Abbeville prisoners booted out of Iberia Parish jail; they are too bad

The city of Abbeville is about to be in a pickle when it comes to finding a jail to hold individuals arrested for misdemeanor offenses.
Recently, the city of Abbeville received notification from the Iberia Sheriff Department that the department will no longer be taking any of Abbeville’s misdemeanor criminals.
Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office holds five jails dedicated to Abbeville criminals.
One jail holds one Abbeville prisoner. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office charges Abbeville $4,562 a month to rent the five jails.
Iberia Sheriff Tommy Romero informed Abbeville Police Chief that it’s no longer taking prisoners because the Sheriff told Hardy that Abbeville prisoners are “too disruptive for the jail.” In other words, Abbeville prisoners are too bad for the Iberia Sheriff’s Department to oversee.
Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White informed the city council about the problem the city will face at the end of June, when it will no longer be able to bring alleged criminals to New Iberia. The Abbeville Police Department could face the cost of traveling more than 100 miles to house city prisoners.
White told the council that Chief Hardy has already received phone calls from the Sheriff instructing him to come pick up his prisoners because they are “disruptive.”
White said Acadia Parish and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office do not have room for Abbeville prisoners.
Abbeville City Judge Richard Putnam III attended the recent city council meeting to urge the council to develop a plan to house misdemeanor offenders.
“We need a jail,” said Judge Putnam.
The judge explained that if there is no place to put criminals, he will have to set a bond, and they could easily be back on the streets. Many of the misdemeanor crimes being committed in Abbeville are theft, the Judge said.
The Judge suggested reopening the old Abbeville jail located across the street from Gulf Coast Bank on South State Street.
The old jail has been closed for at least 20 years. Today, it houses the Sam Gaurino Blacksmith Shop Museum and Heritage Center.
While the idea presents a possible solution, several factors would need to be considered to convert the museum back into a functioning jail. This would likely include significant renovations to bring the facility up to current safety and security standards, possible updates to plumbing and electrical systems, and measures to comply with state legal requirements for housing prisoners.
There may also be costs related to relocating the museum exhibits and obtaining necessary permits. A full assessment of these needs and costs would be required to determine if reopening the old jail is practical.
“I have a little leverage, as long as I have a jail,” said the Judge.