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

Monday, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced "necessary next steps" in releasing some inmates housed in Hennepin County jails amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Freeman said he has spoken with public defenders, as well as coordinating law enforcement agencies, about releasing some individuals.

COVID-19 outbreak coverage from KSTP

"Our primary responsibility is public safety and providing justice for the victims of crimes in our county," Freeman said in a statement. "There are individuals who appear to have committed less serious crimes and are not likely to be a threat to public safety."

Freeman asked that public defenders present a list of potential individuals who would be eligible for a new bail hearing by Tuesday morning.