It's a pattern that Judge Thomas Yeager is tired of seeing criminals quickly released after being arrested because Rapides Parish doesn't have enough jail space.

It makes for a cycle of crime, Yeager said, and on Monday he plans to explain the problem to the Police Jury during its monthly meeting.

Yeager said many nonviolent suspects are released on a personal recognizance bond, then don't show up for court. All the while, the judge believes, the criminals are committing more crimes.

Sheriff Chuck Wagner, whose department runs the parish jail system, said there isn't enough money to add prisoners. Wagner said the department could expand, but it doesn't have money to house, feed, guard and provide medication for more prisoners.

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Information from: Alexandria Daily Town Talk, http://www.thetowntalk.com

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