Sheriff: Richmond Inmates Weren't Mistreated

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA -- A group of female immigrants said last month they were mistreated at a Richmond jail but Sheriff David Livingston denied the allegations. In an interview with NBC Bay Area, Livingston said "an investigation has found no evidence that federal immigration detainees were mistreated at a Richmond jail."

The allegations were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle in November. The inmates said they were "being treated poorly because of their immigration status," the newspaper reported.

The inmates said the deputies refused to let them use the restroom, have free time and were yelled, among other complaints.

But Livingston told NBC Bay Area that these claims were untrue.

"He said detainees have cell keys and can leave for restroom breaks at any time," the news station reported.

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