Riverbend Detention Center Back In Sheriff’s Control

LAKE PROVIDENCE, La. (AP) — East Carroll Parish Sheriff Wydette Williams has regained control of the management of Riverbend Detention Center. The News-Star reports an agreement was reached with Emerald Prison Enterprises Friday before the two sides were scheduled to appear in state court.

Judge Michael Lancaster approved the deal to transfer management of the private prison from Emerald to East Carroll Law Enforcement District, which is controlled by the sheriff.

Williams said the deal will put 100 Riverbend employees back on the sheriff's payroll with insurance and benefits and allow him to reopened East Carroll Parish Detention Center and hire 50 more workers.

The settlement was accelerated after the state removed more than 350 state inmates from Riverbend in August following a shakedown where drugs, cellphones, homemade knives and other contraband were found.