FORT WAYNE, Ind. –Allen County is now contemplating releasing inmates early, according to a recent court filing tied to a lawsuit that has plagued County officials.

The court ruling says prisoners have received unconstitutional treatment because of the terrible conditions at the current jail. Chronic overcrowding, coupled with construction and procedural delays at the new jail complex, means that a tough decision will have to be made.

In a letter from the Allen County Sheriff’s office, a request is made for judges and prosecutors to review the number of prisoners. At the time the letter was written, 734 inmates were at the jail. The Sheriff’s office says that number shouldn’t exceed 731, but a federal judge says they should target having only 585 prisoners housed at one time.