Clayton County sheriff reportedly files lawsuit over budget restrictions
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - Sheriff Levon Allen has filed a lawsuit against the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, arguing budget limits are endangering jail staff, inmates and the public, according to Atlanta Journal Constitution.
The suit asks a judge to bar commissioners from restricting how he allocates department funds and to order additional money for the county jail.
What they're saying:
"My foremost concern remains the safety of my officers, the inmates in my custody, and the citizens of Clayton County. Without adequate funding and staffing, I cannot lawfully or safely discharge my duties as Sheriff," Allen said in a court filing.
Sheriff Levon Allen (Credit: Sheriff Levon Allen, Facebook)
Allen says the detention center, built in 2000, was designed for about 1,535 inmates but often holds around 2,000, leaving hundreds sleeping on the floor.
The jail has 123 correctional officers — a figure unchanged since 2006 — despite what Allen describes as a waiting list of qualified applicants.
An independent assessment commissioned by the county in May found severe understaffing, deteriorating conditions and inadequate medical and housing space.
The board did not immediately comment.
The backstory:
The dispute follows June budget changes that cut nearly 40 positions and $5 million from inmate medical care. Allen, reelected in 2024, became sheriff after former Sheriff Victor Hill’s conviction. His wife, Commissioner Tashe’ Allen, abstained from the June vote on cuts.
The other side:
Clayton County District 1 Commisioner Alaina Reaves released the following statement:
"Honestly, I'm not surprised that the Sheriff's office filed a lawsuit against the Board of Commissioners, specifically citing those Commissioners who wielded drastic cuts to the Sheriff's budget for FY2026. Earlier this year, the entire Board was briefed on the assessment from CGL with recommendations on staffing levels and other items to be addresses within the jail.
It is our responsibility as members of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners to ensure appropriate levels of funding to maintain the jail, and the budget that was approved in June not only failed to provide adequate funding for maintenance, but it also deeply cut into medical services and cut over 30 proposed staff positions. It was this reason, among other indiscriminate budget cuts, that I voted against the FY2026 Budget."