The chief deputy of the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office has been held in contempt of court and recieved a $50 fine. Sheriff John Darr said Chief Deputy John Fitzpatrick was cited by Muscogee County Superior Court Judge Doug Pullen after a courtroom dispute. Darr said Pullen became upset over the inconvenience caused by the county's practice of sending inmates to the state system once they're sentenced and bringing them back months later on various charges. An order must be sent to the Department of Corrections to get the inmates back to Columbus. Darr said an inmate whose name was on the docket Thursday wasn't in court because the request order wasn't received. He said the practice saves Columbus money on feeding, housing and medical costs and no changes are planned.
(Associated Press)
