Hennepin County Jail population cut by 26% to curb COVID-19 spread

Monday, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced the population of the county jail has been cut by 26% as a part of the county's effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

According to Freeman, prosecutors have been working to release people who are waiting to appear in court and have no record of violence. He added those individuals have been charged with "relatively minor felonies."

Hennepin County Attorney announces steps to release 'some accused individuals' from jails amid COVID-19 outbreak

The juvenile prosecution division is going through a similar type of review, according to the county attorney's office.

Freeman said during the process, concerns of crime victims is a top priority. Any victim who has concerns is asked to contact the Hennepin County Attorney's Office at 612-348-4003.