication of controversial cell phone video

These standards included pre-prison screenings and intoxication and detoxification policies and protocols.

The letter states that after being informed of these deficiencies, the prison submitted an action plan to correct the unmet standards.

Among the measures the prison has taken, according to the state, are creating a detoxification area or cell for inmates, providing palliative medications for those detoxifying from drugs and alcohol, and better training for nursing staff.

The state said that since implementing these changes, there have been no overdose deaths in the prison since July 2023.

The state said it will continue to monitor compliance with prison standards, with the next inspection scheduled for fall.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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