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Gov. DeWine asks for review of state's jail inspections process in wake of Cuyahoga County Jail scandal

The state's review of the facility in 2017 showed few issues, despite later reports of "inhumane" conditions.

Credit: John Minchillo

Mike DeWine speaks before being sworn-in as the 70th Governor of Ohio alongside his wife Fran, center right, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Cedarville, Ohio. The former U.S. senator took his oath in a private midnight ceremony at his Cedarville home ahead of a public inauguration planned Monday at the Statehouse.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has asked for a review of the state's jail inspections process after discrepancies in reports about a county jail where eight inmates died in 2018.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's 2017 report showed few issues with Cuyahoga County's jail other than overpopulation. U.S. marshals in 2018 found "inhumane" conditions, including civil rights abuses, attacks on inmates and staff withholding food and water from inmates.

Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish says he relied heavily on state inspections in determining jail safety. The Democrat asked for the marshal's inspection after seven inmates died.

Ohio recently reported the jail out of compliance with 84 standards.

DeWine says Ohio's Department of Rehabilitation and Correction director will review the inspection process and report to him.