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Sheriff Thinks Inmates Should Have To Pay More

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The Athens County sheriff thinks criminals should have to pay more for time served in jail.

Sheriff Pat Kelly wants inmates to pay more than the $15 processing charge plus $1-per-day fee for staying in the regional jail.

The fees are only charged to inmates who are convicted of crimes and sentenced to stay at the jail. People held while waiting for a trial aren't charged.

Kelly says a fee as high as $20 or $30 could create a substantial amount of money to pay for inmate uniforms, recreational equipment and commissary items.

Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail Warden Jeremy Tolson says it's not always easy collecting the fees from inmates, many of whom are indigent and don't have the cash to pay.