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Heavier caseload and longer days prompt grand jurors to request padded seats The criminal caseload continues to grow in Clarke County. A record 319 indictments were returned by the Clarke County Grand Jury last week out of 372 presentments by District Attorney Spence Walker. Of the 319, 218 were felony cases and 106 were misdemeanors. Nineteen cases were continued for further investigation. The indictments represent only a fraction of the arrests that are made. There are at least 100 preliminary hearings a month where many cases are dismissed or otherwise weeded out. Still, many are serious enough to warrant being turned over to the grand jury. The heavy caseload was a factor in at least one of the recommendations that grand jurors made. They utilized the new Commissioners' Courtroom for their proceedings this week but in their report stated, "We were informed that a Mulit-purpose/Grand Jury room is planned for the undeveloped space in the new annex. We recommend that this space be utilized for such a room, and that men's and women's restrooms also be installed in or near said room. Our deliberations this term average 8 to 9 hours a day; therefore, we strongly recommend padded seating in the Multipurpose/ Grand Jury Room that will be constructed." After reviewing county property, grand jurors noted there is an ant problem in the new annex and that toilets in the men's and women's restrooms of the new wing aren't flushing properly. Fire extinguishers also need to be installed in the new annex. Air conditioning problems in the circuit clerk's office and the DA's office were noted. "Some of the offices were uncomfortably warm when we made our inspection," grand jurors said of the DA's suite of offices. The benches in the main courtroom should be refinished, grand jurors said. Several other needs- painting, electrical work and clean restrooms were detailed. The new E-911 office was complimented but grand jurors also noted that they had received complaints from county law officers regarding E-911 failing to answer their radio calls. The Sheriff's Department needs new patrol cars "due to the high mileage." Several needs were observed in the jail and sheriff's office including the need for additional personnel. "We felt that the Sheriff's Department was understaffed, and recommend that additional deputies, jailers and administrative staff be hired." The grand jurors said the county's books appeared to be in order and despite the above criticisms, recognized county officials and the courthouse custodian and staff for the work they do.
The 317 indictments will be publicized as arrests are made.
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