Judge lowers inmate costs at Oklahoma County jail

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A judge has lowered the amount the Oklahoma County sheriff can charge inmates for their time in jail.

The Oklahoman reports that District Judge Ray C. Elliott set the incarceration rate for inmates at $32 a day for the next year. Inmates had been billed $44.51 a day over the past year.

The daily incarceration rate is usually based on the total operating costs of the jail and the average number of inmates there per day.

The state auditor has agreed to do an investigative review of the sheriff’s office because of allegations involving the incarceration rate and other financial issues.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater requested the audit.

Sheriff John Whetsel says no wrong has been done and that his office has "absolutely nothing to hide."